Here is a story about one of the most unique airports I have ever seen. It is about five miles out of Gilroy, California where we have been staying for the past month. I have been volunteering again this fall at the Wings of History Air Museum. One of my fellow volunteers suggested that we should visit the Frazier Lake Airport open house this weekend.

Judy, Glen and I headed over there on Saturday, December 4^th. Here is a photo of the airport from the air. I borrowed it from the airnav.com web page since we were flying low when we arrived at the airport. From the photo you can see two of this unique airport’s features. It has two parallel runways, the first is designated 5/23 indicating it runs from north east to south west. This runway is made of grass sod. The only one in the state of California. The second parallel runway is designated 5W/23W. Take a close look at the photo and see if you can determine what the “W” stands for.

The day we visited the grass sod runway was closed and we were able to walk out on the runway. It is 100 feet wide and 2500 feet long. Interestingly enough the taxiways are paved. The runway has a nice crown and it is perfectly level from end to end.

Many of the hangers were open to the public, and the owners were always keen to tell you about their airplanes. The most popular airplane was the Piper J3 Cub and several closely related Pipers from the early years of flying. Many of the Pipers were resplendent in their Piper Yellow livery. Several more were in various stages of restoration. Probably half of the aircraft based at this field are antiques and there is a good sprinkling of experimental on-of-a-kind aircraft also.

We were nearing the end of the rows of hangers before we came upon Jerry’s hangers. We ooh’d and aah’d over his 1945 vintage Taylorcraft, and then he showed us his pride and joy, his 1929 Travel Air. Jerry has spent twenty one years restoring this aircraft to mint condition. Jerry has been flying it since 2007 and has won several grand prizes at antique aircraft competitions.

The photos show the Wright Whirlwind 7 cylinder, 235 Hp, engine and cowling; the Curtis Wright Flying Service logo depicting it’s first couple years service; and the tail feathers with owner Jerry.

I took some other photos but the strong backlight from the door washed them out.

Have you figured out my earlier question? The designation 5W/23W is for a water landing area.They have literally dug a 3000 foot ditch, 60 feet wide and about

two feet deep that is filled with water for landing float planes. In one hanger we talked to the proud owner of a newly built ultra-light float plane.

If you happen by Gilroy on the first weekend of any month, it would be worth your effort to look up this little puddle-jumper airport. While you are in the neighborhood look up the Wings of History Museum in nearby San Martin.

You might find our RV parked out front and I might be inside helping to restore an antique airplane.

Holiday greetings from Gilroy and hugs for everyone.

Gary and Judy