Heading To Oshkosh From The Northeast

[Scott Ducey]

I know, I know - how could i be talking about Oshkosh at this point...it hasn't even snowed yet here in N.J.!!! I guess I suffer from an aviation affliction, which I suspect some of you might share along with me. Anyway, if you are ever en route to Oshkosh from the Northeast and are looking for an interesting place to stay on the way. Do yourself a favor and stop at Put-In-Bay, OH. It is an island in Lake Erie. They have an airport (with no services) right smack in the middle of the island. The ID is 3W2. It is just north of Sandusky. While it is a small island, it is pretty neat. Not many cars on the island, but everyone gets around using golf carts. So it is quiet. We stopped there this year late in the day, and only went out for dinner and a cocktail (actually a few cocktails). Next year I plan on returning to explore the island a bit. I guess what is strange about it is, it is an island, but you are in the mid west. There is a Tiki bar right on the other side of the runway - which is always a good thing. It also seems that everyone in the mid-west smokes. Anyway, I just thought of this and figured I would post it while it is on my mind.

[N3322G]

Scott, that does sound neat.

BTW Ohio passed a law that prohibits smoking indoors and that account for some of the outdoor smoking you observed.

[Charlie Tripp]

Scott,
My wife and I have been there many times. Get a golf cart and see the entire island; it is very interesting. This is a resort area and attracts a lot of people during June through August. During this time Put-In-Bay is known as the northern “Key West”. The harbor at night is a festive atmosphere with people camping on their boats. The boats are tied to the docks sometimes five or six together. Ferry boats run from Sandusky and Port Clinton to Put-In-Bay.
http://www.putinbay.com/

The Beer Barrel Saloon is noted for having the longest bar in the world. http://www.beerbarrelpib.com/

I’ve never landed at Put-In-Bay. The runway is short with trees on both ends. No room for mistakes. The mainland airport of choice is Port Clinton (KPCW). I’ve noticed there are 2 or 3 high wing Cessna planes ferrying people over to the island constantly. We have good friends at Port Clinton and usually go over to the island with them in their boat.

[Scott Ducey]

Yea, there are all kinds of obstacles at Put In Bay airport, including this large tower that needs to be dodged on approach. Even so, the twinkie managed just fine. I used a little bit more runway than normal considering the heavy load i was carrying - there is enough there for a twin or a single. I am gonna hit this bar next time I go to Put In Bay. Thanks for the link.

Scott

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

[Scott Ducey]