By TERRY ASLA
For Kitsap Week
Northwest BeechBoys will fly June 27
A group of private pilots based at Bremerton Airport who have taken precision flying to a higher level will perform at the Water Trails Festival on June 27.
Based on military formation flying techniques and procedures, they have formed a team that performs for festivals and other events in the Northwest. They have been flying about a decade.
They fly Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft, which is how they came up with the nickname “BeechBoys.”
“I started the concept when I lived in California,” said Jim Posner, flight lead. “There is a counterpart group that still performs similar formation demonstration flights there. When I moved up to Washington State, I started a group here and distinguished it from my formation flying friends in California by adding ‘Northwest’ to our name.”
Form flying requires discipline, practice and an attitude that safety is the primary goal, Posner said.
“We’ve never had an accident,” he said.
While the group’s flight configurations are similar to those of military formation flying demonstration teams such as the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, they don’t fly nearly as close.
“Plus, we don’t have the engine power they do to maintain that kind of minute spacing,” Posner said. “Nevertheless, we do fly with about a three-foot separation — a safe margin but still requiring concentration and practice.”
Their flight June 27 will consist of three passes overhead in different configurations to show how flexible this type of flying can be.
“We hope that you enjoy our show,” he said.
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Track paddlers on your smart phone
BROWNSVILLE — When paddlers leave the Port of Brownsville for the 13-plus nautical mile paddle to Silverdale for the dedication of the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails on June 27, friends and festival goers will be able to track their progress on their smart phones or at the SPOT booth.
Bremerton West Marine has arranged for four of the participants to be equipped with new SPOT GEN 3™ devices. The waterproof SPOT pendants enable you to send predefined text/email messages, allow others to track your progress, and can summon emergency help.
By establishing the National Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails, Kitsap is inviting people to come and paddle our beautiful waterways. But bad weather and dangerous water conditions are always a possibility. While it is ultimately up to the individual to paddle responsibly, the Water Trails Festival Committee sees the festival as an opportunity help people learn to paddle safer.
So, Olympic Outdoor Center will be offering paddling and equipment instruction in Silverdale on June 27 and Bremerton West Marine will participate in a paddling basics class on June 28 at Brownsville. Additionally, safety boats will accompany the two free paddles originating from Brownsville — the Brownsville Brownie Challenge Paddle for experienced paddlers on June 27, and the Keys to Keyport Fun Paddle and Raffle for beginners on June 28.
SPOT will be going along on both paddles. It is the festival organizers’ hope that, when people see how well SPOT works — and how affordable it is — serious kayakers will purchase their own, and outfitters and ports along the Water Trails will make SPOT or similar products available for rent.
To learn more and to see SPOT in action, visit the SPOT booth in Silverdale June 27 and in Brownsville on June 28.
For a full schedule of events, go to www.watertrailsfestival.com
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Glamping on the Kitsap Water Trails
Even the most die-hard, back-to-basics paddler can crave some creature comforts after a hard day’s paddle — glamour camping or “glamping,” if you will.
The ports of Brownsville, Keyport and Silverdale are National Kitsap Peninsula Water Trails destinations that offer three distinctive glamping styles to choose from.
Arriving by human-powered craft is the only way you can get a tent-camping site in the Port of Brownsville’s beautiful Burke Bay Overlook Park. Free firewood, a giant fire pit, picnic tables, showers and restrooms, recreational games and a gazebo shelter for those really wet nights (it does rain in Washington) are just the beginning.
There’s the deli, famous for its giant sandwiches and music on Friday nights, the Daily Stop convenience store and the Host Boat, whose staff offer you concierge services including first aid.
Looking for cozy comfort?
Spend the night at the Grandview Bed and Breakfast in Keyport. While you are there, sample the food at the popular General Mercantile and Deli, Whiskey Creek and Casa Mexico restaurants. Come on the Fourth of July and you can march in the town’s old-fashioned Independence Day Parade and enjoy free barbecue, too.
Is your idea of roughing it a great hotel with a spa and fitness room?
There are two fine beachfront hotels in Silverdale for you to choose from — the Silverdale Beach Hotel and the Oxford Suites and Inn. Both are all just an easy walk from an international selection of restaurants and eateries.
To learn more, go to www.watertrailsfestival.com.
