SkyWest Magazine March/April 2011 Edition by Janie Budell

St. George,Utah color country Operated by SkyWest Airlines

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contents St. George, UT Color Country Made Easy Page 8 | St. George’s new, state-of-the-art airport makes it simple for visitors from throughout the country and around the world to get to Southern Utah’s national parks, golf courses and historic sites.

| ArtWatch: Roland Lee

21 | Oregon Adventures: North Bend

24 | Budget-Friendly Vacations

Modesto, CA

26 | SkyNews

Happy Days are Here Page 12 | Graffiti Summer, a month-long celebration of hot rods and happy days, pays homage to the breakthrough work of Modesto native George Lucas. It’s among many reasons to celebrate the good life in this happening town.

28 | Western Adventures: River Rafting

30 | Western Adventures: Ranch Vacations

Klamath Falls, OR Superlative Experiences Page 18 | This cozy, former logging town, just 30 miles from the California line, offers access to a gaggle of natural wonders—Crater Lake, Lava Beds National Monument and six wildlife refuges.

34 | Western Adventures: Fly-Fishing

36 | America’s Best Events

38 | It’s Our Journey, Too

40 | Crossword

Crater Lake: Bonita Tsao Modesto: Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau Angels Landing summit: Nationall Park Service

March | April 2011

Redding, CA Beyond Shasta’s Shadow Page 22 | Redding, a four-season playground in the northwest corner of California’s Central Valley, ushers travelers into Mount Shasta’s wonders, the city’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park and more.

42 | Behind the Scenes

44 | Route Map

45 | About Our Aircraft

On the Cover

This edition’s cover features A Patch of Blue, a 21” x 29” transparent watercolor by St. George artist Roland Lee. While prints are available, the original is in the collection of Jan and Russ Burch. Read more about the artist and his work on page 11.

46 | Airport Maps

48 | Last Word

operated by SkyWest Airlines

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ramblings and recommends

Spring Cleaning— The Travel-Small Advantage!

Go!

P U B L I C AT I O N S I N C O R P O R A T E D

Dear Reader:

Ah, springtime—the season of eternal optimism! Every failed January resolution takes on fresh hope. The diligence and discipline I determine to pursue at the New Year return on March’s balmy breezes. High on my list is the ongoing challenge to be rid of stuff, to purge closets and drawers, cupboards and cabinets. This is no small task, especially when it comes to toiletries. I am drowning in jars, bottles, tubes and cans. I blame my travel schedule. A road warrior wardrobe does not baffle me. I consider myself a carry-on queen, capable of packing a week’s worth of clothes in a teeny, tiny bag. However, when it comes to grooming I never get it quite right. It’s not so much that I forget things; it’s just that my commitment to cramming forces me to abandon items. So, once at my destination, I buy stuff that invariably finds its way back to my bathroom. We’re talking 13 open deodorant sticks and a half-dozen partially used cans of shaving cream. I was raised on the “waste not, want not,” philosophy. It pains me to pitch useful products. They’re open. I can’t donate them. There has to be a better way! American ingenuity never disappoints. As I lamented my personal stockpile, I started noticing new, space-saving products designed to facilitate hygiene on the go. So I am thrilled to share my new favorite travel buddies: 1. ShaveMate Razors pack the cream right in the handle. Need I say more? The infomercial touts the advantages of six blades and a non-slip handle. Nice. But it’s the efficiency I love. They come in three-packs. Each one holds enough cream for about a week’s worth of shaves. Pink for ladies. Grey for guys. No more leaky aerosol cans.

2. Flossbox moves dental floss from the sensible to the stylish. The credit-card sized dental floss holder doubles as a mirror and can be personalized with your own photos or business information via the company website. The compact includes more than 16 yards of minty floss. 3. Paper Shower is a godsend on long flights. Skinny little packets include two individually wrapped 9” x 12” sheets. One is chock full of liquid cleanser with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. The other is an absorbent towel. I find the combo more refreshing than standard wet wipes. The packets squeeze into small spaces. 4. DiaperBuds don’t really affect my life the way the other products do, but I think they should win an award anyway. I am always sensitive to the needs of folks traveling with little ones, and this product is pure genius. These vacuum-packed diapers scrunch down to just 2 7/8” x 2” x 1”. The waterproof packaging renders them immune to leaking bottles and sippy-cups and keeps them clean. It’s all recyclable and what a space saver. So, as usual, every dilemma propels me into a new realm of awareness and understanding. Let me know what products are improving your travels. I’ll share the best in a future column. Happy Skies,

CJ Colleen Birch Maile Editor in Chief

For reprints of articles in this issue of SkyWest Magazine, please call 208-333-9990. Visit us on our website at www.skywestmagazine.com.

president Kelly D. Coles editor in chief Colleen Birch Maile colleen@gopubinc.com art director Janie W. Budell janie@gopubinc.com copy editor Bethany Maile proof readers Anna Bierman Tatro Becky Macdonald | Quincy Budell Staff Writers: Amanda Bjerke | Lou Jurassic | Connie Naylor

Contributors: Tony Banning | Brooke Heath

director sales and marketing Teena J. Wright l 208-333-9990 teena@gopubinc.com advertising managers MT, OR, UT, WA, WY and Canada: Wendy Rivers l 406-586-0439 wndyrivers@theglobal.net CO, NV, Northern and Central CA: Susan Vernier Garcia l 970-927-9599 susan@gopubinc.com for all other locations call: Teena J. Wright l 208-333-9990 teena@gopubinc.com SkyWest Magazine corporate office 208-333-9990 l fax: 208-333-9991 205 N. 10th St., Suite B100, Boise, ID 83702 email: info@skywestmagazine.com www.skywestmagazine.com SkyWest Airlines 444 S. River Rd., St. George, UT 84790 435-634-3000 l email: info@skywest.com SkyWest Airlines Stock Symbol: SKYW

SkyWest Magazine (ISSN 1527-4152) is published bimonthly by Go! Publications, Inc. for United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines. The opinions expressed by authors and contributors to SkyWest Magazine are not necessarily those of the editor, publisher or of SkyWest Airlines. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. No part of this SkyWest Magazine may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. © 2011 Go! Publications Inc. All rights reserved.

Copies available for $6 each. This magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material. This magazine does not reply to queries without SASE.

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Welcome Aboard

Creating A Culture of Excellence Dear Passenger: This spring, businesses from across the airline industry and around the world will migrate to SkyWest’s hometown of St. George, Utah for a week of competition in the name of charity. Outfitted in Indy-style go-carts, nearly 40 teams will race to raise money for the United Way and SkyWest’s scholarship program. These funds will provide necessities for underprivileged families and allow SkyWest employees’ family members to obtain a higher education as we invest in a strong new generation. In ten years of Mini Indy, we’ve raised more than $1 million for these charities. Our world continues to change, and that’s why today, more than ever, SkyWest Airlines is an active participant in the communities we serve–places where our more than 11,000 team members live and work. We recognize that who we are and how we live affects you, our valued customer. And that’s why we are committed to doing more than offering the highest quality of air service to more than 150 cities across North America. We are dedicated to going beyond our commitment to providing critical, convenient and reliable global access through the world’s largest route network. By encouraging all team members to contribute to their communities, we are fostering a positive spirit of achievement that spills into the workplace and creates a culture of excellence. If you regularly read this magazine you know what I’m talking about. Every edition shares stories of SkyWest employees making a difference for others. Our Los Angeles team members make it a regular habit to volunteer their own time at a local food bank. Salt Lake City employees join forces with a local humanitarian center to provide aid around the globe. One of our Chicago captains became the “legs” to an injured war veteran helping him cross the finish line of his first marathon last year. Two flight attendants utilized their emergency training to assist in a mountain rescue that saved a man’s life in Utah. There are hundreds of other stories just like these that reveal the character of our people and the spirit of SkyWest. It’s as much our commitment to service as our relentless pursuit of progress that’s made SkyWest an industry leader. Whether it’s the dispatcher behind the scenes or the crew onboard your aircraft today, our aviation professionals are part of a legacy of exceptional service that spans nearly four decades. They’re among some of the many SkyWest team members currently working to ensure your flight is a good experience. Altogether, at minimum, there are 35 highly trained aviation professionals working to ensure this single flight operates safely. Like them, all of us are dedicated to making your trip a positive experience from start to finish. At SkyWest, we continue to look for new and better ways to serve our customers—in the air and on the ground. So, whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Our more than 11,000 aviation professionals warmly welcome you aboard United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines. Sincerely,

Russell “Chip” Childs President and COO SkyWest Airlines

WAITING FOR A FLIGHT? SEE THE SIGHTS. Take a FREE shuttle and a tour of historic Temple Square—in less than two hours. Pickups at Terminal 1 (door 1), Terminal 2 (door 13).

When you come to Utah, be sure to visit

TEMPLE SQUARE in the heart of Salt Lake City Tours are available in more than 30 languages

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to the glorious music of the famed Mormon Tabernacle Choir, rehearsing and performing in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. They also perform in the 21,000-seat Conference Center. See visittemplesquare.com for details.

Discover

your roots in the FamilySearch Center,

Meander

through two upscale visitors’ centers that

where helpful volunteers can assist in retrieving family history information from the

include the Christus statue by Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen. Visit the interactive map of

world’s largest repository of genealogical records.

ancient Jerusalem (kids love it!) and much more.

For information on these and many other fascinating venues on Temple Square, go to visittemplesquare.com, lds.org/placestovisit, or call 1-800-537-9703. © IRI. PD50021647

St. George, Utah

by Amanda Bjerke

t. George, Utah, one of the country’s bestkept vacation secrets, has more golf courses per capita than any other sunbelt locale (including Scottsdale). It offers convenient access to more national parks and monuments than any other American town. Home to destination spas and resorts, St. George boasts an intriguing history and it’s located smack dab in the middle of Utah’s red-rock Color Country, which means it’s beyond pretty. Now for the really good stuff, a new airport opened earlier this year so it is more effortless than ever to access this spectacular place. The $159-million, state of the art, St. George Municipal Airport is five times the size of its predecessor and sprawls across 1,200 acres. Now, SkyWest Airlines, the sole provider to its hometown, is also bringing Bombardier Canadair Regional Jets and non-stop service to Los Angeles to the facility. With an eye to the future, the new airport accommodates more passengers than ever before and is expected to serve the area’s increasing demand for a century to come.

8 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Local watercolorist Roland Lee, the recently appointed chairman of the Zion National Park Natural History Association, leads an organization dedicated to enhancing the visitors’ park experience. He said, “The new airport facility is absolutely beautiful. The interior design reflects the feeling you get when you travel through a canyon. And it is certainly able to accommodate us now and will also serve us for the long term. It will make it easier for more people to share in all that we enjoy.”

