This, however, can be a big mistake. I have found fall flying to be some of the best flying of the year. A nice fall day means cool mornings and smooth air, with generally good visibility and great flying conditions. I find that even mountainous terrain yields itself to close examination, without the ever-threatening turbulence and unsettled air found at other times of the year. The sun, too, seems to lend a softer, more diffuse light to all I survey.
Autumn is the time for sightseeing and exploration.
I know there are many out there who enjoy backcountry adventures, but who are not so comfortable with camping or off-pavement landings. So this time I thought it would be nice to tell you about a fall trip that requires neither, and is suited to any level of flyer and type of aircraft. I'd like to take you down the San Juan River. The San Juan River begins life high in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, above the town of Pagosa Springs. It tumbles down, cold and clear, eventually spilling into the Navajo Reservoir, which straddles the Colorado - New Mexico border.