If you have ever wanted to experience your own ranch, without the work, the Crystal Ranch Lodge within the Angela National Forest in Utah is an adventure. We had an opportunity to have the ranch to ourselves, just the six of us. The ranch is 500 acres surrounded by national forest and many miles from the nearest settlement, Mountain Home with its single small store and great people.
We flew an old Piper Aztec (well, all of them are old since the last one was produced in 1977). We chose the Aztec since we were planning to use a similar airplane in future relief trips to Haiti and wanted to learn more about the airplane. This airplane is a 1965 rendition of the Aztec C. It is a classic, with original fading paint, great engines, and a very drafty cabin.
Despite the nearly 4 hours in constant turbulence in the flight from San Diego to Vernal Utah, we were rewarding with outstanding views and the opportunity to explore the airplane. Fortunately my wife, who is also a pilot, is very tolerant to my choice in airplanes!
The ranch is 1.5 hours by car from Vernal. There are closer airports, however none have rental cars available. The FBO in Vernal is Dynaland and the owner was extremely helpful with our necessary arrangements, staying late to help us when we landed.