St. George Municipal Airport images: Dave Becker Angels Landing summit: National Park Service

Utah’s Color Country Made Easy

St. George Municipal Airport

Zion, Utah’s most popular national park, attracts approximately 2.7-million visitors a year. They come from across the globe to hike, mountain bike and bask in scenic wonders. Many fly to Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. The new St. George Airport is just 45 miles away from the park’s entrance. Lee said, “Being able to accommodate the larger planes makes it easier for people from all over the world to fly directly into St. George and get closer to the parks.” Lee, who is also the artist responsible for this edition’s cover, explained that “From St. George it is a straight shot to Zion. From there it’s just an hour to Bryce Canyon National Park. It is also less than two hours to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. All those natural wonders are within a little circle and very accessible. We are also close to Cedar Breaks National Monument and Pipe Spring National Monument in Arizona. It’s easy to visit three national

Interior of the new St. George Municipal Airport

parks in three days if you have limited time. Hopefully, folks can stay longer because it’s easy to spend at least three days just in Zion.” The artist went on to say that he has spent almost 40 years becoming acquainted with the park. Its location, at the convergence of the Colorado Plateau, Great Basin and Mojave Desert, makes for a grand diversity of geography, scenery and plant and animal life. Exploring the park’s massive rock formations, steep canyon faces and soaring monoliths can readily be a life-long pursuit. Those on a strict schedule will want to pick up a map at the visitor center, drive the recommended route and stop at landmarks such as Angel’s Landing. To really experience the essence of this place, get off the main road and take a hike through the Virgin River Narrows. The river’s rushing waters carved this canyon eons ago. The dramatic spires and arches resulted from uplifted and eroded sedimentary rock. A hike through the Virgin Narrows riverbed puts you in touch with that ancient process as the pathway sluices its way between mile-high canyon walls. Adaptable to most skill levels, it’s considered one of the best canyon hikes in the world. Local outfitters are available for those unwilling to go it alone. After a day slogging through the canyon, St. George offers an array of comfortable lodging, including the historic Seven Wives Bed and Breakfast Inn. Several spa-centric resorts are located nearby. The area is peppered with dining options. The upscale Painted Pony gets raves for fresh ingredients and an innovative menu. The town is also chock-a-block with down-home-style cafés. Much of St. George’s overall appeal is its small-city 9

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

10 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Mark The Calendar

Even the arts benefit from St. George’s colorful location. The Tuacahn outdoor amphitheater presents a lineup of top stars and big productions in a stunning setting. This year’s concert series kicks off with Bill Cosby, March 11, and includes the Lettermen, Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon, Air Supply, Lonestar, Don McLean and Sinbad. June launches the theater season. Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Grease alternate nightly into October with the exception of Sundays when the theater is dark. (That’s just showbiz lingo. This stage is always lit by star shine.)

far left: St. George Municipal Airport left: Orderville Canyon above: The Ledges of St. George golf course

St. George Municipal Airport images: Dave Becker Ledges Golfer: Kevin Lewis Orderville Canyon: David Pettit

friendliness. Locals—old-timers and newcomers alike—pride themselves on neighborliness. It’s ingrained in local tradition. St. George was settled by Mormon pioneers in the midst of the U.S. Civil War. Church leader Brigham Young dispatched pioneer George Smith to Utah’s desert with the hopes of growing and selling enough cotton to meet the demand once filled by America’s southern states. The project failed, but the Mormons persevered. Smith, known as “St. George” to church members lent his name to the town. Brigham Young became St. George’s first snowbird in 1873. His winter home, at the corner of 200 North and 100 West is among historic sites on a downtown walking tour. The Brigham Young Winter Home opens daily at 9 a.m. Closing hours vary by season. Not that there is ever an “off-season.” Winters are temperate. Summers hot. Spring and fall delightful. Local golfers enjoy more than 275 playable days every year and you can, too. Of the ten local golf clubs, only one is private. All St. George visitors are welcome to explore plenty of options, including four world-class courses—Southgate, St. George, Dixie Red Hills Golf Course and Sunbrook, rated by Golf Digest as Utah’s finest. But the best thing about golfing in St. George isn’t the plethora of choice; it’s the scenery. Here, players tee off in the shadows of high canyon bluffs that dazzle in shades of orange-red against a cerulean sky. A wide expanse of desert flora unfolds around the courses, offering a breath-taking view of sandstone canyons and mint-hued sagebrush. This place is so lovely and the recreation so amazing, plan your St. George itinerary soon. Before long, the word will be out. n

ArtWatch

nATIOnAL PARK

Roland Lee’s Pastoral

A Patch of Blue

outhern Utah’s majestic landscape lured Roland Lee from California more than 30 years ago. Since then the former ad agency illustrator and art professor has earned a reputation as one of the most significant painters of Utah’s vivid landscape. Transparent watercolor is his specialty, Zion National Park his favorite subject. “Our family has a cabin on the east boundary of Zion. We bought a little five-acre parcel right after we moved from Los Angeles. So I spend a lot of time hiking in the park,” he said explaining that the painting on this edition’s cover, A Patch of Blue, captures a peaceful time along the North Fork of the Virgin River. “At times it can be a very turbulent river that roils through there. That is how the canyon was carved, but it can also be a very passive river. That’s what I wanted to capture—the peaceful water reflecting those brilliant red cliffs and the blue skies. It’s a place I enjoy.” Like all of Lee’s work the 21” x 29” painting evokes strong feelings. “Art is always about human emotion,” he said. “I do not try to replicate or document an actual scene. I try to relate what I experienced while there.” To facilitate his work, Lee records images via a sketchbook and pocket camera. He also does small paintings on location. “I never paint a place I’ve never seen, but I never paint directly from a photo either. I use photos and sketches for reference and rely on my emotions. In the studio I work to enhance the colors to capture the mood. My work isn’t about how high the mountain or how wide the river. It’s about the feeling—the cool air and the warm sun bouncing off the rocks, the way it all affects the senses. That’s what I try to present.” Lee has traveled the world, capturing the essence of landscapes from Europe to the South Pacific, yet St. George remains his favorite destination. “I’ve been to lots of countries, but I enjoy being here as much as any place,” he said. n

Two hours north and a million miles away from Las Vegas, this National Park will amaze and inspire you! Take advantage of hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, jeep tours, rappelling, atv excursions & more. Don’t forget the camera!

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A year round golf destination that has lots of options for every golfer’s skill level, schedule and pocketbook! Ten conveniently located courses and multiple lodging options. Book up to six months out with no fees at RedRockGolf.com. Fly direct into St. George from Los Angeles or Salt Lake City!

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

Modesto, California HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE by Colleen Birch Maile

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days! Tuesday, Wednesday, Happy Days! Thursday, Friday, Happy Days! Every Day a Happy Day!

he innocent era of sock hops and drive-ins, doo-wop and dragsters, lives on each June in Modesto, California. Graffiti Summer, a month-long celebration of hot rods and happy days, gives visitors a glimpse of Modesto history and pays homage to the breakthrough work of its favorite son—movie legend George Lucas. Before creating the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, the iconic director, screenwriter and producer captured the essence of an era with American Graffiti, a film deeply rooted in Lucas’ own high school experiences in Modesto. His sister Kate Nyegaard still lives in the San Joaquin Valley town and explained that it really was— and still is—a ‘Happy Days’ kind of place. “I am eight years older than George. But even when I was dating my husband we would go see a movie at the State Theatre and then go get an ice cream soda or sundae at Burge’s Drive-In. It was like the one that’s in the movie [American Graffiti].” Carhops still scoot about on roller skates at Modesto’s A&W Drive-In, said to be the nation’s oldest. The State Theatre, refurbished to its Art Deco glory, now presents live music, and independent and art films. “We spent a lot of our childhoods in that place,” Nyegaard said. “It was newsreels and then the movie. We loved the Saturday serials. Now it plays wonderful films that you don’t find at the Cineplex.” The historic movie house is just one of many Modesto entertainment options. Chris Murphy, past president of the State Theatre’s non-profit board,

12 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Modesto images: Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau

said, “We’ve got all the big city things to do—amazing music, night life, a downtown that’s always got something going on. It’s easy to park, easy to walk.” Like Nyegaard, Murphy grew up in Modesto. He left after graduating from nearby Cal State Stanislaus. “I was gone for about ten years. I worked in Seattle and then for a San Jose company with offices in Holland, Italy, Germany and London. I’ve spent time in just about every city you can think about.” When his children reached school age, Murphy and his wife decided Modesto was an appealing place to raise a family. “When we were thinking about making the move, I wondered ‘What am I going to do with myself?’ I was quickly blown away by how much was happening here and how much I loved it.” That was in 1996, when Modesto’s downtown redevelopment efforts were getting underway and the American Graffiti Festival and Car Show, the lynchpin of Graffiti Summer, was just in the planning stages. Since then, the city has established itself as a vibrant “place to be.” Murphy explained, “People are coming to Modesto as a dining destination from places like Sacramento. I’d put our restaurants up against any place I’ve eaten. The downtown [eateries] are all locally owned. There are no chains. There’s live music seven nights a week, poetry slams, ongoing wine tastings, sidewalk cafés where the music just spills out onto the streets. There is so much to do that our family has to look at our weekly schedule and decide what we have to miss.” The Gallo Center for the Arts adds to Modesto’s ample entertainment offerings. “We’ve always emphasized the arts,” Nyegaard said. “I used to go to the Modesto Symphony when I was a little girl. Now they perform at the Gallo Center.” So do the local ballet and opera and a full roster of regional talent and road shows. The facility incorporates two state-of-the art theaters. One seats 1,250, the other 440. Both feature orchestra pits and cutting edge acoustics. The center’s downtown location contributes to the city’s electrifying vibe.

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Bike race: Modesto CVB Dr. Carole Channing: Leslie “Missie” Fennell

Downtown also serves as the terminus of the AMGEN bicycle tour. One of the world’s top races, it draws 130 riders representing 20 different countries to Modesto each May. Many are international competitors with Tour de France experience. The following month Graffiti Summer descends complete with Elvis impersonators, plenty of rock ’n’ roll and—of course—the cars. John Sanders, one of the event’s founders, said this year’s festival has evolved to include 850 cars—all 1972-vintage or older. “Friday evening we have a parade through town.” The route meanders along streets George Lucas cruised as a teen. Sanders, another former cruiser, explained, “It was the social event—we called it ‘dragging’ back then. It was especially big

on weekends but it went on every night. Modesto has always had a big car culture. People just enjoyed their cars. In the movie [American Graffiti], George didn’t make it look better or worse than it was. It was very realistic. A lot of car enthusiasts still live here. [In addition to the American Graffiti festival show] we have smaller car shows throughout the year.” Summer also brings free Moband concerts to the city’s showpiece Graceada Park. The performers are all drawn from the community. Broadway star Carol Channing is known to dazzle her fellow Modestans with occasional appearances. Channing grew up in San Francisco where as a 12-year-old she fell into what she describes as puppy love with 13-year-old Harry Kullijian. The two reunited after a 70 year separation, married, Dr. Carol Channing and now live in Modesto, a place Kullijian, a former city councilman, has called home for more than 50 years.

