nbrich1

The Trans-Canada Highway – Part 5 (TCH-05) (For Wed. April 29th, 2026) Regina, Saskatchewan Our Trip We have previously travelled a large portion of the Trans-Canada highway from Victoria British Columbia eastward to Brooks Alberta. In this trip we will continue out of Brooks following the route of the Trans-Canada highway eastward and by the day’s end we will have crossed into Saskatchewan, travelled over the City of Regina, crossed into Manitoba and made it to the city of Brandon. The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) from Brooks, AB to Brandon, MB offers a journey through the heart of the prairies, featuring expansive agricultural landscapes, historical grain elevators, and charming towns. Key highlights include the Medicine Hat teepee, unique prairie scenery, the Assiniboine River, and museums in cities like Brandon. The terrain is very flat and straight, often referred to as "big sky" country, featuring expansive prairie views and farmland. The highway is well-maintained with high-speed, four-lane divided lanes for most of this section. Key Stops and details: Brooks, AB: Nearby Dinosaur Provincial Park (UNESCO site). Medicine Hat, AB: Features a large prairie oasis (Police Point Park) and the "World's Tallest Teepee". Saskatchewan Prairies: Landscape is characterized by wide-open skies, vast ranches, and small towns like Swift Current and Moose Jaw. Swift Current, SK: A major agricultural hub providing amenities. Regina, SK: The provincial capital, home to the RCMP Heritage Centre and Wascana Centre. Moose Jaw: Known for the Tunnels of Moose Jaw, offering tours about historical gangsters and early Chinese immigration, as well as the Western Development Museum and the Mac the Moose statue. Manitoba Border/Virden: Entering Manitoba, you will notice a transition in the landscape. Virden is known as an oil town with a historic downtown. Brandon, MB: A major hub featuring the Manitoba Agricultural Museum nearby (in Austin, east of Brandon) and nice riverbank views along the Assiniboine River. Airports/Route: Departing Brooks, Alberta CYBP, 9 mid-stops: CYXH CJQ4 CJK5 CYYN CYMJ CYQR CJP4 CKY2 CYYD crossing the entire province of Saskatchewan into Manitoba with intended destination of Brandon, Manitoba CYBR. Aircraft This route runs 515nm with lots of stops and is designed for GA aircraft. We will need a fast-cruise of about 250kts. Some GA favourites include the Beech King Air, Beech Duke, Beech Starship, Daher TBM, Piaggio Avanti, and the Pilatus PC-12. I perhaps will use a King Air in this trip but as always please fly your aircraft of choice. FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Add-on Scenery: (All airports are in the default sim but there are a few free add-ons are available if you wish as below: Medicine Hat: https://flightsim.to/addon/101064/cyxh-medicine-hat-regional-airport (by Minhbui) Swift Current: https://flightsim.to/addon/107523/cyyn-1944-swift-current (by brelli59)* Note Libs Moose Jaw: https://flightsim.to/addon/82098/cymj-cfb-moose-jaw-airport (by GPietro)*Note Lib. Regina: https://flightsim.to/addon/32987/cyqr-regina-international-airport (by KrunchTime11) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1630 (ish) local. (This time simulates early dusk and sun will be behind us yet we should have enough daylight to make it to our destination under VFR conditions). Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 – 1800 UTC AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards April 23, 2026

The Trans-Canada Highway – Part 4 (TCH-04) For Wed. April 15th, 2026 Moraine Lake Our Trip We have previously travelled a portion of the Trans-Canada highway from Victoria British Columbia eastward to Golden BC. In this trip we will continue following the route of the Trans-Canada highway eastward and by days end we will have crossed into Alberta, visited Calgary and reached the city of Brooks. In this segment will highlight the following important locations or points of interest: Kicking Horse Pass (1,627 metres; 5,338 ft) is a high mountain pass across the Continental Divide of the Americas of the Canadian Rockies on the Alberta–British Columbia border, and lying within Yoho and Banff national parks. Divide Creek forks onto both sides of the continental divide. Spiral Tunnels: The "Big Hill" The steep grade in Kicking Horse Pass posed a serious challenge. Under government pressure to complete the railway, and given the engineering challenges that came along with the geography, Canadian Pacific (CP) was not in a position to carve a gradual descent. A solution was reached, which temporarily allowed a grade of 4.5%. The first train to attempt the hill in 1884 derailed, tragically killing three workers. In an effort to improve safety, three spur lines were created to divert such runaway trains on what became known as the “Big Hill”. Switches were left set for the spurs and were not reset to the main line until switchmen knew the oncoming train was in control. Descending the Big Hill was challenging, but uphill trains had their problems too. Extra locomotives were needed to push the trains up the hill, causing delays and requiring extra workers. Although the mountains were a complication for CP, they were an inspiration to the many tourists who started to arrive by train. In an effort to preserve the landscape and encourage tourism, CP prompted the creation of Mount Stephen Dominion Reserve in 1886. The park was renamed Yoho in 1901. You Tubes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiShrhu8mgo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wci2LRZyqSk Lake Louise: Lake Louise, located in Banff National Park, Canada, is world-renowned for its stunning turquoise, glacier-fed water, surrounding towering mountain peaks, and the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It is a premier year-round destination offering hiking, canoeing, and sightseeing in summer, and world-class skiing, skating, and ice climbing in winter. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a year-round luxury hotel ideal for solo travelers, couples and families alike. (Located in Banff National Park). See https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/lake-louise/fairmont-chateau-lake-louise.html Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake is a stunning, glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, famous for its intense turquoise water and surrounding Ten Peaks, accessible only by shuttle, tour bus, or biking from mid-June to mid-October. Located 14 km from Lake Louise, it is a premier spot for hiking, canoeing, and viewing from the Rockpile. https://www.banfflakelouise.com/experiences/moraine-lake Banff: (Town in Alberta): Banff is a resort town in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, in Alberta's Rockies along the Trans-Canada Highway, 126 km (78 mi) west of Calgary, 58 km (36 mi) east of Lake Louise, and 1,400 to 1,630 m (4,590 to 5,350 ft) above sea level. https://banff.ca/ Fairmont Banff Springs: For reservations please visit: https://www.banff-springs-hotel.com/ Calgary: (City in Alberta). We’ll take a quick tour of the city and a few poi. Calgary is the largest city in the Canadian province of Alberta. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 1,306,784 and a metropolitan population of 1,481,806, making Calgary the third-largest city (after Toronto and Montreal) and the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Canada. We’ll visit downtown Calgary as well some of the other sites around the city such as the Calgary Stampede location, Olympic Oval (1988 Winter Olympics).City of Calgary YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzS586I-N7k (After our tour of Calgary we’ll head eastward back on the Trans-Canada Highway route to the town of Bassano and to our destination in the city of Brooks Alberta). Aircraft Airports/Route: Departing CYGE CYBA CYBW CYYC CEH4 CEN2 CYBP. (331 nm) Recommend utilizing a fixed wing (or helicopter) to be able to cruise at @ 150+ kts. It might be nice to again try the latest Bksq Caravan, Bonanza or Aerostar in this trip. The Caravan is not too fast or too slow and has an unobstructed cockpit view to see the sites but as always please fly your aircraft of choice. FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Add-on Scenery: (All airports are in the default sim except BANFF*! (Banff add-on is required). There are a few other scenery adds that provide some eye candy if you wish!!) (Payware is NOT required but if you have it, please feel free to use it!) CYGE-Golden: https://flightsim.to/addon/43796/golden-airport-cyge (by 55tom55) CYBA-Banff*: https://flightsim.to/addon/99754/cbyw-banff-and-area (by Misfit79) (Required) CYBA-Scenery upgrade: https://flightsim.to/addon/4923/cyba-banff-scenery-upgrade (by Misfit79) (Lots of libs) Fairmont Lake Louise: https://flightsim.to/addon/4100/lake-louise-canada-fairmont-chateau (by zrb) CYYC Calgary: Default works fine, (No Freeware add-on found) (Payware is available: FsimStudios or Simaddons ) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) would make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1630 (ish) local. (This time simulates early dusk and sun will be behind us yet we should have enough daylight to make it to our destination at Golden under VFR conditions). Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 – 1900 UTC AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! ================================================================================== Town of Banff Norm Richards April 8, 2026

