San Juan Islands

[J0hn]

I'm still in two minds about this - I've bookmarked the page in case I suddenly find I have enough cash to spare - but I am pretty sure in the release notes it said something about a number of previously payware airfields now being made available as freeware, which would be a persuasive factor - or is that for the Aussie scenery?

[speedbird591]

I'm still in two minds about this - I've bookmarked the page in case I suddenly find I have enough cash to spare - but I am pretty sure in the release notes it said something about a number of previously payware airfields now being made available as freeware, which would be a persuasive factor - or is that for the Aussie scenery?

Hi John. There are a small number of freeware airports but only three are for the Pacific North West. But one of those is full payware quality, KHQM Bowerman. The others are smaller but still very good.

But did you know that ORBX offer a couple of free demos to help you decide? That way you can try the scenery out and check that it runs on your PC (frame rates are surprisingly good). As you enjoy flying in the Pacific North West, you should download the demo version of PNW - it's available for either FSX or P3D. It includes the whole of the Olympic peninsula (west of Seattle) and the freeware airport I mentioned above (KHQM). There are no restrictions on this scenery other than that it is limited to only one season (Spring). So you can get a really good idea a) what ORBX/FTX scenery looks like and b) what a full quality payware airport looks like. There aren't many sellers who are confident enough to give you that! Just bear in mind that if you do decide to buy Pacific North West after trying it, you must uninstall the demo first. (The other demo is the whole of Tasmania, in case you want to try the southern hemisphere for a change).

Here's a link to the download page where you'll also find a video that shows you what to expect from Bowerman airport and the surrounding scenery.

http://fullterrain.com/product_demos.html

Ian

[speedbird591]

The landing into Diamond Point on Rwy29 is a lot of fun. Not only do you have to concentrate on missing the roof of a house, you also have to land over a busy road on to a very narrow, short strip.
There is a flock of large birds swooping over the runway just to add a bit more tension



Ian

[mgchristy]

Great pics, Ian! My g/f and I just returned from a trip visiting family in Sequim, Washington....right adjacent to the San Juan Islands. It's a stunningly beautiful area, as well demonstrated by your screenshots.

The Orbx scenery is very tempting. I really need to update my rig to a machine that can reliably run the 'dark side'.

[J0hn]

Thanks for the gen and link, Ian - I didn't know there was a PNW demo available, so I'll give that a try.

I seem to remember having tried that Tasmania demo some time ago, but can't remember why I didn't go ahead with it. Probably due to the price of all the Aussie bits together.

Chars

btw - I am currently typing up my "UK Farmstrip Tour" flight (b)logs on my website, if anyone is interested - all VFR stuff without GPS etc. I'll post a link when it's done (there's a lot and it will take some weeks to type in everything along with pics).

[speedbird591]

Great pics, Ian! My g/f and I just returned from a trip visiting family in Sequim, Washington....right adjacent to the San Juan Islands. It's a stunningly beautiful area, as well demonstrated by your screenshots.

You lucky man, Mark! I've been to Seattle and Vancouver plenty of times but never for long enough to explore the islands. They look wonderful and I'm really enjoying my virtual exploration. I'm seriously thinking of going out for a holiday when I retire. The only downside I can see is the number of airstrips. Isn't it noisy with all the boats and planes buzzing about?

Got any photos you want to share with us?

Ian

[mgchristy]

You lucky man, Mark! I've been to Seattle and Vancouver plenty of times but never for long enough to explore the islands. They look wonderful and I'm really enjoying my virtual exploration. I'm seriously thinking of going out for a holiday when I retire.

Indeed, Ian...I am a lucky man! My significant other never misses an opportunity to tell me so!

Next time you find yourself stateside, I'd definitely recommend setting aside some time (or ALL of your time ) to tour the islands...as well as Victoria, BC. You won't be disappointed! Kenmore Air offers a slew of seasonal seaplane ops to the islands and parts of BC, all at reasonable prices. Majestic scenery and classic DHC floaters; what's not to love?

Got any photos you want to share with us?

Sure thing. I'll hopefully get some pics posted online for my family this week (just got back last Thursday). I'll post the link here once done. Although I've been to the islands on previous trips, I unfortunately didn't get time to head out there on this most recent junket. I'll post a few others, though.

Take care.