Convict Lake
Not to far
from Lake McClure, over the hill we call the Sierra Mountains, is a Pilots
Dream. Picture this, great launches, landing zones abound, pure running creeks,
streams, rivers, lakes, hot springs, and snow caped mountain peaks. Between
Sonora pass and Mammoth Mountain are some of the best fly-in sites I have
every flown and you should make a point to fly.
Starting from
Sonora Pass on Hy.108 we have Wolf Peak (92000ft). It’s just thirty minutes
east to the landing zone of the Sweetwater launch (93000ft). Heading south on
Hy.395, passing through the town of Bridgeport, you can launch on the top of
Conway Summit, or drive up the road to several launch sites at the world famous
Copper Mountain, over looking Mono Lake. Looking down on the town from the
Lee Vinning launch/landing at the airstrip is nice. Next you drive south towards
Mammoth Mountain and fly Magee Mountain (9300ft) over looking the hot springs of
Mammoth.
These are
just a few of the rides you can go on. Now you know why we call this the
Disneyland for pilots. You can do all this from your motel or camp. There are
plenty of restraints, stores, gas stations, etc. After a rough day of flying,
take your lady shopping at one of the many great shops, or take her to dinner
and then to a natural hot spring. What a great way to end a day, soaking in a
tub looking up at the stars.