The Trans-Canada Highway – Part 3: (TCH-03) For Wed. April 1st, 2026 Background The Trans-Canada Highway is a 7,821 km (4,860-mile) federal-provincial highway system—the fourth longest highway in the world stretching from Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, NL. Officially dedicated in 1962, it spans all ten provinces, crossing the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Shield to connect major cities. • Route Structure: It is not a single road, but a network of routes (mostly Highway 1 or 17) connected by ferries, including a "Yellowhead" (Highway 16) route through Western Canada. • Key Features: It passes through major cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Fredericton. • Signage: The route is famously marked by a white maple leaf on a green shield. • History: Authorized in 1949 and completed in 1962 (with further upgrades until 1971), it cost over $1 billion to build, equivalent to over $10 billion today. • Usage: It is essential for commerce, with sections (such as through Rogers Pass) requiring active, year-round avalanche control. • Cultural Significance: The highway is associated with Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research in 1980. • The network continues to receive upgrades from Transport Canada to support increasing traffic volumes. The Trans-Canada Highway traverses diverse terrain across 7,800+ km, spanning from Atlantic coastal areas through the rocky Canadian Shield in Ontario, vast prairie grasslands in the west, and high-altitude Mountain passes in the Rockies: Key features include rugged boreal forests, lakeshores, rolling hills, and intense mountainous terrain in British Columbia. Regional Terrain Breakdown: • Western (BC/Alberta): Features high-altitude mountain passes (notably Kicking Horse Pass at 1,627m), steep slopes, coniferous forests, and rocky, winding roads. (*We are travelling in this section) • Prairies (Alberta/Saskatchewan/Manitoba): Expansive, flat-to-rolling grasslands and open landscapes. • Central (Ontario): Rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, characterized by dense forests, dense rock formations, and thousands of lakes, particularly along the north shore of Lake Superior. • Eastern (Quebec/Atlantic Provinces): Mix of coastal landscapes, lush green areas, and rolling terrain. The highway also encounters significant elevation changes, ranging from sea level on the coasts to high alpine passes. Our Trip We have previously travelled a portion of the Trans-Canada highway from Victoria eastward to Lytton BC. In this trip we will continue following the route of the highway eastward and by the days end we will have reached Golden BC. Golden is only 56 miles away from the provincial border between British Columbia and Alberta. You will notice elevations increasing as we travel eastward through the Rockies. In this segment will highlight the following important locations or points of interest: The Last Spike monument: The Last Spike monument is located in Craigellachie, British Columbia and commemorates the driving of the final spike into the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) on November 7, 1885. Located on the Trans-Canada Highway 45 km west of Revelstoke, it marks the completion of the first transcontinental railway, connecting Canada coast-to-coast. A slight DETOUR: to see Revelstoke Dam: The Revelstoke Dam, also known as Revelstoke Canyon Dam, is a hydroelectric dam spanning the Columbia River, 5 km north of Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada. Columbia River: The main stem of the Columbia rises in Columbia Lake in British Columbia, Canada. After flowing a path for 1,270 miles, the Columbia River joins the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. The major tributaries of the Columbia are the Kootenai, Flathead/Pend Oreille/Clark's Fork, Snake, and Willamette. The Revelstoke Highline Suspension Bridge: is a 75.5-meter (248-foot) suspension bridge and cantilevered viewing deck located at Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. Situated 1,690 meters above sea level, it features panoramic views of the Monashee Mountains and Columbia Valley. The stroller-friendly, 600-meter round-trip walk is accessible via the Revelation Gondola. This bridge spans Columbia River in the city of Revelstoke, BC. The Big Eddy Bridge is less than a mile from the Revelstoke Suspension Bridge is old, narrow and spans the mighty Columbia River. There are lights at each end for one-way alternating traffic and for decades, long ago, it was the only way get to the other side (autos or foot traffic). Revelstoke Mountain/Ski area: Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a ski resort on Mount Mackenzie, just outside Revelstoke, British Columbia in Canada. Albert Canyon/Canyon Hot Springs and Resort: https://www.canyonhotsprings.com/resort/ Glacier National Park: is part of a system of 43 parks and park reserves across Canada, and one of seven national parks in British Columbia. Connaught Tunnel: The Connaught Tunnel is a 5.02-mile (8.08 km) railway tunnel in British Columbia, Canada, opened by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) on December 16, 1916. It runs under Mount Macdonald in the Selkirk Mountains to bypass the dangerous Rogers Pass summit. Today, it primarily handles eastbound freight traffic, complementing the newer Mount Macdonald Tunnel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97R9zoi-eDE Aircraft Airports/Route: CYLY-CAZ5-CYKA-CZAM-CYRV-CYGE (271 nm)- Recommend utilizing a fixed wing (or helicopter) to be able to travel at @ 150+kts. It might be nice to again utilize the latest Bksq Caravan in this trip. It is not too fast or too slow and has an unobstructed cockpit view to see the sites but as always please fly your aircraft of choice. FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Add-on Scenery: (All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds that provide some eye candy if you wish!!) (Payware is NOT required but if you have it, please feel free to use it!) CYKA-Kamloops*: https://flightsim.to/addon/38101/kamloops-airport-cyka (by ArfusBarkus) (*Payware available-Simaddons) CZAM-Salmon Arm: https://flightsim.to/addon/48483/okanagan-valley-airfields-6 (by TISBS) (*NOTAM: Several Dependices for this add-on scenery) CYRV-Revelstoke*: https://flightsim.to/addon/58711/cyrv-revelstoke-airport (by T0ken Design) (*Payware available-Simaddons) CYGE-Golden: https://flightsim.to/addon/43796/golden-airport-cyge (by 55tom55) (*NOTAM Three Dependices for this add-on scenery) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) would make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1630 (ish) local. (This time simulates early dusk and sun will be behind us yet we should have enough daylight to make it to our destination at Golden under VFR conditions). Kamloops at Night Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 – 1900 UTC. AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks!

