Don Tuite wrote:
On 18 Mar 2007 14:02:41 -0700, "Ol Shy & Bashful"
wrote:

..... snip

If I were going for the sake of building time, I'd pick Agua Dulce
(more scenic) or Big Bear (real high-altitude practice, that isn't
Truckee/S Lake Tahoe/Mammoth). I've been to those places (not
recently), but I've never been to Kern County, which is in the right
direction and, I hear, somewhat challenging.

Don


Agua Dulce used to be a regular stop for cheap fuel and great Tri-tip
BBQ. It was quite a gem with lots of organized events (Santa even flew
in by helicopter to meet the kids). However about 2 years ago
aviation-unfriendly community pressure managed to effectively close the
airport to non-local traffic. At the time there was talk of a
substantial landing fee and the FBO was forced to cease offering
discounted fuel due to the increased volume of transient traffic. I
don't believe the weekend BBQs are offered an longer. Quite the loss to
the So-Cal aviation communittee.

Big Bear is a great stop. Cheap fuel ($3.43 as of yesterday -- I was
there for the weekend, up from $3.11 two weeks ago. 24hr self serve).
Two good restaurants in the terminal building -- Barnstorm Cafe has
great food and a good variety on the menu, Mandarin Garden has good
Chineese food. A few others are within walking distance. If you have
kids on board, often the airport staff will hand out aviation toys to
the kids. Alas the the BigBearAirportHouse.com seems to have gone out
of business, so the runway cam is history.

Steve