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The community serves as headquarters for the Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation for the Arts, an organization dedicated to arts education in the public schools. The two energetic nonagenarians are passionate about the topic. “When we were in school, we fell in love with the arts. We loved poetry—Keats, Shelley,” Channing said. “Our involvement with drama and debate helped us both do well in other subjects. We feel the arts are vital for future generations.” She also said they enjoy living and working in Harry’s adopted hometown. “There’s so much to do. It’s a terrific city and the Gallo Center for the Arts is a very special asset,” Channing said with her characteristic wide smile. “Everybody smiles in Modesto,” Chris Murphy said. “You look at an old classic car and you have to smile. You hear ‘wop-boppa loo-bop,’ you have to smile. We really do have happy days here.” n

Modesto’s Magic isn’t limited to cars and music. The community enjoys a pleasant four-season climate in a setting surrounded by farm fields and orchards. “In spring, when the almonds, apricots and walnuts are in bloom, it’s especially beautiful,” Kate Nyegaard said, while John Sanders noted that no matter what you want to do, you’ll find it within a few hours. “We are close to the ocean, mountains, big cities. Modesto has everything you could want.”

Save The Date Happy Times May 15 – 22 | AMGEN Tour of California concludes in Modesto June 10 – 12 | American Graffiti Car Show and Festival

Business Profile

St. George Municipal Airport

New gateway to the national parks opens in St. George, Utah! After more than two decades from vision to reality, the new St. George Municipal Airport is open. The airport is located five miles southeast of downtown St. George with convenient access to I-15 via the new Southern Parkway which runs along the Utah/Arizona state line. The airport occupies 1,200 acres with a 9,300 ft. runway and boasts unbelievable views of the natural southwest landscape in every direction. The jewel of the new 16 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

airport is the terminal building featuring a jet bridge, unique slot-canyon architecture and art on display from some of the area’s most renowned artists. The airport offers all private and commercial services you would expect including regional jet flights. Five daily flights from Salt Lake City and one daily flight to Los Angeles (LAX) make getting to and from St. George a breeze. With a thriving arts scene, a temperate climate, ribbons of emerald green fairways and the incredible scenery of Zion National Park, Washington County is a haven you’ll wish you discovered long ago. Plan your next trip to southern Utah today and fly SGU! For flights and airport amenities visit www.flysgu.com

Crater Lake: Bonita Tsao

Klamath Superlatives

f checking out natural wonders is high on your list, Klamath Falls, Oregon should be on your radar. This cozy former logging town, just 30 miles from the California line, offers access to a gaggle of outdoor adventures, including these utterly unique experiences: 1. Crater Lake National Park conserves the nation’s deepest lake. At 1,940 feet, Crater Lake is considered one of the three deepest in the world. It may also be the globe’s bluest. The astonishing color occurs because nothing muddies these waters. Rain and snow collect in the caldera of the ancient volcano Mount Mazama and simply stay put. There are no tributaries or inlets. The surrounding 2,000-foot cliffs add to the scenic drama. In fair weather, thirty-three miles of shoreline beg to be discovered. A road around the rim offers a scenic drive, and boats carry visitors to the stillrumbly Wizard Island where they can hike up an 800-foot trail for a peek into the cinder-cone. 18 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

by Connie Naylor

The lake rarely freezes over and when the weather allows, it is a fisherperson’s paradise. You don’t need a license to angle for trout and salmon in this national park. The lake was first stocked in 1888. Both species now reproduce naturally. Hundreds of miles of trails crisscross the park’s forests and volcanic fields. Cleetwood Cove Trail, a fairly easy, albeit steep path, provides the only human access to the lake. The trail is also favored by wildlife, and close encounters with deer are very common. In winter and early spring, snowshoes or cross-country skis are advisable when exploring. Rangers lead free snowshoe treks every weekend through May 1. Even the vehicle road along the rim is usually partially closed well into June. The Park gets a huge amount of snowfall— more than 500 inches each year—but the lake remains liquid blue. It’s a visual wonderland all through the year. In-park lodging is not available until mid-May. However, the Steel Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April. In May hours expand for the busier summer season.

variety of hawks. The American White Pelican serves as the local mascot. An impressive bird with a tenfoot wingspan, it is a common sight throughout the summer. Even the most casual bird watcher will find the quantity and diversity of life astounding.

2. Wildlife Refuges: Many real snowbirds never bother with Arizona. Millions of songbirds, waterfowl and waders spend their winters in the Klamath Falls area, where six separate Wildlife Refuges— Bear Valley, Clear Lake, Klamath Marsh, Lower Klamath, Upper Klamath and Tule Lake—offer haven from bitter weather. The community’s location on the Pacific Flyway makes it a perfect stop for migratory birds and all through winter and spring the area harbors the largest concentration of bald eagles in the country. Also in residence are herons, egrets, trumpeter and tundra swans and a wide

3. Lava Beds National Monument, just across the California line, 30 miles south of Klamath Falls, contains every imaginable formation of volcanic attraction. There are fumaroles, cinder cones, lava flows, volcanic fields and the continent’s largest concentration of lava tube caves.

There may be prettier places in the world. Can’t say where, though. Shhh. Klamath County is Oregon Unexpected, a place of adventure, beauty, and wildlife. We have it all—hospitality and high desert vistas, fishing and forests, and our crown jewel, Crater Lake National Park. Klamath County also is home to the Oregon Institute of Technology, the only public technological institute in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the Oregon University System, Oregon Tech provides nationally recognized Bachelors and Masters Degrees in engineering, health technologies, management, communication, and applied sciences that result in unmatched graduate employment through hands-on learning. Whether you’re looking for an amazing vacation spot or a great education, come stay in our community, explore our wilderness, and Discover Klamath – Oregon Unexpected.

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

While more temperate than Crater Lake, the weather here is still unpredictable. Spring can be chilly, morning fog common, and snow always a possibility at higher elevations. (The park terrain ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 feet.) The good news? Temperatures in the caves are mild throughout the year. Spring wildflowers are amazing and the austere landscape the stuff of haunting memories. When to Go? Spring in Klamath Country is fickle— slushy at best, snow-covered much of the time. But it’s also uncrowded, and holds amazing opportunities to encounter wildlife with their young. (Remember to keep your distance!) Dress in layers; consider snowshoes if you venture off-road. Save the more arduous hikes for summer and relax! It’s easy to balance fresh-air day trips with comfortable lodging, upscale dining and culture in Klamath Falls. A variety of museums, landmarks and tours preserve the area’s colorful history. Plan to see the Native American and Western artifact collection at the Favell Museum, 125 West Main Street, and the historic photos at the 1906-vintage Baldwin Hotel that’s now a museum. Located at 31 Main Street, the four-story structure also includes

a very large antique collection and the opportunity to tour the restored hotel rooms. The Ross-Ragland Performing Arts Center offers an array of live entertainment from ballet to countrywestern in a renovated, historic art-deco facility. n

SAVE THE DATE: May 14 | International Migratory Bird Day Festival celebrates the community’s feathered guests with music, food, art and educational seminars that mean fun for the whole family.

Business Profile

Gamma Knife – a revolution in neurosurgery Fresno may not be well-known as a tourist destination, but world-class technology like the Gamma Knife—available at Saint Agnes Medical Center—has put Valley health care on the map. Saint Agnes, a 436-bed acute care medical center in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, is proud to be one of only 200 institutions worldwide, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, Mayo Clinic, and UCSF Medical Center, using Gamma Knife; and is among a select handful using the newest and most precise version—the Perfexion. Considered the “gold standard” in radiosurgery, Gamma Knife is the most effective noninvasive treatment available for brain tumors and other abnormalities in the brain and upper neck previously considered inaccessible or inoperable. Contrary to its name, Gamma Knife does not use a knife at all. There are no scalpels 20 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

involved and no incisions made. Instead, 192 highly focused beams of radiation—delivered in a single high-dose—converge on the specific area where the tumor or abnormality resides. With the help of a computer and the latest imaging technology, physicians can identify the exact spot with pinpoint accuracy. This promising alternative to traditional surgery offers superior outcomes, fewer complications and quicker recovery times, giving Valley residents one more reason to be proud of the community they call home. For more information about Gamma Knife, call: 1-800-ST-AGNES | www.samc.com.

SkyWest United Express connects Oregon and the world beyond with daily flights to and from Portland, Eugene, Medford, Bend, Klamath Falls and Coos Bay/North Bend. Each distinct community offers events, activities and opportunities that make for the quintessential Oregon Adventure.

North Bend, Or

Dunes!

The nation’s grandest coastal sand dunes extend 40 miles along Oregon’s Pacific Coast near the state’s Bay Area. Three charming communities—North Bend, Coos Bay and Charleston—serve as gateways to mountains of fun. Soaring from sea level to more than 500 feet in elevation, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area offers staggering beauty, solitary sanctuaries and options for adrenaline-pumping adventure. Spring, when weather is mild and crowds minimal, is an excellent time to visit. Camping is especially easy at this time of year. Near the Bay Area, Spinreel Campground has 36 sites for tents, motorized vehicles and trailers next to the recreational area and Tenmile Creek. Trails lead to the beach and access to the largest riding area in all the dunes. It stretches between Spinreel and Horsfall Road. Horsfall Beach Campground is right in the dunes next to the ocean while Horsfall Campground is about three miles inland. Both are designed for ATVand vehicle-camping. While some folks do backpack and ride horses through the dunes, four-wheelers are the

most efficient way to get around. Even if you don’t know a sandrail (the ultimate off-road machine) from a sandpiper (a beach bird) there’s a dune-rider experience for you. Check one of the local vendors and sign on for a guided tour of the dunes or take a go-at-your-own-speed, self-guided ride on a rental. Beyond the heart-stopping thrills, the scenery is really cool. Passive types will enjoy puttering around and exploring amid the soaring sandpiles. Tucked throughout the recreation area, more than 30 lakes and ponds offer alternative water pleasures. The amazing dunes are just one part of Oregon’s Coastal experience. This 363-mile stretch of preserved beachfront is truly the people’s playground. No high-end resorts or ritzy residences bar access to exceptional scenery and world-class recreation. Every expected seaside diversion— fishing, boating, sailing, camping, birdwatching and beachcombing—are all part of the mix. Sensory pleasures range from fabulous dining to phenomenal photo opp’s. Access all the good times by flying to North Bend with United Express service by SkyWest. n 21

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

Redding, California

Beyond Shasta’s Shadow

by Lou Jurassic

“Lonely as God, and white as a winter moon, Mount Shasta starts up sudden and solitary from the heart of the great black forests of Northern California.”

— Joaquin Miller, poet, novelist, pioneer

edding, a four-season playground in the northwest corner of California’s Central Valley, ushers travelers into Mount Shasta’s wonders and much more. Consider these reasons to visit one of the Golden State’s finest recreational treasures:

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding’s defining diversion touches upon every important aspect of the area. It’s easy to spend a day strolling through the botanical gardens and arboretum and adjacent natural habitat along the Sacramento River. Pause atop the Sundial Bridge and watch fishermen in drift boats float beneath you. Rent a Segway or bicycle and join a tour or hire a pedicab. The Turtle Bay Museum caps the experience with in-depth exhibits detailing Redding’s environment and man’s place in it. The Paul Bunyan Forest Camp, Interpretive Forest, live animal programs and butterfly house appeal to all ages.

The Sundial Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, is an undisputed architectural marvel in the midst of Turtle Bay’s riparian area. The creation of noted architect Santiago Calatrava, the glass-decked wonder spans the Sacramento River and unifies Turtle Bay Exploration Park’s attractions. Artistically appealing and scientifically amazing, it casts a shadow that serves as a large (albeit imprecise) sundial. Redding’s most popular attraction, it is also the entrance to the 10-mile Sacramento River Trail.