The Trans-Canada Highway – Part 2 (TCH-02) For Wed. March 11, 2026 Background The Trans-Canada Highway is a 7,821 km (4,860-mile) federal-provincial highway system—the fourth longest highway in the world stretching from Victoria, B.C., to St. John's, NL. Officially dedicated in 1962, it spans all ten provinces, crossing the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian Shield to connect major cities. • Route Structure: It is not a single road, but a network of routes (mostly Highway 1 or 17) connected by ferries, including a "Yellowhead" (Highway 16) route through Western Canada. • Key Features: It passes through major cities like Vancouver, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Fredericton. • Signage: The route is famously marked by a white maple leaf on a green shield. • History: Authorized in 1949 and completed in 1962 (with further upgrades until 1971), it cost over $1 billion to build, equivalent to over $10 billion today. • Usage: It is essential for commerce, with sections (such as through Rogers Pass) requiring active, year-round avalanche control. • Cultural Significance: The highway is associated with Terry Fox, who attempted to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research in 1980. • The network continues to receive upgrades from Transport Canada to support increasing traffic volumes. The Trans-Canada Highway traverses diverse terrain across 7,800+ km, spanning from Atlantic coastal areas through the rocky Canadian Shield in Ontario, vast prairie grasslands in the west, and high-altitude mountain passes in the Rockies: Key features include rugged boreal forests, lakeshores, rolling hills, and intense mountainous terrain in British Columbia. Regional Terrain Breakdown: • Western (BC/Alberta): Features high-altitude mountain passes (notably Kicking Horse Pass at 1,627m), steep slopes, coniferous forests, and rocky, winding roads. • Prairies (Alberta/Saskatchewan/Manitoba): Expansive, flat-to-rolling grasslands and open landscapes. • Central (Ontario): Rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, characterized by dense forests, dense rock formations, and thousands of lakes, particularly along the north shore of Lake Superior. • Eastern (Quebec/Atlantic Provinces): Mix of coastal landscapes, lush green areas, and rolling terrain. The highway also encounters significant elevation changes, ranging from sea level on the coasts to high alpine passes. Our Trip We have previously travelled a portion of the Trans-Canada highway from Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, on Vancouver Island which is designated as Mile 0.00 of the highway. We travelled northward from Victoria along the route of the highway and arrived at Nanaimo. From Nanaimo we boarded a the Trans-Canada ferry route across the Strait of Georgia to the British Columbia mainland and again followed the highway to Vancouver, one of Canada’s largest and most scenic cities. This trip will take us through the city of Vancouver in either helicopters or very low and slow fixed wing GA aircraft. WARNING WARNING – autopilot and GPS does work on this Vancouver portion of this excursion! We will cover almost all of the cities many point of interest locations: and there are many! Being on the Pacific side of the country, Vancouver hosts all of the exports and imports from the Orient and beyond. We will view the various city poi and attractions, export/Import terminals and ports as well as key railway transport to/from the ports locations. We will also visit the waterfront and the famous Stanley Park as well as other points of interest. Have built/added many named userpoints and added to the fp to use to be able identify the various locations. Bert can point out these and other significant locations as we approach. Once we complete the Vancouver tour (some 150 nm waving through the city), if we have time, we’ll catch up with the Trans-Canada out of Abbotsford and head north east to Lytton BC and end our trip. The total trip today is only 251 nm and in two parts. Firstly, 150 nm Vancouver city tour weaving through the city and the second part a 101 nm following the Trans-Canada out of Abbotsford and heading northeast to end the trip in Lytton BC. Slower is best in this excursion. Aircraft Recommend utilizing a helicopter to be able to travel low and slow and to be able to navigate the twists and turns of the Vancouver city tour and visiting the many poi in the Vancouver area. We may want to make non-scheduled stops along the way. For non-helicopter pilots please use a slow STOL capable aircraft like a cub, C152, Draco or other that can travel slow and slow. Best @ 100 kts or a tad slower. FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Add-on Scenery (All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds that provide some eye candy if you wish!!) (Payware is NOT required but if you have it, please feel free to use it!) Vancouver City CYVR Airport: https://flightsim.to/file/29246/project-yvr-vancouver-international-airport (by Project _SCNE) Vancouver Bridges: https://flightsim.to/file/5314/vancouver-bridges-vancouver-bc-canada (by FreakyD) Port of Vancouver https://flightsim.to/file/33073/port-of-vancouver-vancouver-bc-canada (by FreakyD) Vancouver Foliage & Water fixes: https://flightsim.to/file/23909/vancouver-foliage-water-clean-up-bc-canada (by FreakyD) OR CYVR: Vancouver Intl airport available as Payware (by various creators IE: FSDreamTeam, FSimStudios) CYVR: Vancouver City Times Scenery Payware (by SamScene3D) CYVR: Vancouver Bridges scenery is available as Payware (by RKBridger) Other CBC7: Helipad (by NightIntruder): https://flightsim.to/addon/101071/cbc7-vancouver-harbor-public-heliport CAK3: Airport (by PropellerBC): https://flightsim.to/addon/2390/cak3-delta-airpark-bc CYNJ: Airport (by PropellerBC): https://flightsim.to/addon/2481/cynj-langley-regional-airport-bc CZBB: Airport (by DaneSimAir): https://flightsim.to/addon/97101/czbb-boundary-bay-airport CYPK: Airport (by DaneSimAir): https://flightsim.to/addon/96577/pitt-meadows-regional-airport-cypk CYXX: Airport (by Ryanosaurus13) https://flightsim.to/addon/30091/cyxx-abbotsford-international-airport CYCW:Airport (by PropellerBC): https://flightsim.to/addon/1873/cycw-chilliwack-bc CYHE: Airport: (by DaneSimAir): https://flightsim.to/addon/64067/hope-airport-cyhe Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) would make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1700 (ish) local. (This time simulates early dusk and hopefully the lights will come on in the city of Vancouver yet we will still have enough daylight to make it to our destination under VFR conditions). Vancouver Skyline Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - (1400 EDST, 1300 CDST, 1200 MDST, 1100 PDST), (1 hr earlier for EU until they move to DT on Sunday, March 29, 2026). AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards March 5th, 2026

