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Alex's Flying Trips

April 19, 2009: Napa (APC) - Lakeport/Lampson Field (1O2) - Napa

I was intially planning a direct route from Napa to Lakeport. But once aloft, I noticed heavy mist over the Mayacmas Mountains that could affect visibility. So I diverted to Petaluma, intercepted Hwy.101 and followed it northbound until Cloverdale, then turned right to Lakeport. Not only was this route clear from mist/fog, it was also along flat land and civilization until the turn from Cloverdale to Lakeport.

Landed here in Lakeport/Lampson Field on a Sunday afternoon and everything is closed --- the restaurant, the flight schools, the pilot shop, offices. Transient parking was in front of the Mooney shop(-well, it has a Mooney sign). There were several airplanes in the ramp, including some static displays, but not a soul around. Feeling lonely, I decided not to hang around and head back.

After taking off from Rwy. 20 and turning for right downwind departure, I noticed this huge, tall hill between Lakeport and Clearlake. This hill seemed to be in direct takeoff path from Rwy. 10. Good thing the preferred is Rwy. 20, otherwise, takeoff from Rwy. 10 could be interesting. I didn't notice the heavy mist this time so I decided to take the direct route over the mountains to Napa.
Landed on a Sunday afternoon and everything here was closed:

The restaurant was closed (Sicily's Steakhouse and Skyroom Lounge).
The flight school was closed.
The Mooney shop was closed.
A lot of planes including some static displays --- but no one's around.
Even offices were closed.
I was feeling so alone here I decided head right back to Napa.
Right downwind, Runway 28.
Lakeport along Clear Lake.
Flying over that hill between Lakeport and Clearlake.
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