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Mount Shasta’s dramatic silhouette abruptly

towers more than 10,000 feet above its surroundings, providing a stunning backdrop for the sprawling valley below and a world of recreation. Meadows, waterfalls, deep forests and an abundance of wildlife add to enjoyment on the mountain. Hiking and mountain climbing are popular in warmer months. Downhill, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding are part of the winter fun. The 14,179-foot peak remains snowy from October through July.

Shasta Lake, 10 miles north of Redding, the state’s largest reservoir, entices visitors and locals with huge opportunities for play. They all beat Redding’s summer heat by taking to the water. With 355 miles of rugged shoreline to explore it’s not hard to get away from it all even on the busiest days. Houseboats, and less elaborate craft—party barges, ski boats, wave runners and more—are available for rent. Spring, when water is high and crowds low, is a great time to explore the lake. Fishing is good all year round. The bass, especially in summer, are legendary.

the gold fields lies in ruins, the many restored brick buildings and ongoing presence of residents makes it one of the state’s most engaging “ghost” towns. The courthouse is now a museum and the emporium and bakery still serve visitors, although operating hours are sporadic. Brandy Creek Falls in Whiskeytown Recreational Area

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, just eight

miles west of Redding, offers 36 miles of shoreline and placid waters—the ideal setting for sailing, scuba diving and kayaking. Personal watercraft are prohibited and lifeguards patrol the popular Brandy Creek Beach in summer. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping are other outdoor options for benefiting from the area’s sunshine. (Only Yuma, Arizona boasts a higher percentage of sunny days per year.)

Shasta City Historical State Park, six miles from Redding on Highway 299, is well worth a stop if you’re heading to Whiskeytown, or other points west. While much of the once-thriving gateway to

The Cascade Theatre, built in 1935 and lavished

with Art Deco gilt (despite the Great Depression) was restored to former glory in 2004. The nonprofit performing arts center marries historic splendor with state-of-the-art technology. The result is worth the price of admission. Top-notch road shows and performers are a bonus. n

Insider’s Dining Tip

Nello’s Place, 3055 Bechelli Lane, Redding, is a family’s labor of love. A local institution for more than 30 years, it’s the best of Old World Italian. Settle into cushy red banquettes, enjoy tableside service and a hearty menu ranging from pasta to an amazing Veal Salto in Bocca .

Redding

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

ly d n e i r F t e g d Bu

SpringVacations

hether you’re recovering from winter doldrums or simply want to relax and rejuvenate, springtime getaways are easy to come by—economical, too. Glorious places all along the United Express SkyWest route map herald the season of new beginnings with fresh adventures and plenty of pampering. Some offer a chance to combine winter’s last ski runs with time on the links. Others usher in warm-weather fun—hiking, camping, horseback riding and time on the water. All give you a chance to make memories of a lifetime amid beautiful scenery. Here are a few of our favorites.

Blue Lake Ranch, Durango, CO

Blue Lake Ranch, Southwest Colorado’s premier Country Inn just 15 minutes from Durango, has taken “dude” out of the ranch experience. Unique private lodging in Cabins and Casitas are ideal for families and come equipped with kitchens, whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. The Ranch is on 200 acres of wildlife preserve, hiking trails and renowned gardens. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before venturing out to the area’s attractions that are minutes from our front door . . . Mesa Verde National Park, The Durango Silverton Train, Rafting and Horseback Riding in the spectacular San Juans. We’ll help you plan a family vacation that will become a lifelong memory, if not a family tradition. 888-258-3525 or visit www.bluelakeranch.com

Gunnison-Crested Butte, CO Gunnison-Crested Butte is a winter wonderland. When the snow melts, it unveils an explosion of colorful wildflowers, exciting events, arts and culture and the spirit of the great American West! Colorado’s oldest rodeo, its official wildflower capital and largest lake are just the beginning of things to see and do. Rafting, horseback riding, hiking, camping, boating and fishing abound. Visit our website for budget-friendly offers. 1880s Western and Victorian Rocky Mountain Towns. 800-323-2453 or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com

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Mount Shasta Resort, CA Nestled at the base of beautiful Mount Shasta is one of Northern California’s finest All-Season Resorts. Mount Shasta Resort encompasses all you could ask for when searching for a place to stay and play. After 18 holes of golf, or a long day of skiing, hiking or fishing, unwind in our Day Spa, dine in the Highland House Restaurant, and then relax amidst some of the most pristine landscape imaginable in our fully appointed chalets. 530-926-3030 or visit www.mountshastaresort.com

8th Annual Reno River Festival, NV The Reno River Festival celebrates eight years along the shores of the Truckee River during the paddle sports industry’s top event, May 6 – 8. Held annually at the country’s first-ever urban whitewater park, the free festival welcomes nearly 40,000 people to downtown Reno for three days of whitewater action, food, beer gardens, live entertainment, outdoor vendors, yoga in the park and of course, the always memorable Run Amuck relay race. Visit us for information and hotel packages. www.RenoRiverFestival.com

San Joaquin Community Hospital knows “firsts.” Hospital to have both a Nationally Certified Stroke Center, and Nationally Accredited Chest Pain Center under the same roof Hospital-based 64-slice CT scanner Hospital to perform open-heart surgery Nationally certified, hospital-based Diabetes Education Program Hospital-based Free Mobile Immunizations Program Full-treatment Grossman Burn Center Gold Standard Bariatrics Program

Bakersfield’s Most Preferred Hospital

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 United express |

Sky News

| Asheville, NC

Spring Into Blooming Good Fun From the Biltmore mansion’s 175,000 square feet of over-the-top opulence to the funky fun of the River Arts District, Asheville is a travel bonanza all through the year. In springtime visitors get the bonus of easing into warm weather by ambling through some of the nation’s lushest countryside. Take a hike. Go for a stroll. But do not hurry. Whether your taste runs to manicured plantings or wild woods, an abundance of showy blossoms beg you to appreciate their beauty and diversity. The North Carolina Arboretum’s 65 cultivated acres in South Asheville is a great place to start. It includes a variety of formal gardens plus more than 10 miles of forested hiking and biking paths. Get a little wild along the arboretum’s Carolina Mountain Trail and find yourself amid pines, hardwoods and blooming beauties such as azaleas and dogwoods. Located in the Bent Creek Experimental portion of the Pisgah National Forest, the arboretum is also home to the nation’s most thorough collection of azalea species and a Heritage Garden populated with plants used in traditional Appalachian crafts. This unique repository is the fulfillment of Frederick Olmstead’s vision. The legendary landscape architect developed the grounds around the Vanderbilts’ magnum opus Biltmore more than a century ago and wanted to create another masterpiece for public view. His dream was realized with the Arboretum’s founding in 1986. While the Biltmore’s palatial surroundings are boggling in springtime, the arboretum packs a lot more idyllic bang for the buck. An advance ticket to the Biltmore is $29 and includes access to the magnificent mansion. (It’s $59 if you buy the day of your visit.) The Arboretum? No charge. It does cost $8 per car to park. n

| Gillette, WY

Vast and Peaceful Treasures

The Black Hills, gateway to America’s West, spill from South Dakota to Wyoming conjuring mythic images of wide-open places. At their southwesterly edge they give way to a prairie of epic proportions—an ecosystem so fragile and diverse the federal government corralled it into the Thunder Basin National Grasslands. On this preserve just 45 miles south of Gillette antelope frolic, golden eagles swoop over prairie dog villages and the human soul finds respite. Four rivers—the Cheyenne, Little Powder, Little Missouri and Belle Fourche coax countless flocks of birds to riparian roosts and in springtime sagebrush bursts forth with yellow and purple blossoms. Other dry country wildflowers—paintbrush, balsamroot—show their colors, too. Camping is primitive, hiking stupendous and the fishing is easy. So is an encounter with history. The entire area is peppered with relics of the past from prehistoric hunting camps to the ruined remnants of homesteader’s dreams. The Dustbowl that contributed to the 1930’s Great Depression hit this country hard. The delicate soil’s inability to support crops spawned the grasslands conservancy when the land was deemed uninhabitable. Wildlife and birdlife never got the message. This is the place to encounter an America much as it was before westward expansion. If making like a pioneer and sleeping under the stars (or hunkering in a tent) isn’t appealing to you, just take a day’s trek to the preserve and head back to Gillette for food and shelter. Odds are you’ll want to return to the captivating grasslands sooner than later. Their allure stretches into autumn but they are especially green and glorious in springtime. n 26 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

ie mov

Calling All SkyWest Fans Every issue of SkyWest Magazine brings letters bearing praise for our publication. From time to time, you write to offer corrections or suggestions about ways we can improve. That’s great, too. To encourage this ongoing communication, we’ve teamed up with Hollywood to reward some of our terrific “correspondents” with a FREE DVD of a recently released movie. Here’s what you could win: The Fighter, a moving and often humorous drama about fighting for the people you love, stars Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale and Amy Adams. Inspired by the true story of professional welterweight fighter “Irish” Mickey Ward and his half-brother Dicky Eklund, the film explores the effects of crack cocaine on Eklund’s once-promising boxing career and the way it influences Ward. The moving saga nabbed seven Oscar nominations including ones for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Christian Bale as Eklund) and Best Supporting Actress (both Amy Adams and Melissa Leo as Ward’s girlfriend and mother, respectively.)

Morning Glory a charming dramedy featuring Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton and Rachel McAdams, carries viewers into the hilarious, dysfunctional and pressure-packed world of network news as McAdams, a driven, up-start producer takes on a struggling morning show with warring hosts. Through a series of pitfalls her workaholic character finally discovers what really matters in life. To win a free copy of one DVD, just be among the first 10 people to write and tell us what you like best about this publication. Sorry, no e-mail. You have to use a stamp! I’M A FAN SkyWest Magazine 205 North 10th Street, Suite B100 Boise, Idaho 83702

Contest runs through April 30, 2011. It is not open to employees of the airline or the magazine, members of their families or previous winners. Void where prohibited.

| Salt Lake City, UT

Make the Most of a Layover It only takes 15 minutes to get from the airport to downtown Salt Lake City where there is so much to experience. Making the trip is extra easy with free airport shuttle service to Temple Square, the historic, spiritual center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Air passengers with at least a two-hour layover can enjoy a highly informative, 40-minute Temple Square tour and more, according to Dale Sansom who directs the program. Regularly departing shuttles wait at two locations. Ask a customer service agent for the location nearest you. The shuttles also return passengers to the air terminal. The service is sponsored by the Visitor Activities Section of the Church, in cooperation with the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Utah Travel Council, the Salt Lake Downtown Alliance and the airlines. n

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

Rivers! R

ivers, the planet’s original thoroughfares, carry us places we can find in no other way. Whether you opt for a mellow half-day float or a week navigating a national landmark prepare to learn much. Rivers put us in touch with pristine places, fascinating histories and the uncharted regions of our souls. The bigger the water, the greater the lessons. Last summer, my weeklong Colorado River trip through the Grand Canyon revealed much. In seven days, our flotilla of motorized pontoon rafts traversed 187 miles and passed through eons of natural history. This is not the nation’s deepest canyon, nor is it the widest. Indeed at its narrowest parts the chasm shrinks to a mere 70 feet. But, the variation of uplifted, eroded sedimentary rock yielding to metamorphic quartzes and marble; the spectacular peaks, pinnacles and shelves painted with light-reflecting hues of slate and steel, pink, cinnamon and peach; the canyon walls stretching to an unadulterated sky; make this gorge the world’s most stunning. The view from the bottom defies any mountaintop experience.

