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Flying into Bridgeport California !

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Bridgeport, a Gem in the Eastern Sierra's

This trip has been in my to-do book for 2 years. I've wanted to wait for a fresh snowfall in the Sierra's, the flight up the Owens Valley in the morning light is spectacular. Most people, including myself, fly the western side of the Sierra's. Flying up the San Joaquin Valley is very benign and frankly boring. Try the east slope for a fun trip.

What to watch out for:

• The Edwards Complex is huge. There are several Restricted Areas and MOA's. On the weekend these areas are generally cold and you can fly though the Restricted Airspace at or above 6,000 when talking to Joshua Approach.
•  It can be turbulent north of China Lake so you want to go when the winds aloft are light.
•  VFR is required, the MVA's (no MEA's) are really high.

 I like to fly over the eastern slope at 12,500/11,500 keeping the valley floor within gliding distance to the east. Like I said the view is spectacular, you can see Mt Whitney and far into the high country.

Bridgeport is a nice little town with several places to eat. Highway 395 doubles as Main Street. As you leave the airport turn left, right at the first intersection and across the foot bridge to town. The first place you'll come to is the Hays Street Cafe where we enjoyed breakfast.  Continue west on Main Street and you'll find several other places to eat too.

Pictures From Our Trip !

	Flying though R-2515 and over Edwards Air Force Base
	Open pit mine near Edwards AFB
	East slope of the Sierra Nevada Range. This trip is about the scenery enroute more than destination. We are at 12,500' looking up at the Sierra's.
	Passing Onion Valley above Independence. I've back packed into the high country from here. If I remember correctly the road ends at 9,100'. Every night at the trailhead you awaken by cries of BEAR, BEAR!!! Seems funny now.
	East slope of the Sierra Nevada Range.
	Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Airport
	Lee Vining and Mono Lake under the lake fog. When we returned 6 hours later nothing had changed
	The city of Bridgeport with Bryan Field beyond.
	Bryant Field Bridgeport California
	Final approach runway 30
	Leaving the airport (walking) turn left onto the road. Right at the first intersection to the end. Cross the foot bridge and pretty soon you're on the main drag. The building behind the trees is the Hays Street Cafe.
	The foot bridge crosses a pretty trout stream that runs though town.
	The foot bridge from the air.
	Hays Street Cafe Bridgeport California
	Main Street in Bridgeport California.
	Walk down the main drag and you'll find several restaurants. Many closed for the season in winter, you still have a good selection in the off season.
	Descending past Mt Baldy on the way home, downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
	Below found on the internet.
	Travertine Hot Springs lies on California State Park land just south of the town of Bridgeport. It is one of the easiest to get to, and therefore one of the most popular.
	Though it is designated as "clothing optional" many bathers these days prefer to soak in swimsuits. The naturally hot water is scalding at its source, but flows down rock formations till it reaches the pools below at a comfortable 103 degrees.