Shuswap Lake Float Plane Fly In 2009, Part II

I must admit that I am really enjoying the Grindrod Airforce Spring Fly In, 2009. Today's blog is a tough selection from Tuesday, June 2. I showed up when the afternoon light was right on Sunday but by then the flyers had finished for the day (Don't these people know that morning light from a western shoreline and high noon sunshine makes for poor photography?). A surprise visitor kept me away from Monday's fly, howwever I did manage to hang out all day yesterday and over three hundred photos have survived the first round of the delete key!

After I post this entry I am on my way back to Sandy Point Campground for another afternoon of picture making in the Okanagan - Shuswap sun ( I think I'll put sunblock on this time!).



"Hello tower, request permission to take off"


Piper Cub lifting off.











Canadair water bomber taking off.


Canadair in flight.


Is this where it all began?


I like how this Cessna 195 'Floats'.


Is it live or is it ...." Beautifully realistic DeHavallind Beaver.


Today's blog may be over but the flying continues...

Grindrod Air Force - Shuswap Spring Float Fly - 2009

In opening this blog entry let me establish one thing - I have been slow posting mainly because I like continuity but I often don't like to sit and carry on from where I left off, so beginning today I will simply blog post what ever is current and part 2's and 3's can fall wherever they may - that being said...

While taking a Photoshop course this past winter one of my fellow students tuned me in to the fact of an Annual Remote Control Float Plane Event which occurs here in the Shuswap region of beautiful British Columbia. The event is hosted by the Grindrod Air Force RC Club and is the longest running float event in BC, 2009 being its 33rd consecutive year. The Airforce also stages a float event in September but for that one we will have to wait a few more months, today being sufficient for the present. Both of these float flys take place at the wonderful Sandy Point Campgrounds, Salmon Arm, BC.

I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I am enjoying the event. It is my hope to attend a few more days of this 9 day event and post fresh photos from each visit. Happy flying!




A beautiful day for flying open cockpit...


Friendship amongst flyers is tantamount.


This Piper Cub is 1/3 scale, sporting a 12 foot winspan!


The sky was uncharacteristically gray when this flying boat was in the air. I am hoping for some blue beyond when I return so I can post an inspiring photo of it in flight. That beautiful plane to the left encountered a troublesome wave whilst taking off for a flight a little later on...



...and this is what happened as a result!


Repairable at least. The irony is that I had earlier been taken by its symmetry!


Wasn't it pretty? (It will be again)


Yellow Taxi!!!



and landed.