(9-7-04)

We took off at 9:15 MST (17:15 Zulu) from KGJT (Walker Field). We made a right turnout for a south-west bound departure. We preceded over Grand Junction and followed I-70 west bound along the Colorado River paralleling the Colorado National Monument.

Half way through the flight I decided we may as well fly into Utah since we were three minutes away. It sure is nice flying at 115 knots (GPS derived ground speed).

Speaking of that, on our westbound leg, we encountered a 15 knot tailwind.

After turning around in Utah, we flew back to KGJT via Fruita. I called up GJT Tower over Fruita with info Mike asking to land. I was cleared for a straight in final on runway 11. At about a one mile final, I requested a touch and go, it was approved, so we came around for a touch and go.

It was a great flight, with no problems en route.

Our route is shown in green. The Utah border is the blue dashed line. (GPS receiver is a Garmin GPSmap 96C.)

Please click images for larger view. Email me if you would like a high-res copy of a specific picture.

Looking at the Colorado National Monument and the Redlands. Notice the incredible in the left of the picture on the edge of the CNM.

Looking west at the west side of the CNM. The river is the Colorado River.

More of the land to the west of the CNM.

Looking North. The ILS for runway 11 at KGJT flies directly over this desert area.