Accomplished guides from Arizona River Runners are well-versed in geology, capably identifying sandstone, limestone, quartzite, shale and lava. They understand mankind’s long-history here, effortlessly embroidering conversation with legend and lore. The landscape illustrates idyllic stories of unbelievable domesticity. Handprints, hieroglyphics, and granaries lend credence to tales of ancient res-

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idents. No remnants remain of the guide’s harsher narratives—splintered boats, lost explorers, vanished sightseers. The chills these stories render are surpassed only by the river’s frigid spray. The long voyage navigates still waters and raging rapids—some with dizzying drops. Rain gear is a must. So, too a spirit of adventure. At it’s fiercest, the Colorado elicits screams of terror and sends pulses racing. Air temperature varies from sizzling to chilling. The river, always cold, serves as the only bathing option. Day hikes offer respite from the river and pose their own challenges. Terrain is rugged, animals such as bighorn sheep are prevalent. Bugs grow big. Bats patrol at dusk. The guides expertly soothe anxieties and exude confidence. Meals are ample. Dinners feature gourmet, Dutch-oven fare complete with lush desserts. At bedtime tents are provided. Unless rain threatens, don’t miss the chance to sleep in the open. No city lights dull the night sky. Shooting stars cascade from the heavens and the canyon walls cradle a singular world. This is a place with a powerful hold. As we disembarked at the impossibly solitary Bar 10 Ranch for a helicopter ride back to our Marble Canyon launch point, the trip seemed all too short. I was instantly mindful that some tours, sans motors, paddle the entire length of the canyon. They take much longer of course. Maybe that’s a good thing. Every minute on the Colorado River you learn what it means to be alive. A Grand Canyon excursion may be more than your time allows. No worries. River adventures exist all along the SkyWest route map. Each is sure to open new worlds of insight and experience. n

Canyon image: Colleen Birch Maile

by Colleen Birch Maile

Grand Canyon Rafting

Arizona

Don’t just look.”Experience” the Grand Canyon from the Colorado River looking up! Arizona River Runners has provided family whitewater adventures, through one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, since 1970. For your trip-of-a-lifetime choose from our all-inclusive 3, 6, 7, 8, 12 or 13-day packages. All ages are welcome from 8 to 85+ and no experience needed! We provide the gear and excitement, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure! 800-477-7238 | www.raftarizona.com

Cascade Raft

Idaho

Since 1985, Cascade Raft and Kayak has been providing a comfortable level of whitewater rafting fun on the Payette River in Idaho for adventure seekers of all ages and budgets. It brings together families and friends one splash at a time. Choose from a mellow half-day float or a full day packed with raging Class IV whitewater thrills. The spectacular scenery, professional staff, and beautiful setting promise to create a cherished memory for all, only one hour from Boise. 800-292-7238 | www.cascaderaft.com

Paragon Outdoors

Colorado

“It’s never too late to have a happy childhood!” That’s the motto of Paragon Outdoor guides based at BootDoctors in Telluride, CO. Fly fishing, rafting, mountain bike tours and naturalist hikes are the best way to experience the bounty of the San Juan Mountains. Telluride is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts because of the incredible range of mountains, gorgeous alpine rivers and endless trails. Can your “inner child” come out to play? Book your adventure today. 800-592-6883 | www.bootdoctors.com

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

Ranches “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”

— Winston Churchill

by Tony Banning

he great statesman knew what he was talking about. Why shouldn’t he? Back in his youth, horses were the ultimate symbols of liberty, status and power, essential to transportation, combat, exploration and industry. People knew horse stuff. Today, not so much. Yet the mystique continues. Time in the saddle remains the essence of larger-than-life experience—especially when it comes to riding and roping like a cowboy. Time atop a horse liberates the spirit and awakens the senses and dude ranches make it easy for tenderfoots and greenhorns to embrace every cowboy cliché. If you’ve ever longed to ride into the sunset, sing around a campfire, or chase a little dogey, professional wranglers can make your dreams come true. Accredited members of the Dude Ranchers’ Association hire experienced horse-people who typically have ranch and/or rodeo backgrounds. They understand both equine psychology and human frailty. Incredibly patient and gracious, these accomplished equestrians deftly bridge the mental and emotional gap between man and mount. In their capable hands even the most apprehensive rider is assured of a rollicking good time. Guest ranches cater to every age and interest. Options range from working cattle enterprises where guests get to help with the daily operations to upscale retreats that function as family camps with horsecentric activities among other diversions. We’re talking spa treatments, tennis courts, swimming pools and shopping excursions. Some also emphasize fly-fishing and hunting. Many offer a chance to sleep beneath the sky during overnight camping trips. All will introduce you to unparalleled scenery. From broad valleys, to soaring peaks, gentle prairies to vast deserts, guest ranches are located in America’s best wide-open places. Considering the wealth of opportunities and the all-inclusive pricing, these vestiges of yesteryear are an absolute bargain. Whether you’re looking for a multi-generational vacation, a full-on family reunion, a romantic couples getaway or some time alone, guest ranches fit the bill. Now is the perfect time to plan your summer holiday. n

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Colorado

Paragon Outdoors Relax in this worry-free historic traditional ranch nestled by a secluded section of the Uncompaghre River, located near Telluride in the gorgeous San Juans of Southwest Colorado. This authentic ranch features breathtaking views of sandstone cliffs and gentle ranch lands. World-class fly-fishing offers anglers of any level a memorable experience in this year-round fishing destination. To reserve your private fishing trip at this unique ranch please call or visit our website. 800-592-6883 | www.bootdoctors.com

California

Red’s Meadow Resort & Pack Station A vacation paradise in the High Sierra. We offer pack trips, horseback riding, cabins, café and general store. Over 100 lakes and miles of streams. The Devil’s Postpile National Monument and majestic Rainbow Falls on the San Joaquin River are near the resort. Excellent camping, fishing, photography, hunting and solitude. Arrange your own private trip or join an open group trip. 800-292-7758 | www.redsmeadow.com

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

7D Ranch

Cody, WY 1-307-587-9885

Wyoming premiere family guest ranch, since 1958. Close to Yellowstone Park. We have a smaller guest capacity than most, which allows us to provide personalized care.

www.7dranch.com 63 Ranch

Livingston, MT

1-406-222-0570

Bar W Guest Ranch Whitefish, MT

Colorado Trails Ranch

1-406-863-9099

Durango, CO

Historic working dude ranch welcoming guests for more than 80 years. Original family owned and operated to this day. Scenic grandeur - Horses Cattle - Fishing – History! Experience the “Last Best Place” – Montana!

Fun, adventure and breathtaking scenery. Our array of activities, friendly staff, excellent food and comfortable cabins make your ranch vacation one you’ll always remember.

www.63ranch.com

www.coloradotrails.com

1-800-323-3833

The Bar W is open year round and treats you with true Western hospitality - from the moment you arrive until long after you have left. Please check us out!

www.barwguestranch.com Laramie River Ranch Jelm, WY

Broken Arrow Lodge

1-970-435-5716

Adler, MT 1-800-775-2928

Located in Southwest Montana on the Ruby River. Horseback riding, hiking, scenic auto tours, gold panning, western history, fishing, roping, digging for garnets. Western Hospitality!

www.LRRanch.com

www.brokenarrowlodge.com Greenhorn Creek Ranch

Lost Creek Ranch

Quincy, CA

Moose, WY 1-307-733-3435

1-800-334-6939

Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch - Serving up the best hospitality in the West. Take home a saddlebag full of memories. Life’s not about who gets there first, it’s whether or not you enjoy the ride!

www.greenhornranch.com

Experience the Laramie River Ranch. Fly fishing, cattle work, and activities with our naturalist round out your days. Comfortable accommodations, homestyle meals, and evening entertainment round out your nights.

In the GRAND TRADITION of western dude ranches, Lost Creek Ranch & Spa, located at the base of Wyoming’s Teton Range, offers an escape that is both rustic and luxurious.

www.lostcreek.com The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch Shell, WY 1-800-354-8637

Upscale working cattle & trail ranch. Great staff & horsemanship culture, no nose to tail riding here.

www.thehideout.com

This ad sponsored by these fine DRA Members.

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Texas

Ranches

Rocking L Ranch The Rocking L Guest Ranch is perfect for corporate events, family reunions or group parties. Located 50 miles from Dallas, the ranch can accommodate up to 30 guests in private and semi-private rooms. Onsite activities include swimming, horseback riding, fishing, large game room, bonfires, hayrides, boating and much more. Transportation to and from DFW airport can be provided by ranch-owned vehicles. Our staff will cater to all your needs. Call today for package options. 866-841-1137 | www.RockingLGuestRanch.com

Arizona

Tanque Verde Looking for an unforgettable experience for your next vacation? Tanque Verde Ranch has been creating memories for generations of guests who venture into a world where the Old West comes alive. Surrounded by plush accommodations, luxury amenities, and more activities than you can imagine, you’ll awaken your spirit and discover new dreams on horseback, at the spa or on our endless hiking and mountain biking trails! 888-576-3833 | www.tanqueverderanch.com

Nine Quarter Circle Ranch Gallatin Gateway, MT

1-406-995-4276

Watch your little buckaroos learn to ride in the beautiful Montana mountains outside of Yellowstone Park. Create family memories in unspoiled natural splendor. Happy Trails.

www.ninequartercircle.com Smith Fork Ranch C Lazy U Ranch

Covered Wagon Ranch

1-970-887-3344

1-406-995-4237

Granby, CO

Crawford, CO

1-970-921-3454

Big Sky, MT

Since 1919 The C Lazy U luxury guest ranch has been celebrated around the world for its rich history, rustic elegance, legendary cuisine and signature 5-SPUR SERVICE™.