Pacific Coast Highway: Astoria, Oregon to Olympia, Washington USA, then a quick Ferry Ride to Canada to pickup the Start of the Trans-Canada Highway: For Wed. February 25th, 2026 Background These PCH trips (this one #5) total almost 1650 miles from San Diego, South California to Olympia/Seattle, in Northern Washington. This is the last portion of the Pacific Coast and US-101 Highway segment to cover but again a very scenic journey. This trip heads northward from Astoria, Oregon to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington (and more.) The coasts of Oregon and Washington are a virtual microcosm of the Pacific Northwest, containing everything from extensive wilderness areas to Native American fishing villages and heavily industrialized lumber towns. Out of Oregon, US-101 winds past rockbound coast, ancient forests, and innumerable towns and villages. While the region also has its share of strip towns and places where the timber boom went bust, the beach loops, historic restorations, and more state parks per mile than any place in the country soften its few hard edges. Every 20 mi (32 km) or so, you’ll pass through attractive, if moderately touristy, towns populated by at most a few thousand people. As a general rule, it’s the mileage between these hamlets that explains why most people visit: to take in one of the most dramatic meetings of rock and tide in the world. And into Washington we go! Northward following the coast for most part then highway US 101 loops west around the rugged Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. passing near the northwestern most point of the continental United States while allowing access to the unforgettable natural attractions—sandy, driftwood-strewn beaches; primeval old-growth forests; and pristine mountain lakes and glaciated alpine peaks, to name just a few. The roadside landscape varies from dense woods to clear-cut tracts of recently harvested timber. Innumerable rivers and streams are perhaps the most obvious signs of the immense amount of rainfall (about 12 feet) the region receives every year. There are scattered towns, from Grays Harbor in the south to Port Angeles and the cities on the northern coast. They are staunchly blue-collar communities almost wholly dependent upon natural resources—not only trees, but also salmon, oysters, and other seafood. Though the tourism trade has been increasing steadily, visitor services are still few and far between at times. Port Angeles is the largest city on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, serving as the primary, year-round gateway to the 1-million-acre Olympic National Park. Located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, this seaside-meets-mountain town offers direct access to Hurricane Ridge, providing a base for exploring rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and alpine peaks. From here, where might we go, you might ask? “Go North Young Man, Go North! Our Trip This is part five of the Pacific Coast Highway which covers the highway segment between Astoria, Oregon and Port Angeles, Washington, USA USA. Once we reach Port Angeles, the Pacific Coast highway ends, some 1650 miles we will have travelled along the Pacific Coast from Southern California to Northern Washington. But our trip will not end here. We rest for only a moment at Port Angeles then we head across the Strait of Juan de Fuca of the Salish Sea of the Pacific Ocean crossing from US waters into Canadian waters to Vancouver Island, Canada to pick up the Trans-Canada Highway. The Trans-Canada Highway is a 7,821 km (4,860 mile) federal-provincial highway system connecting all ten provinces between Victoria, BC, and St. John's, NL. Opened in 1962 and completed in 1971, it is one of the world's longest national highways, traversing diverse landscapes from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast. In this first Canadian portion of the Trans-Canada Highway we’ll visit Victoria, Duncan, and Maple Bay which is home of our C-BERT then finally across the Strait of Georgia to British Columbia’s mainland and to the city of Vancouver. This fifth and segment of the Pacific Coast Highway and start of Canada’s Trans-Canada Highway is 339 nm with 6 stops before our final destination: Departing KAST (Astoria, Oregon), Stops in Washington at: 2S9 (Willapa Harbor), KHQM (Bowerman!), S18 (Forks), KNOW (Port Angeles), USA, then crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca into Canada stopping in the province of British Columbia at CYYJ (Victoria Intl) and CYCD (Nanaimo) before our final destination of CYVR (Vancouver Intl), British Columbia, Canada. FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Aircraft: Any GA fixed wing aircraft that can travel at least 170 nm. (I will likely use a Turbo Bonanza or Baron or Duke in a stock livery). Add-on Scenery: (ALL airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds that provide some eye candy if you wish!!) (Payware is NOT required but if you have any, please feel free to use!) KHQM: https://flightsim.to/file/62459/bowerman-airport-vintage-edition-khqm (by vbazillio) KCLM (Fly-Over): https://flightsim.to/file/67788/fairchild-international-airport-port-angeles-wa-usa-klcm (by FreakyD) USCG Port Angeles: https://flightsim.to/file/89993/u-s-coast-guard-air-station-port-angeles (by Headshothunte678)** (**Required Lib for USCG Port Angeles: PADQ: https://flightsim.to/file/32972/padq-kodiak (by projectzero3923) CYCD: https://flightsim.to/file/101066/cycd-nanaimo-regional-airport (by Minhbui)** (**Required Lib for CYCD Nanaimo: CYXH: https://flightsim.to/file/101064/cyxh-medicine-hat-regional-airport (by Minhbui) CYWH: Victoria Harbor SPB (Fly over): https://flightsim.to/file/49204/victoria-seaplane-base-part-1 (by MazerMart) CYYJ: Victoria Intl Airport is either default, which is suitable, or available as Payware by various creators IE: Roman Design, Simaddons) Vancouver/Area: CYVR Airport: https://flightsim.to/file/29246/project-yvr-vancouver-international-airport (by Project_SCNE) Vancouver Bridges: https://flightsim.to/file/5314/vancouver-bridges-vancouver-bc-canada (by FreakyD) Port of Vancouver https://flightsim.to/file/33073/port-of-vancouver-vancouver-bc-canada (by FreakyD) Vancouver Foliage & Water fixes: https://flightsim.to/file/23909/vancouver-foliage-water-clean-up-bc-canada (by FreakyD) OR optionally: CYVR: Vancouver Intl airport is also available as Payware (by various creators IE: FSDreamTeam, FSimStudios) CYVR, CYYJ: City Times Scenery is available as Payware (by SamScene3D) Vancouver Bridges scenery is available as Payware (by RKBridger) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) would make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1630 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dusk flight and so that the sun will set on the ocean side (left side) as we travel northward!) This should prove to be very scenic as dusk falls and lights illuminate the city areas. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 - 1900 UTC, (1400 Eastern, 1300 Central, 1200 Mountain, 1100 Pacific) AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Last but not least, a single pictorial tribute to our friend in Maple Bay: (It is so nice to have you back!) (On this flight we'll definitely drop in for some pizza and wine! lol) Maple Bay BC Norm Richards Feb. 17, 2026

