Salishan Spa & Golf Resort

By admin on October 3, 2009

Thursday 1st October, 2009

An impromptu flight to Siletz Bay State Airport (S45) and the Salishan Spa & Golf Resort accompanied by the ‘usual suspects’ (Carole and Richard) in the Aeronca Champ and Brian ‘The Fireman’ with ourselves in Tango Charlie. A beautifully clear day with a light south westerly breeze and a thin layer of cumulous cloud sitting at 5,000ft over the coastal range. The Aeronca took off first and opted for the low scenic route along the shoreline, we followed and opted for a higher, 5,500ft route to explore the cloud over the mountains. I was keen on giving Brian a view of the clouds that you can only see while flying, he is thinking about learning to fly himself and by giving him a sample of what he was missing MAY help him make that definate decision. Go on Brian, you know you have to!

We started a gradual descent over Newport Municipal Airport (KONP) and started our approach to S45 along the coastline at Yaquina Head Lighthouse to give us a closer look at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Depoe Bay.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

As the wind was from the southwest (actually 240 degrees), we descended and entered the right downwind for runway 17. The approach to 17 is an interesting one. There is a raised piece of land just to the northwest of the threshold and a standard approach takes you around this, effectively blocking your view of the runway (and blocking the view of the base leg from the threshold) until you enter the final leg over the resort golf course.

A picture I took of S45 during our last visit in October 2008.

After a half decent landing we parked up and very shortly afterwards the Aeronca arrived. The tie-down area at S45 is huge and each parking area is equipped with chains, essential due to the winds that blow regularly here. Something we did notice this trip were several campsite areas available, including firepits, next to the apron.

Siletz Bay State Airport.

We phoned the resort to arrange for their courtesy car to come and pick us up and take us the few miles to their shopping mall, they can also take you to the main lodge for accomodation or for a round of golf. The mall has a good number of quality shops offering everything from books to jewelry and toys. There is an excellent coffee shop, sandwich shop and comforatble areas to sit outside and take in the sun.

After a drink, something to eat and a lengthy look around the shops we arranged for the courtesy car to return us to the airport.

On the way back to Florence we arranged to get some aerial pictures of the Aeronca flying along the coastline, this also gave Brian the opportunity to see what he had missed on the way up. When flying along the coast it’s important to give a wide berth (2,000ft) to the numerous wildlife refuge areas that are situated on islands and the shoreline. When flying at a lower altitude this means travelling out to sea a way but always insuring that you have enough altitude to be able to glide to the beach in the case of an engine problem. It’s also important to remember that many wildlife sites are not mentioned on the sectional maps, for example Sea Lion Caves just south of the Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Aeronca passing communication towers just southeast of Depoe Bay. Easily seen in clear weather but a potential gotcha when it’s IMC (Instrument meteorological conditions).