Historic, charming log cabins. Endless trail riding in Lee Metcalf Wilderness and Yellowstone National Park. Spectacular views. Small riding groups. Exceptional horses. Great food!

www.clazyu.com

www.coveredwagonranch.com

“Smith Fork Ranch offers gracious accommodations, gourmet farm to table cuisine, an extensive wine cellar, and one-of-a- kind western experiences in an unsurpassed Rocky Mountain setting.”

www.smithforkranch.com

~ Representing Over 100 Ranches ~ 866-399-2339 • WWW.DUDERANCH.ORG skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

Fishing

by Colleen Birch Maile

rom trickling creek to raging river, desert reservoir to alpine lake, fly-fishing opportunities are ample and the only real requirement is a willingness to jump in with both feet. When you plunge in, you’ll discover a pastime that is about much more than catching fish. Time slows midstream; stress and strain slip away. The pressures of 21st-century life ebb. Attitudes relax with the current. Hope soars. Surely a trophy fish hungers to meet your cast. Should you fail, solace is immediate. Anticipation returns with each fresh flick of the line. Fly-fishing is not rowdy, aggressive or loud. No—as much art as action, this sport is a great equalizer, forging bonds between strangers, granting respite and solitude even on an urban stream. It transcends generations, gender and geography and overcomes class and culture. In the midst of this pursuit, basic truths crystallize—patience really is a virtue and serenity is as natural a by-product of time spent with nature, as mayflies on the river. The sport is as much about timing and technique as it is about catch and release. Like all solitary pursuits, becoming masterful can be a lifelong journey—one that is as much about challenging yourself as pulling in a trout. Myth and mystique surround the pastime. However, getting started is simple. No matter where you travel, there’s sure to be a friendly fly-fishing person nearby. They all hold a wealth of information. You’ll learn about the benefits of wet and dry flies on local waters, ways to read the season’s hatch and what’s biting where. Expert

guides can help you learn how to send a counterfeit arthropod skimming along in perfect imitation of life. And you’ll learn something more. Fly-fishing may be your best excuse to explore places you’d never find otherwise. Fly-fishing aficionados are people who know the waters they hold dear and the surrounding countryside, too. Check in with the local fly shop. Someone there will be able to put you in touch with an experienced guide. Services are typically available by the hour, the day or the excursion. Most states have a licensing procedure that ensures that guides are accomplished fishermen in their own right. Using their services will help you launch a successful adventure and minimizes both apprehension and frustration. Guides provide all the necessary equipment, thorough instruction and often the opportunity to fish private waters. They’ll know whether drift boats are recommended or if waders will do. Their outings are often couched in comfort and even a touch of elegance. Some work in conjunction with guest lodges complete with gourmet chefs. Others offer more primitive camping, backpacking or horseback riding experiences. Above all, they remove the mystery from the sport without minimizing the magic. Fly-fishing, after all, is about peace and contentment and putting things into perspective. Catching fish? That’s the bonus. n

Colorado

Duranglers Flies & Supplies Duranglers is the Four Corners’ area’s premier outfitter for all your fly-fishing needs. Since 1983 Duranglers has been the region’s source for guided fly-fishing trips, equipment, flies, and information. We are located in beautiful Durango, Colorado with easy access to some of the best fishing in the nation. Durango is the most central location to fish all the great waters in the area including the fabulous San Juan River. www.duranglers.com | 888-347-4346

34 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Wyoming

Fly Fishing in Legendary Buffalo Bill Country If legendary Buffalo Bill Cody was around today in the northwest Wyoming town that bears his name, he’d forsake his trademark deerskin garb for a pair of chestwaders and a fly rod, reel and line. He’d be fly-fishing in the area’s pristine fisheries and somehow he’d make a grand show of it. Take a tip from Bill and experience these world-class fly fisheries yourself. For information on fly shops, guides, lodging and travel, call or click. 800-393-2639 | www.yellowstonecountry.org

Montana

Gallatin Riverguides Big Sky, Montana, in the heart of fly-fishing paradise and home to Gallatin Riverguides. Since 1984 Gallatin Riverguides has earned the reputation as one of Montana’s premier fly-fishing destinations. We guide fishing trips for the beginner to the seasoned anglers on the famous waters of the Gallatin, Madison, Yellowstone, Missouri rivers and Yellowstone National Park. Our shop is stocked with the finest fishing equipment and customer service is our top priority. 888-707-1505 | www.montanaflyfishing.com outfitter #235

Oregon

Yamsi Ranch Yamsi Ranch is located at the headwaters of the world famous Williamson River. Fish for Brook Trout reaching 24” and Rainbow Trout up to 31” on over eight miles of private water on the river as well as on our 300-acre Hyde Lake. We also offer hunting and fly-fishing packages as well as a rustic venue for weddings, corporate retreats and family getaways. We also have winter recreation activities that include duck and goose hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobile club outings, snowshoeing, and ground squirrel hunting in the spring. 541-783-2403 | 541-783-3008 www.yamsiflyfishing.com

Oregon

Pronghorn Lake Ranch Trophy Bass & Trout Fishing A secluded 150-acre treasure, located 40 miles east of Klamath Falls, Oregon in the beautiful Langell Valley is Pronghorn Lake Ranch. Come and experience one of the finest fisheries in the Northwest . . . fly-fish for trophy size trout (you may catch the biggest rainbow of your life) or hook a largemouth bass on a top water bait! The private seclusion and picturesque setting will awe you. The incredible fishing will keep you coming back! 541-882-2180 | 541-281-3030 www.pronghornlakeranch.com

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

America’sB est Events

March/April ALBUQUERQUE, NM | ONGOING – APRIL 10 A Passionate Light: Polaroids by H. Joe Waldrum, an exhibit of hundreds of one-of-a-kind Polaroid images, prints and paintings, at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History.

ASPEN, CO | FEB 18 – MAY 1 Co-organized with LA’s Hammer Museum, the Aspen Art Museum’s exhibition Mark Manders: Parallel Occurrences/Documented Assignments features the Dutch artist’s mysterious and uncanny sculptural tableaux in which objects are accumulated to replicate sentences and thoughts are given poetic and surreal physical form.

MILWAUKEE, WI | ONGOING – MAY 15 Frank Lloyd Wright: Organic Architecture for the 21st Century, a showcase of the visionary architect’s work premieres at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

SANTA BARBARA, CA | ONGOING – MAY 15 Presenting Noh Drama: Theater Prints of Tsukioka Kogyo at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art explores the work of this master Japanese print designer.

DURANGO, CO | MARCH 4 – 6 The Durango Independent Film Festival continues to salute filmmakers who break the Hollywood mold and strive to “do it their own way.”

BEND, OR | MARCH 6 Living History at the High Desert Museum takes visitors back to the 1880s for an encounter with homesteaders as they go about rustic ranch life.

VAIL, CO | MARCH 6 – 8 CarniVail celebrates Mardi Gras in the mountains with events including a parade and the World’s Highest Low Country Crawfish Boil atop Vail Mountain.

YUMA, AZ | MARCH 11 – 13 Yuma Lettuce Days honors the ag’ industry in the nation’s winter salad bowl with a culinary classic featuring cooking demonstrations, tastings and more.

LONG BEACH, CA | MARCH 12 Sustainable Seafood Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific shares enviro-friendly recipes and offers insight into how consumption choices can help save our seas.

PALM SPRINGS, CA | MARCH 12 Star Party at the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Center in Palm Desert looks heavenward with telescopes provided by the Astronomical Society of the Desert.

Mark Manders, Ramble-room Chair, 2010. Courtesy of the artist and Zeno X Gallery, Antwerp.

970-925-8050 www.aspenartmuseum.org

TUCSON, AZ | MARCH 13 – APRIL 30 Butterfly Magic at the Tucson Botanical Gardens presents a special greenhouse aflutter with colorful, tropical insects plus information about sustainable conservation.

BEND, OR | MARCH 12 Living History at the High Desert Museum takes visitors back to the 1880s for an encounter with homesteaders as they go about rustic ranch life.

EUGENE, OR | MARCH 10 – MARCH 13 Lane County Home and Garden Show offers informative seminars, prize drawings, local growers and more than 300 exhibitors to help spruce up for spring.

APPLETON, WI | MARCH 14 – 19 Saint Patrick’s Day Festivities transform nearby New London into New Dublin for a week of green-tinted fun including a parade, and plenty of Celtic song, dance, food and drink.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO | MARCH 17 Sprint St. Patrick’s Day Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display lights up the mountain with a snowy skiing spectacle followed by a glowing night sky.

EAU CLAIRE, WI | MARCH 19 – 20 Wisconsin Sport Show features more than 100 hunting, fishing, conservation and recreational exhibitors and presenters plus children’s activities, games and prizes.

FORT WAYNE, IN | MARCH 20 Pops on Pipes Grand Page Organ Concert showcases the pride of the historic Embassy Theater, a 1928 pipe organ, one of just three instruments of its kind.

36 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

JACKSON, WY | MARCH 24 – 27

MONTEREY, CA | APRIL 28 – MAY 1

World Championship Snowmobile Hillclimb Jackson’s Snow King mountain attracts power sports enthusiasts from across the nation with big chills and thrills.

Pebble Beach Food and Wine celebrates the good life with tastings, pairings and a chance to play golf with culinary superstars on one of the nation’s most celebrated courses.

CHICO, CA | MARCH 27

ASTORIA, OR | APRIL 29 – MAY 1

Kite Day at Community Park fills the sky with dancing color. Fliers of all ages launch their kites to the sound of live music. Souvenirs for all participants. Awards to the best homemade craft.

Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival attracts seafood lovers with its free-caught Dungeness crab dinners and showcases artisan producers, micro-canneries and craft breweries.

MIDLAND, TX | MARCH 31 The Sixth Annual Vintage Harmony wine tasting event features fine food, live music and great conversation at the Willows.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA | APRIL 2, 16 Lighthouse Trolley Tours carry participants to the Historic San Luis Lighthouse aboard a classic trolley. Tours of the structure led by docents are included.

ATLANTA, GA | APRIL 15 – 17 The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, among the nation’s oldest fine arts festivals, celebrates its diamond anniversary with exhibitions ranging from oil painting to jewelry making.

Secret of the Kings

GRAND JUNCTION, CO | APRIL 28 – MAY 1

is a suspenseful new novel with an exciting plot that intertwines modern science with the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. When a prominent geneticist forgoes ethical constraints and clones one of Egypt’s Greatest Pharaohs, Dr. Stanton creates a child with alarming supernatural powers. As the child grows into a young man and begins to remember his past life, clashes increase with Dr. Stanton that ultimately lead to a deadly chase across the Egyptian desert in search of a secret tomb and ancient artifact that could save the doctor’s life—or endow the child with unlimited and unstoppable power.

Fruita Fat Tire Festival now in its 16th year pays tribute to the region’s stellar mountain biking with a race bracketed with food, parties and a product expo.

Secret of the Kings can be purchased in paperback or Kindle through Amazon.com at:

CARLSBAD, CA | APRIL 22 – 24 Orchids at the Flower Fields enhances the already amazing seasonal display of Ranunculus blooms (ongoing until Mother’s Day) with orchids from around the world.

PADUCAH, KY | APRIL 27 – 30 American Quilter’s Society 27th Quilt Show & Contest is the quilters’ mecca featuring more than 450 handmade and machine-crafted quilts, a fashion show and workshops.

TRAVERSE CITY, MI | APRIL 27 – MAY 2 The 75th Annual National Trout Festival welcomes the fishing season with fun for all ages to downtown Kalkaska just 25 miles from the Traverse City Airport.