Sorry about that Mike.. Either need to fix that TDS!! or get the US highways dept to straighten their very badly curved highways!! lol Yep, this section has plenty of directional alterations, twists and turns! but is gorgeous trip trying to navigate the highway. Thanks for the extra scenery Jeff. 👍

Pacific Coast Highway: Between Klamath Glen, California and Astoria, Oregon For Wed. February 11th, 2026 Background The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), primarily California's State Route 1, is a legendary 650+ mile scenic drive famous for dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs (especially in Big Sur), historic landmarks like Bixby Bridge, redwood forests, and charming coastal towns, offering iconic California experiences from San Francisco to Southern California, ideal for road trips with stops at beaches, aquariums, and state parks for unforgettable sunsets and natural beauty. This is US Highway 101, which stretches on the west coast of the US from California to Washington (state) and is referred to as CA-1 in California. (https://www.roadtripusa.com/pacific-coast/) Our Trip This is part four of the Pacific Coast Highway which covers the highway segment between Klamath Glen, California and Astoria, Oregon. We are travelling northward and will follow the route of the Pacific Coast Highway US-101 or CA-1. The drive between Klamath and Astoria along U.S. Route 101 covers roughly 400+ miles of dramatic, rugged coastline, featuring Redwood National Park, Oregon's "Dune Country," and scenic spots like Cannon Beach and the Tillamook Creamery. This northern section offers cooler weather, massive cliffs, and forested vistas, distinct from the central California Highway 1, and if we were going to drive it would take roughly 8-9 hours. In this trip, some 13 nm (8.5 miles) north of KECE Jack Mc Namara Airport, California, we will cross the state border from California into the Oregon (POI Marked). The highway is still designated as U.S. Route 101, but now named Oregon Coast Highway and it is a scenic 363-mile (584 km) route running the entire length of the Oregon coastline between California and Washington. (Oregon portion of highway completed in 1926) This fourth segment of the PCH is 320 nm with 10 stops before our final destination. Depart S51 (Klamath Glen, California), Stops at KCEC KBOK 4S1 5S6 KOTH 652 KONP S45 KPFC KTMK 3S7. Destination KAST (Astoria. Oregon). FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Aircraft: Any GA fixed wing aircraft that can travel at least 170 nm. (I will likely use a Turbo Bonanza or Baron or Duke in a stock livery). Add-on Scenery: (All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds tp provide some eye candy if you wish!!) KBOK: https://flightsim.to/file/73283/kbok-brookings-state-airport (byBullfrogSim) 5S6: https://flightsim.to/file/47147/5s6-cape-blanco-state (by Junglist) KOTH: https://flightsim.to/file/34994/koth-southwest-oregon-regional-airport-oregon-coast-usa (by AlphaRecon) 6S2: https://flightsim.to/file/20432/6s2-florence-municipal-airport-oregon-coast-usa (by AlphaRecon) KONP: https://flightsim.to/file/18251/konp-newport-municipal-airport-oregon-coast-usa (by AlphaRecon) S45: https://flightsim.to/file/17684/s45-siletz-bay-state-airport-oregon-coast-usa (by AlphaRecon) KPFC: https://flightsim.to/file/78954/kpfc-pacific-city-state-airport (by mg747) KTMK: https://flightsim.to/file/46179/ktmk-tillamook (by Junglist) 3S7: https://flightsim.to/file/5335/nehalem-bay-state-airport (by xDalle) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds, high clouds OR Jeff-Partly Cloudy-Jeff-1.wpr preset (included) would make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1630 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dusk flight and so that the sun will set on the ocean side (left side) as we travel northward!) This should prove to be very scenic especially around the San Francisco and Oakland areas as night falls and lights illuminate the cities. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - 1900 UTC, (1400 Eastern, 1300 Central, 1200 Mountain, 1100 Pacific) AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOUTH-EAST-ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards - Feb. 05, 2026

Killer flight MM.. My mechanic is upset with my performance today!! 2nd time in the C185.. but cost 5 new props, and lots of welding: due to two bent struts and bent main cross member on the c185 fixed gear required straightening and welds. Fun but not exactly a stellar flight..downright dangerous!! but there is always next time! Thanks Mike for a a very adventurous flight!! Norm

