Garberville AIRPORT-O16

Came in from the East in the evening. A Fire TFR was in place so we came over the range at 12500 ft. The sun from the west in the evening really hinders visability. Winds were 180, so circled to enter left pattern for 18. Lots of mountains! Had to extend the down wind to maneuver for a mountain infested base to a longer very steep final. Very steep! Did I mention lots of mountains and sun in the face! I would not recommend coming in here at night unless your very experienced. Great new paved runway. Place was quite, lots of tail wheels parked. The Benbow Inn does pick ups and drop offs. Had a great dinner there. Departed 18 in the morning , left crosswind cutting through a valley. I think we could count a deers antlers on our left wing on the ridge in the crosswind. We circled the pattern 1 time to cross the mountains headed back to the East.

My picture doesn't show up because I cropped it to odd dimensions. It showed a Columbia Helicopters civilian Chinook and BLM Silver State Hotshots' 92 + Ford Super Duty reg. Cab dually with utility box 4x4 type 6? And was taken Step. 2003 after the Honeydew (King Range) and Canoe (humboldt redwoods SP) Lightning fires got started. Also present was a helitack Dakota ext. cab from Lassen NF

Right pattern 36, (usual with prevailing winds) Left pattern 18 (Pre-frontal) 1550 msl
Occasional deer on runway, especially evenings. No instrument approach, no night operations allowed. Hills three sides.
CTAF 122.90 Local automated weather 133.0 Locked gate combo emergency frequency.
FUEL 100 LL only, usually the most expensive in Humboldt, northern Mendocino counties.
Pilots Lounge open, unstaffed, computer/internet available and free. Porta-Potty. Fire extinguishers.
No local taxi service, but local pilots are usually friendly and will offer you a ride to nearby Garberville or Redway if you need to get there.
Our de facto FBO recently moved on, Garberville Pilots Association is picking up the slack, but no more free coffee and soft drinks. Sorry.