DULUTH, MN | APRIL 28 Wine in the Woods features fabulous food and wine including handmade desserts. The fun also includes guest speakers and an auction. It’s all to benefit Hartley Nature Center.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1452872074 or go to http:// www.secretofthekings.com

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

It’s Our Journey, Too

Spreading SkyWest’s Tradition of Giving Back

hat do airports, food banks, humanitarian centers and dining rooms have in common? They are just some of the places where SkyWest employees give back to the communities where they live and work. Here are a few specifics: During t he holidays, Colorado Springs’ team members and local non-profit agencies coordinated a “fantasy flight” for under privileged children and their families. The 30-minute charter gave the precious passengers a chance to fly to the “North Pole” to meet Santa Claus. The event created special memories for the kids and those who reached out to make their holidays brighter. “I always enjoy spending time with kids,” said Monique Rivera, a Colorado Springs-based SkyWest flight attendant, “but helping these children is extra special.” “I think it was a huge success, and a great time for all, children and volunteers alike,” said Ronen Flat, a Colorado Springs-based SkyWest Captain. “I am honored that I got to be part of the evening!” The giving continues across the SkyWest system as dozens of California customer service employees assembled 870 backpack food kits at the Los Angeles Food Bank so children in need could have meals over the weekends. SkyWest team members also helped assemble food boxes for homeless shelters and senior citizen centers. In Utah, 30 customer service directors, managers and administrative assistants from various stations decided to leave the conference room behind and assist the Humanitarian Center in downtown Salt Lake City. This organization sends supplies throughout the world to areas hard-hit by natural disaster. SkyWest team members put together kits promoting good hygiene and newborn wellness. They packed up school supplies, tied quilts, unpacked boxes of new 38 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

By Brooke Heath

donated clothes and sorted more than 15,000 pounds of clothing. Workers at the center were grateful for the much-needed assistance. The team was equally thankful for the opportunity to make a difference. “It felt good to give back,” said Malea Snow, a SkyWest assistant in Salt Lake City. “Everyone enjoyed serving. In fact, we plan to make service a regular tradition with our SLC team.” Customer service employees in SkyWest’s San Francisco region established their own altruistic practice by volunteering at St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room in Menlo Park, California. There, they helped prepare and serve meals. On average, St. Anthony’s serves about 600 meals a day, six days a week to those in need. After the experience, the employees were humbled and are looking forward to volunteering at St. Anthony’s again. “Our team thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to represent SkyWest in this way,” said Gina Dimalanta, SkyWest’s regional director in San Francisco. “Everyone walked away with a renewed perspective on what’s really important in life, particularly during these very difficult economic times.” The employees at the Hayden/Steamboat Springs station are another outstanding example of SkyWest generosity. They “adopted” three local families and made Christmas happen for them. They donated complete turkey dinners, fruit and vegetables, gifts for both children and adults and made sure that all the families’ basic needs were met. The SkyWest team enjoyed this project so much that another one is in the works for spring or summer. “I strongly feel that it is important to give back to the communities where we live and work and to help those who are less fortunate than we are,” said Wendy Roach, SkyWest’s station manager in Hayden. “We are looking forward to finding new ways to give back throughout the year.” These are just a few examples of the many ways the more than 11,000 SkyWest team members continue to contribute to the places they call home. n

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www.TellurideHomeAuctions.com Call Dixon at 970-209-2006

SkyWest Travel V a c ation R entals

Get a vacation home for your next getaway! HomeAway has an extensive selection of diverse homes around the world – with over 230,000 vacation rentals. Get more space, value and amenities compared to hotels. HomeAway.com/skywest

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

VACATION HOME available as nightly/weekly rental. 3 BR, 2 BA, sleeps 6-9. Ideal location on a quiet street in Ketchum. Walking distance to everything. 4 blocks from center of town and a one minute drive to River Run Ski Lodge and the new gondola! Hot tub, pool table, ping pong, drum set and more. $250/nt or $1,500/wk. Holiday rentals available. 208-861-5232 www.skywestmagazine.com/ketchumhome

P ark Count y T ravel

ZION NATIONAL PARK

Showman. Showstopper. Meet both in Cody, Wyoming. This place really puts on a show. See wild animals roaming free in Yellowstone. Get to know one of America’s great showman at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. Hike, bike or shop, the show never ends.

Best western zion park inn will provide the comfort and amenities while you enjoy the majestic beauty of Zion National Park. Restaurant, gift shop, convenience and liquor store, hot tub HSIA, Brian Head skiing one hour away. Ask for “SkyWest Package.”

800-393-2639 or Yellowstone.org

800-934-7275

www.zionparkinn.com

SOUTHERN UTAH

B oise , I D aho

Golfing, Hiking, RV’ing, National Parks and Much More! Kane County, UT averages over 320 days of sunshine each year. That’s 320 days of sunshine and outdoor adventure waiting for you! www.thegrandcanyons.com

Cottonwood Grille: Enjoy your favorite Northwest-inspired cuisine in a warm riverfront setting, seven days a week. Serving prime beef and fresh seafood along with signature drinks, mouthwatering appetizers and a hearty Sunday brunch. On the water at 9th and River. 208-333-9800 CottonwoodGrille.com skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

crossword

Solution on page 44.

g n i r p ‘Tis S Answers to the clues printed in bold face are all derived from literary tributes to springtime.

20 25

40 42

51 54

40 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

ACROSS 1 “O, ____, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~Percy Bysshe Shelley 4 Island in the Bay of Naples 9 Iron hook with a handle 13 Very cold 14 Illness 15 Digit of the foot 16 Transform a stallion? 17 Jean fabric 18 Capital of the Ukraine 20 Find the sum of 22 Over there 25 Blockbuster 2010 movie 27 Wrath 28 Member of Congressional House (abbrev.) 29 Sacks 32 Elector 35 Art rock, shortened 39 Without weapons 40 Resembling a bull 41 Structure for storing grain 42 Paramour (archaic) 44 “As previously given” citation 45 Ingot 47 Neon or helium 49 Attractive 51 Device for optical cleansing 54 Mouth 56 Holly 58 Meat and vegetables on a skewer 60 Dell 62 Allow 63 Pertaining to the thigh

55 59

61 64

64 Outer edge 65 Come to be without 66 “April hath put a spirit of _____ in everything.” ~William Shakespeare 67 Stains DOWN 1 Eccentric 2 Cube or cream 3 Synthetic fiber 4 Spanish hero, El_____ 5 Bewildered 6 Hanging ornament 7 Sudden assault 8 Doctrine 10 At an angle 11 Enemy 12 “It’s spring _____. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want - oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~Mark Twain 19 Feminine pronoun 21 Significant night before 23 Undress 24 Merrymaking

25 Place in order 26 Inform 29 Passenger vehicle 30 Black cuckoo 31 Guys and ___s 33 Lyric poem 34 7th letter of the Greek alphabet 36 Exterminate 37 Washington bill 38 Valued mineral 43 Carrion-eating stork 46 Malt beverage 48 Affirmative vote 49 The sun was warm but the wind was ____.__ You know how it is with an April day.__ ~Robert Frost 50 Gets together with 52 Strongly fragrant sage 53 Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows _____s. ~Rainer Maria Rilke 54 Brief note 55 Skin growth 57 MGM Lion 58 Lock opener 59 ___ humbug! 61 Falsehood

behind the scenes

Aircraft Safety Comes First at SkyWest Airlines

“Safety First” is more than just a mission statement at SkyWest Airlines; it’s a way of life. From the moment your reservation is made until you claim your baggage, your safety is our primary concern. The well-being of passengers and crews is always our top priority. SkyWest’s impeccable safety record spans more than 36 years. It is rooted in the highest caliber of trained professionals and supported by a proven fleet of aircraft. The People: Each day, thousands of SkyWest employees are responsible for the safety of hundreds of thousands of passengers. SkyWest’s experienced mechanics, pilots, flight attendants and ground personnel have the know-how and ability to keep their passengers safe. In the Flight Deck: You also have the comfort of knowing you’re flying with some of the most experienced and thoroughly trained pilots the airline industry has to offer. It takes years of training and experience to become a commercial airline pilot, and most come to SkyWest with several thousand hours of flying experience. However, as part of our team, their training has just begun. Before he or she ever flies a passenger flight, each pilot spends another 30 days in initial training; this is reinforced with recurrent training for weeks at a time every year. All the extra effort is geared toward ensuring the highest level of safety for all onboard our aircraft. To ensure that SkyWest remains an industry leader, a comprehensive, results-based training system has been implemented for crew members: the Advanced Qualification Programs (AQP). In addition to classroom instruction, this program trains our pilots for real life situations by simulating a variety of scenarios that are tailored toward airline/industry trends. These training sessions are specifically designed for SkyWest pilots, giving them the opportunity to train for situations they encounter on a daily basis. AQP offers pilots more effective training with practical information and individualized support to consistently produce the industry’s best and safest aviators. In the Cabin: At SkyWest, a flight attendant’s first responsibility is your safety. Like pilots, SkyWest’s in-flight team participates in AQP. This program allows them to undergo comprehensive and result-driven training before they take to the skies. By the end of 42 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

training, SkyWest flight attendants are well-versed in emergency procedures, evacuation protocol and passenger service. Flight attendants also continue their training throughout the year and are required to be recertified in First Aid and CPR annually. On the Ramp: SkyWest’s safety practices are evident in our ground operations as well. SkyWest’s customer service personnel initially attend two-weeks of training emphasizing ground safety practices. They learn both in the classroom and on the job. These agents become specialists in aircraft weight and balance. They are also extensively trained to operate the various ground equipment and safely park the aircraft once it arrives at the gate. In colder climates, they also learn how to properly de-ice an aircraft allowing for a safe take-off and flight. Under the Wing: For every hour one of SkyWest’s aircraft spends in flight, one of our mechanics spends two hours servicing that aircraft. SkyWest maintains a strict maintenance schedule. Undoubtedly, an experienced SkyWest mechanic has recently inspected or serviced the aircraft carrying you. All mechanics come to SkyWest with extensive training, including three years of Airframe and Power (A&P) training and certification. Additionally, SkyWest mechanics undergo three weeks of mandatory training every two years to keep their skills sharp and make sure they’re on the cutting edge of the most current safety practices. Each day, all SkyWest aircraft are given attention by a mechanic. Every third day, each plane receives standard service. On the fifth day, a more thorough service and inspection is conducted. Extensive maintenance is scheduled every 54 days with a major inspection every 540 days. Flight Control: This department consists of aircraft dispatchers, system controllers and customer service coordinators located in the Operational Control Center at SkyWest’s headquarters in St. George, Utah. All play an integral role in the airline’s operations. SkyWest dispatch personnel undergo six weeks of intensive training courses, learning in-depth aircraft systems, meteorology and flight planning to become certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Upon arrival at SkyWest, their training continues with three

weeks of classes followed by an average of eight weeks of on-the-job training, culminating with a two-day competency check. Dispatchers are responsible for preparing the flight release, including fuel planning, route selection, Federal Aviation Regulation compliance and weather analysis. They also monitor flights to ensure safety. The system controllers coordinate the flow of SkyWest flights and ensure optimum coverage of and adherence to flight schedules, economics and utilization of the operation. The customer service coordinators assist the controllers, working closely with the stations to maintain a customer service advocacy, always keeping the passenger in mind. These highly trained individuals work with the rest of the SkyWest team to provide incomparable service, exceptional quality and a safe flying experience.