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)-Part 3: Oakland to Klamath Glen, California For Wed. January 28th, 2026 Background The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), primarily California's State Route 1, is a legendary 650+ mile scenic drive famous for dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs (especially in Big Sur), historic landmarks like Bixby Bridge, redwood forests, and charming coastal towns, offering iconic California experiences from San Francisco to Southern California, ideal for road trips with stops at beaches, aquariums, and state parks for unforgettable sunsets and natural beauty. This is US Highway 101, which stretches on the west coast of the US from California to Washington (state) and is referred to as CA-1 in California. (https://www.roadtripusa.com/pacific-coast/) Our Trip This is part three of the Pacific Coast Highway which covers the highway segment between Oakland and Klamath Glen, California. We are travelling northward out of Oakland and will follow the route of the Pacific Coast Highway US-101 or CA-1. (For the most part) (We’ll take a slight diversion to ne visit Santa Rosa but then we’ll immediately head westward to rejoin Hwy 1 on the coast! This third segment of the PCH is 312 nm. Airports on the route: KOAK KSTS CA51 KLLR O16 KFOT KEKA KACV S51 FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Aircraft: Any GA fixed wing aircraft that can travel at least 150 nm. (I will likely use the BS Bonanza or Baron in stock livery) Add-on Scenery: (All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds tp provide some eye candy if you wish!!) (We used these scenery add-ons in our last trip but we touching on them again to resume our trip): https://flightsim.to/file/50257/oakland-international-airport-oakland-ca-usa-koak-v1-0 (by FreakyD) https://flightsim.to/file/31791/san-francisco-bay-area-cargo-terminals-san-francisco-oakland-ca-usa (by FreakyD) https://flightsim.to/file/24593/san-francisco-bay-area-foliage-water-clean-up-ca-usa (by FreakyD) https://flightsim.to/file/28530/san-francisco-oakland-bay-bridge-enhanced-night-lighting-san-francisco-bay-area-ca (The WhiteArcades) NEW for this trip: CA51-E55: https://flightsim.to/file/13459/ca51-sea-ranch-airport (by Aymie_cutie) (Two-Dependencies/libs) KLLR: https://flightsim.to/file/96642/kllr-little-river-airport (by flybylatham) (Two-Dependencies/libs) O16: https://flightsim.to/file/41009/garberville-airport-o16 (by Stoopy) KFOT: https://flightsim.to/file/43708/kfot-rohnerville-fortuna-ca (by Stoopy) KEKA: https://flightsim.to/file/86666/keka-murry-field (by Simblitz) KACV: https://flightsim.to/file/82663/kacv-arcata-eureka-airport (KitWolfDesign) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds or high clouds might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1645 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dusk flight and so that the sun will set on the ocean side (left side) as we travel northward!) This should prove to be very scenic especially around the San Francisco and Oakland areas as night falls and lights illuminate the cities. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - 1900 UTC, (1400 Eastern, 1300 Central, 1200 Mountain, 1100 Pacific) AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: SOIUTH-EAST ASIA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards Jan 26, 2026

Ah, yp[.. good find. Thanks Josh

Pacific Coast Highway- Monterey to Little River, California For Wed. January 21st, 2026 Background The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), primarily California's State Route 1, is a legendary 650+ mile scenic drive famous for dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs (especially in Big Sur), historic landmarks like Bixby Bridge, redwood forests, and charming coastal towns, offering iconic California experiences from San Francisco to Southern California, ideal for road trips with stops at beaches, aquariums, and state parks for unforgettable sunsets and natural beauty. This is US Highway 101, which stretches on the west coast of the US from California to Washington (state) and is referred to as CA-1 in California. (https://www.roadtripusa.com/pacific-coast/ Popular Stops & Sights - We’ll visit a few locations as we fly the Pacific Coast Highway in the California Section. Ø Big Sur: The most iconic stretch with towering cliffs, crashing waves, and the famous Bixby Bridge (engineering marvel). Ø Monterey Bay Aquarium: World-class marine life exhibits. Ø Central Coast: Features Monterey Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hearst Castle: A historic mansion with opulent architecture. Ø Elephant Seal Rookery (San Simeon): Witness hundreds of seals on the beach. Ø McWay Falls: A waterfall dropping onto the beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Ø Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove Ø Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote Ø San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway Ø Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival Ø San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip Ø San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night Ø Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66 Our Trip This is part two of the Pacific Coast Highway which covers the highway segment between Monterey and Alameda California. We are travelling northward out of Monterey and will travel or follow the Pacific Coast Highway US-101 or CA-1 for the most part. This second segment of the PCH is 199 nm and we will see the sites of Watsonville, Half Moon Bay, and many of the very famous sites of San Francisco and Oakland. We’ll also divert from the PCH and travel northeastward to San Rafael and San Pablo before we head for Alameda California. Now this is a very scenic trip and I have made it intentionally short we can use helicopters or very slow fixed wings to be able to take some time to see the very scenic and famous sites and bridges around the San Francisco/Oakland area. In the next PCH-3 we will depart Alameda and resume our route heading northward along the Pacific Coast Highway, FP, itinerary, etc can be found HERE. Aircraft: Any helicopter or GA fixed wing aircraft that can travel at least 100 nm which has an open/wide cockpit view to be able to take in the sites. (I will likely use the Airbus H135 helicopter for this trip. (It is fairly easy to fly and is free and works great in MSFS2024!) but as always please use your aircraft or helicopter of choice for this trip. Add-on Scenery: All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds: that is if you want some eye candy!! KMRY Monterey (Payware by bmw if you have it, if not, the default or free-addon is perfectly is fine!) KMRY Monterey Airport: https://flightsim.to/file/28239/monterey-regional-airport (byStarseed) KMRY Monterey Wharf: https://flightsim.to/file/100218/monterey-bay-california-harbor-and-piers (by GoneFlyin) KWVI Watsonville: https://flightsim.to/file/100309/kwvi-watsonville (by GoneFlyin) 17CL Las Trancas: https://flightsim.to/file/95962/17cl-las-trancas-airport (by KroxenStudios) KHAF Half Moon Bay: https://flightsim.to/file/101793/khaf-half-moon-bay-airport (by Goneflyin) KOAK Oakland Intl: https://flightsim.to/file/50257/oakland-international-airport-oakland-ca-usa-koak-v1-0 (by FreakyD) Oakland Alameda Coliseum: https://flightsim.to/file/5573/oakland-alameda-coliseum-oakland-ca-usa (by FreakyD) KSFO-KOAK Ports: https://flightsim.to/file/31791/san-francisco-bay-area-cargo-terminals-san-francisco-oakland-ca-usa (by FreakyD) San Francisco City: https://flightsim.to/file/47498/san-francisco-ca-usa-v1-0 (by FreakyD) San Francisco Water/Foliage: https://flightsim.to/file/24593/san-francisco-bay-area-foliage-water-clean-up-ca-usa (by FreakyD) San Francisco Bridge Lighting: https://flightsim.to/file/28530/san-francisco-oakland-bay-bridge-enhanced-night-lighting-san-francisco-bay-area-ca (by TheWhiteArcades) Dumbarton/San Francisco Swing Bridges: https://flightsim.to/file/72508/dumbarton-and-swing-bridges-lights (by amazigh) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds or high clouds might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @1700-1730-(ish) local. (This time simulates an early dusk flight and so that the sun will set on the ocean side (left side) as we travel northward!) This should prove to be very scenic especially around the San Francisco and Oakland areas as night falls and lights illuminate the cities. Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 1900 UTC, (1400 Eastern, 1300 Central, 1200 Mountain, 1100 Pacific) AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: EAST-USA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards Jan 11, 2026

