Lake Hood Seaplane Base is located three miles southwest of downtown Anchorage next to Ted Stevens International Airport. It is the busiest seaplane base in the world, averaging 190 flights a day. When the lake freezes in the winter the frozen lake surface is maintained for ski-equipped airplanes.
Our family has a history with airplanes. Both Dad and our brother had private pilot licenses, flying single engine planes for pleasure. Dad would spend every Saturday afternoon at the airport, either getting in flying hours or hanging with his pilot friends. As kids I'd say we attended one if not two airshows a year. One year we even went to "The Big One" in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
All this to say that while BB and I never learned to fly, we have been exposed to many things aviation related and have an appreciation for the knowledge and skill needed to handle an aircraft.
BB and I have gone twice to watch the float places take off and land on the lake. We went once when we were here in June looking for housing. We went again this week.
We both agree that anyone coming to visit us in Anchorage has to visit Lake Hood! You won't have seen anything like it. Aircraft (to taxi) and autos share the road; but aircraft have the right of way. Listen for a plane engine throttling up, then spot it and watch it move down the lake and into the air! It doesn't hurt that Lake Hood is in a beautiful setting, parklike with mountains in the background.
I look forward to taking you and a picnic lunch to Lake Hood, eating our sandwiches and watching the planes.
Take Off!:
Sal
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