Claudia and I recently joined a group called the New Mexico Pilots Association. Part of their mission is to encourage backcountry flying in NM and to help land owners maintain airstrips that are located in some of the more remote areas of the state. One such strip is the Taos – Grant Besley which lies along the west bank of the Rio Grande river about 15 miles northwest of historic Taos, NM. Surrounded by the Rio Grande Norte National Monument, the strip gives pilots access to the heart of one of the most scenic areas in a state full of dramatic scenery.
205JN parked at the north end of the Grant Besley airstrip
Evening descends over the Sangre de Cristo range
Cabin on property overlooks the Rio Grande gorge north of Taos
The current owner, Mr. Weiss graciously allowed us to drop in for an overnight stay. We arrived mid afternoon, tied down, pitched the tent and set out for an afternoon walk around the area. Later, Claudia made a nice dinner and we enjoyed some great local red wine. As night arrived, we set up the camp chairs for some of the best star gazing available anywhere around. All in all, one of the best weekends we’ve had in recent memory.
Thanks again to Mr. Weiss and to the NMPA for making such a great weekend a possibility.