Pacific Coast Highway- Los Angeles to Monterey, California For Wed. January 7th, 2026 https://www.roadtripusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Header-PacificCoast-1300x400.jpg Background The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), primarily California's State Route 1, is a legendary 650+ mile scenic drive famous for dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs (especially in Big Sur), historic landmarks like Bixby Bridge, redwood forests, and charming coastal towns, offering iconic California experiences from San Francisco to Southern California, ideal for road trips with stops at beaches, aquariums, and state parks for unforgettable sunsets and natural beauty. This is US Highway 101, which stretches on the west coast of the US from California to Washington (state) and is referred to as CA-1 in California. (https://www.roadtripusa.com/pacific-coast/) Popular Stops & Sights - We’ll visit a few locations as we fly the Pacific Coast Highway in the California Section.  Big Sur: The most iconic stretch with towering cliffs, crashing waves, and the famous Bixby Bridge (engineering marvel).  Monterey Bay Aquarium: World-class marine life exhibits.  Central Coast: Features Monterey Bay, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Hearst Castle: A historic mansion with opulent architecture.  Elephant Seal Rookery (San Simeon): Witness hundreds of seals on the beach.  McWay Falls: A waterfall dropping onto the beach in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.  Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove  Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote  San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway  Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival  San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip  San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night  Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66 Our Trip This is part one of the Pacific Coast Highway. In this trip we’ll cover the segment between Los Angeles and Monterey, California travelling northward and for the most part we are following the Pacific Coast Highway US-101 or CA-1. (In our final Route 66 trip we covered the southernmost section of Pacific Coast Highway which is between San Diego and Los Angeles. This first segment is 338 nm of the PCH departing from Los Angeles and heading northward to Monterey, California and we’ll continue the excursions until we have completed the entire route of US101-the Pacific Coast Highway all the way to Washington. We’ll make stops at KBUR KSZP KOXR KSBA KSMX KSBP CN66 plus our final stop at Monterey KMRY. Aircraft: Any GA aircraft that can travel at least 150 nm which has an open/wide cockpit view to be able to take in the sites. (I might just use the non-turbo Bonanza for this trip). Add-on Scenery: All airports are in the default sim but there are a few scenery adds: that is if you want some eye candy!! (KLAX) Los Angeles Intl Airport: KLAX is a 2024 default handcrafted airport. (There is a Payware-KLAX by Inbuilds for 2024). MASH Film Set: https://flightsim.to/file/20953/m-a-s-h-the-film-set by Photosbykev (KBUR) Hollywood Burbank Airport (Bob Hope): https://flightsim.to/file/22909/kbur-hollywood-burbank-airport by ianthehippo * *There is also a KBUR payware by Orbx. Six Flags Magic Mountain: https://flightsim.to/file/28228/six-flags-magic-mountain-theme-park-los-angeles-ca-hand-made-photogrammetry-replacements by TheWhite Arcades (KSZP) Santa Paula: https://flightsim.to/file/24026/santa-paula-airport-kszp by timot75 (There is also a payware version by justflight). (KOXR) Oxnard: https://flightsim.to/file/48180/oxnard-ca-koxr by Mountainair (KSBA) Santa Barbara Muni: https://flightsim.to/file/30461/ksba-santa-barbara by danielsjam (There is also a payware version by Orbx). (KSBP) San Luis Obispo: https://flightsim.to/file/28485/ksbp-san-luis-obispo-reginal-airport by BullfrogSim. *There is also a KSBP payware by justflight. (CN66) Hearst San Simean: https://flightsim.to/file/48956/hearst-san-simeon-airstrip-cn66 by fatpossum32. KMRY Monterey (Payware by bmw if you have it, if not, the default is perfectly is fine!) KMRY Monterey Wharf: https://flightsim.to/file/100218/monterey-bay-california-harbor-and-piers by GoneFlyin. (You sure don’t need to go out and buy payware but feel free to use it if you have it!) FP, itinerary, etc can be found here. Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds or high clouds might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @0630 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dawn flight and so that the sun will rise and be on your right side as we travel northward!) Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, January 07, 2026 - 1900 UTC, (1400 Eastern, 1300 Central, 1200 Mountain, 1100 Pacific) AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: EAST-USA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards

Route 66 – Part Seven – San Bernadino to Santa Monica California For Wed. December 03, 2025 Background This is the last section of our flights along/over the Historic Route 66 in the vintage Douglas DC-3 (1930’s) aircraft. This last section is from San Bernardino to Santa Monica, California. So will have taken us seven trips to cover Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica California in a DC3. Nice job! And some interesting trips. Santa Monica is famously known as the "End of the Trail" for historic Route 66, with the official endpoint located at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard. An unofficial, iconic sign is also located on the Santa Monica Pier to provide a more satisfying conclusion for many travellers, marking the point where the road meets the Pacific Ocean. Route 66 in Santa Monica: Official end: The official terminus of the original Route 66 was at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. This is considered the official "end" for legal purposes and historical record-keeping, "The Mother Road" was commissioned on November 11, 1926, and ultimately stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. In 2026, the nation will be celebrating the Route 66 Centennial ... 100 years of the Mother Road serving the travelling public! Many states and organizations are planning special events and tours to highlight the Centennial. Our Trip This is part seven and our final portion of Historic Route 66. This last segment is only 75 nm departing KSBD/San Bernardino Intl heading west and making only one stop at KPOC/Brackett Field before we head to the Pacific coast and to our destination of KSMO/Santa Monica in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Will call this Part “A”of today’s flight. At Santa Monica airport we’ll start a second leg: part “B” to this trip sliding into helicopters at Santa Monica (or your preference of very slow fixed wing) and tour the south portion of SOCAL and the LA area from KSMO/Santa Monica to Camp Pendleton, just a bit north of the Mexican Border, then turning westward and northward along the Pacific coast weaving our way to our destination of Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX). FP, itinerary, etc can be found here. Aircraft: Part A: This trip along Route 66 was intended to be flown in the Douglas DC-3 in MSFS2024 but as always, please fly your aircraft of choice. Part B: SOCAL and LA tour in your choice of helicopter. (or your preference of very slow fixed wing!) Add-on Scenery: All airports are in the default sim but if you want some eye candy: Part A: https://flightsim.to/file/62420/brackett-field by TurtleTank1997* *(KPOC) (Supporting libs required) https://flightsim.to/file/4067/vtol-aviation-s-ksmo-santa-monica-municipal-airport (KSMO) by Eaglepilot6 (KSMO also available in payware: EYE Candy: You sure don’t need to buy it but feel free to use it if you have it!) Part B: https://flightsim.to/file/18386/vtol-aviation-s-kemt-el-monte-san-gabriel-valley-airport (KEMT) by Eaglepilot6 https://flightsim.to/file/72389/corona-municipal-airport-kajo (KAJO) by vbazillio https://flightsim.to/file/63441/fallbrook-community-airpark-l18 (L18) by vbazillio https://flightsim.to/file/4587/john-wayne-international-airport-santa-ana-ca-usa-ksna-v1-0 (KSNA) by FreakyD https://flightsim.to/file/91529/kful (KFUL) by Simblitz Lots of freeware add-on scenery as well as payware for the LA Area and KLAX, IE Feelthere, Inibuilds, Samscene3D etc for eye candy value: (You sure don’t need to buy it but feel free to use it if you have it!) Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds or high clouds might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @0630 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dawn flight and so that the sun is behind us and NOT in our eyes for the entire trip as we are heading west!) Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, December 03. 2025 - 1900 UTC, 1400 Eastern AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: EAST-USA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards November 2025

It is a real photo.. not a sim screenshot! All are welcome. Feel free to join us!

Route 66 – Part Six–Arizona to California For Wed. November 26, 2025 https://www.roadtripusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/California-AmboyRoysDinerRoute66-Michaelurmann-Editorial.jpg Background This is a continuation of our flights via Historic Route 66 trip in msfs2024 in the vintage Douglas DC-3 (1930’s) aircraft. This section of the historic highway has increasingly interesting terrain as elevations are definitely getting hillier and much more rugged and will continue as we travel westward. This is vintage Route 66 excursion is between Kingman, Arizona and San Bernardino, California. I thought this would be the final Route 66 excursion however after re-examining there will be a Route 66 Part 7 to finish off the last but very interesting section, that being in the greater Los Angeles area. The Mother Road has carried travelers through eight states and countless small towns, but for many, the heart of the adventure begins with Route 66 in Arizona and Route 66 in California. This stretch of the historic route offers some of the most iconic stops on the entire road trip, from ghost towns tucked into desert hills to neon diners and quirky roadside attractions that feel pulled straight from the past. Crossing the Arizona state line, you’ll find yourself surrounded by dramatic landscapes, with the Colorado River carving a natural border and desert highways leading you west toward California. As we fly west over these towns, you’ll see why this part of the historic Route 66 is so often celebrated—it’s a living museum of America’s car culture, family vacations, and the glory days of the old road before the Interstate Highway System. On the California border, the journey takes on a new character. Here the Mother Road Route winds through desert outposts, ghost towns, and in our next excursion, the bustling streets of Los Angeles, ending at the Santa Monica Pier—the symbolic western terminus of Route 66. In this second to last section of our Route 66 series, we’ll guide you through Arizona and to the outskirts of LA: San Bernardino. As we are retracing the early years of the highway this stretch of Route 66 proves why it’s still known as America’s Main Street. (https://www.cruiseamerica.com/trip-inspiration/route-66-arizona-california-the-final-stretch) Our Trip This is part six which covers historic Route 66 from Kingman, Arizona to San Bernardino, California. The trip is 301 nm long. This route starts at AZ97/X Bar 1 Ranch and contains eight intermediate stops: KIGM/Kingman, KEED/Needles, CL18/Danby, AM66/Amboy Field, 5CA4/Ludlow, KDAG/Barstow, 6CA8/Depue and KCCB/Cable with our final stop being KSBD/ San Bernardino, California. Aircraft: This trip along/over Route 66 was intended to be flown in the Douglas DC-3 in MSFS2024 but as always, please fly your aircraft of choice. DC-3 Mod: https://flightsim.to/file/43893/duckworks-dc-3-improvement-mod by Imenes Add-on Scenery: All airports except AM66 are in the default sim: https://flightsim.to/file/88356/amboy-airfield-california by littlebit (ICAO AM66) https://flightsim.to/file/56025/roy-s-motel-office-and-residence-amboy-california* (*Supporting libs required) FP, itinerary, etc can be found here. Time and Weather Prefer to fly real weather if possible but if not, the few clouds or high clouds might make a nice choice. For takeoff: set the simulator time to @0630 (ish) local. (This time simulates a dawn flight and so that the sun is behind us and NOT in our eyes for the entire trip as we are heading west!) Multiplayer Particulars Date and time: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - 1800 UTC, 1400 Eastern AVSIM Discord Server: https://discord.gg/K5Vy6UxWNm - AVSIM GROUP EVENTS-WED. COM1 Microsoft Flight Simulator Multiplayer: EAST-USA Server If you want to help others enjoy the multiplayer experience, don't forget to enter your aircraft details on the multiplayer spreadsheet (linked here). Your courtesy will save others a lot of time and effort. Thanks! Norm Richards November 2025