The Safety Department: More than ever, the airline industry is committed to operating at the highest possible standard. SkyWest has a department wholly dedicated to the operational safety of the airline. The safety department coordinates with all the departments involved with ground and flight operations and acts as a compliance liaison between the airline and the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration. The safety department conducts internal safety audits and evaluations of all operational departments. Additionally, SkyWest operational departments each voluntarily participate in the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), a reporting program for pilots, flight attendants and dispatchers dedicated to continuously improving safety. n

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For directions and more information, go to www.TheParkingSpot.com *20% off with a Saturday night stay. 10% off without a Saturday night stay. Coupon valid at all Parking Spot, FastTrack and AviStar locations. Offer expires October 31, 2011. This original coupon must be surrendered, no photocopies accepted. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Coupon not valid for On-Airport Valet at DFW. ÂŠ2010 PRG Parking Management, LLC. The Parking Spot and the spotted shuttle design are trademarks of PRG Parking Management, LLC.

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skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express |

James Helms AD

Route Map

Edmonton

Saskatoon Calgary Winnipeg Regina

Vancouver Kalispell

Victoria

Minot

Spokane

Seattle/Tacoma Pasco/Richland/ Kennewick

Great Falls Missoula

Bismarck

Helena

Duluth Billings

Bozeman Portland Redmond/Bend

Eugene

Boise

North Bend Medford

Idaho Falls Jackson Hole

Gillette

Rapid City

Casper

Klamath Falls

Crescent City Eureka/Arcata

Rock Springs Hayden/Steamboat Springs

Redding

Salt Lake City

Chico Reno Sacramento

Eagle County

Grand Junction

Oakland Mammoth Lakes San Francisco Modesto San Jose Fresno Monterey Las Vegas

Houghton/Hancock

Fargo

Montrose

Denver

Aspen Colorado Springs Gunnison

Quebec Ottawa Minneapolis/St. Paul Wausau Traverse City Eau Claire Green Bay Appleton Toronto Sioux Falls Muskegon Saginaw Syracuse London Grand Rapids Madison Lansing Milwaukee Detroit Cedar Rapids Boston South Bend Des Moines Cleveland Chicago Moline White Plains Omaha Peoria Lincoln Fort Wayne Columbus Pittsburgh Indianapolis Dayton Kansas City Springfield Cincinnati Washington, DC St. Louis Louisville Wichita

Durango

Paducah Tulsa

BakersfieldInyokern

San Luis Obispo Santa Maria Santa Barbara

Northwest Arkansas

Oklahoma City

Burbank Ontario Los Angeles Palm Springs Phoenix Orange County Carlsbad Imperial/El Centro Yuma Tucson San Diego

Lexington

Springfield

Albuquerque

Memphis Huntsville

Little Rock

Knoxville Asheville Charlotte

Raleigh/Durham

Atlanta Birmingham

Dallas El Paso

Norfolk Nashville

Midland

Austin San Antonio

Houston

United - Regional Jet

New Orleans

United - Turbo Prop Seasonal Time Zones

Fort Myers

Pacific

Mountain

8:00

Central

Eastern

Atlantic

10:00

11:00

NOON

EFFECTIVE February 2011 (may not reflect recent service updates)

Rubes®

By Leigh Rubin

SKYWEST AIRLINES ROUTE MAP EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 2011 (updated monthly, may not reflect recent service updates)

W I G G Y B U S

For more of Leigh’s humor check out his brand new Best of Rubes® collection, The Wild and Twisted World of Rubes, available at your favorite neighborhood or online bookstore, and be sure to visit www.rubescartoons.com.

44 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

C H I L L

I N D C Y E L D O O N D I A G S N A R I L O B O M E E L E X E T O S E

C A P D I S E D E N H A D E R A R E N V O T M E D L E M A R A L Y R E M A K E B F E M O Y O U

R I A S I M D A R E R T A A N G E W A B R A T H

Solution to Crossword on page 40.

E E V E U A Y E L

G A T K I L A T P P R R I I D S E C L V A R D Y

F F O E E V E A R O G N E E M U P O L E I M E S

about your aircraft

The Aircraft Lavatory

Galley

Emergency Exits

Lavatory

Main Entrance

9 10 1 1

12 13

9 10 1 1

12 13

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Emergency Exit

Galley

Emergency Exits

Lavatory

Galley

Emergency Exits

Lavatory

9 10 1 1

Main Entrance

13 14 15 16 17 18

Emergency Exit

9 10 1 1

13 14 15 16 17 18 Emergency Exits

Emergency Exit

Lavatory

EMB 120

Galley

(FORWARD GALLEY)

B C

(FORWARD GALLEY)

Emergency Exits

B C

EMB 120

A B C D B C D

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Galley

1 Main Entrance

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Emergency Exits

B C

EMB 120

(AFT GALLEY)

EMB 120

(AFT GALLEY)

9 10

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

2 A

SkyWest has safely been flying the EMB 120, commonly CRJ700 referred to as the “workhorse” of the regional airline industry, since 1986. Don’t be fooled by the propellers you see; the same technology that powers jet aircraft actually powers the EMB 120 as well. Like jet engines, the EMB 120 is powered by a gas turbine design, allowing for the superior reliability and power that jet engines enjoy. The EMB 120 is also economically sound, allowing it to serve communities that may not support jet service. Additionally, the EMB 120 possesses state-of-the-art technology allowing for maximum passenger safety. Each SkyWest EMB 120 is equipped with a Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). GPWS is a warning system designed to alert pilots when the aircraft is not in landing configuration or is getting too close to the ground. GPWS detects terrain ahead of and below the aircraft and warns pilots when there’s an obstruction ahead. Each EMB 120 also has an onboard Global Positioning System (GPS), which uses satellites to calculate an aircraft’s position on the earth’s surface. Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) are also included for your safety. A more advanced radar system, TCAS in the flight deck is similar in theory to the equipment used in air traffic control towers to detect the position of all aircraft in the area.

Emergency Exits

B C

CRJ700

EMB 120 AIRCRAFT

Galley

9 10

Galley

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Lavatory

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

While SkyWest’s employees are truly what set the airline apart, the equipment used also plays a significant role in passenger safety. SkyWest’s fleet of 280 regional aircraft is CRJ200 one of the industry’s newest. The average age of an aircraft is under seven years. The fleet consists of three different airCRJ200 craft types: the 30-passenger Embraer 120 Brasilia (EMB 120), the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 200 LR (CRJ200), and the CRJ200’s sister aircraft, the Canadair Regional Jet 700 ER (CRJ700).

CRJ AIRCRAFT SkyWest has operated the 50-passenger CRJ200 since 1994. And in 2004, SkyWest welcomed the CRJ200’s sister aircraft, the nearly identical 66-passenger CRJ700, with a two-class cabin and United’s explusSM service. The CRJ200 and CRJ700 offer a balance of the best economics in their class and outstanding performance with the Collins Pro Line 4 Avionics Systems. This onboard technology allows pilots to better observe the flying environment. Both regional jets have the ability to monitor performance of aircraft systems as well as track nearby aircraft and terrain clearances. The aircraft are also equipped with a weather Galley Lavatory radar system which helps pilots see potentially treacherous CRJ200long before it is encountered. weather Passengers can rest easy knowing that the technology on1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 board SkyWest’s aircraftMain provides for a safer, smoother flying Entrance experience for both passenger and pilot. That’s safety first! n Emergency Exits

Emergency Exit

Galley

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

Galley

CRJ700

CRJ200

Emergency Exits

Galley

Main Entrance

9 10 1 1

12 13

Galley

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

Main Entrance

9 10 1 1

12 13

9 10 1 1

13 14 15 16 17 18

Emergency Exits

9 10 11

Lavatory

3 16 4 17 5 6 12 13 142 15

Emergency Exit

UNITED FIRST

CRJ700

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Emergency Exit

Main Entrance

Emergency Exit

EMBUNITED 120ECONOMY PLUS

UNITED ECONOMY

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

1 Main Entrance

9 10 1 1

13 14 15 16 17 18

Galley Main Entrance

(FORWARD GALLEY)

Galley

B C D

B C

C D

A B

200

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

C D

Galley

Lavatory

Emergency Exits

Emergency Exit

skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express | Emergency Exits

Lavatory

United Red Carpet Club United First International Lounge

Airport Maps

United Arrivals Suite International Arrivals Suite

Denver (DEN) Concourse C US Airways

Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus Stop

United Arrivals Suite

United Easy Check-in

International Arrivals Suite

Medical Center

Concourse B Power Charging Station

57 39

Inter-Terminal Shuttle Bus Stop

Medical Center 81

Portland (PDX)

United Easy Check-in

★

Concourse A Air Canada Continental TLufthansa ERMINAL

Power Charging Station

United First International Lounge

United Premier Check-In

United Red Carpet Club

PDX

United Gate Area

91 92

CONCOURSE E

TERMINAL 2 Air Canada Air New Zealand

TERMINAL 1 US Airways 12

E1 D

E2 E3 E4 E5

4B TERMINAL WEST

TERMINAL EAST

Ticket Lobby

A E

Parking

Los Angeles (LAX)

United Gate Areas United Express (SkyWest Airlines)

SEA 71A

67A

TERMINAL 4 TERMINAL 3

TERMINAL 5 TERMINAL 2 Air Canada Air New Zealand

Seattle (sea)

75A 69A

70A

68B

TERMINAL 6 Continental

TERMINAL 7

TERMINAL 8

N11 Main Terminal

TERMINAL 1 US Airways 12

way

N8 Ro

NORTH SATELLITE

Parking

SOUTH SATELLITE

N15 N16

N10 N9

TOM BRADLEY I N T E R N AT I O N A L TERMINAL Lufthansa Thai Airways ANA Singapore Asiana Swiss

N12 N13 N14

N2 N3

NORTH SATELLITE 71A

67A

69A

TERMINAL 5

United Gate Areas

75A

TERMINAL 4

70A

68B

United Express (SkyWest Airlines)

TERMINAL 6 Continental

TERMINAL 7

TERMINAL 8

San Francisco (SFO)

Chicago/O’Hare (ORD) F14

Concourse F US Airways

F11

F10 F6

TERMINAL TWO

Concourse E Air Canada

TERMINAL 3 Concourse C

C9 C16

C17

Pedestrian Tunnel B9

F14 F11

F4 E3

TERMINAL TWO

Concourse E Air Canada

C17

TERMINAL THREE

B14

C18

B1 C19

Pedestrian Tunnel

Elevated Airpor t Transit System (ATS) B9

C24

C32

TERMINAL ONE

Concourse B Continental Lufthansa

International Terminal Secure Connector

C32

Concourse C

76A

C24

C9 C16

Concourse E Air Canada

TERMINAL ONE

F10 F6

78A

C19

Elevated Airport Transit System (ATS) Concourse F US Airways

C18

B1 B6

Concourse F

B18

Concourse G United Air New Zealand ANA Lufthansa Singapore

B14

TERMINAL FIVE International Arrivals

Concourse B Continental Lufthansa

B18

TERMINAL 1 B22

B22

Shuttle runs between Gates C9 and E3.

Concourse M

Shuttle runs between Gates C9 and E3.

46 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Concourse A Asiana

Concourse B Continental US Airways

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Last Word

| Gunnison, Co

College President Has Lessons for Travelers

Q. Your position requires that you travel quite a bit. When you do have to leave Gunnison, what’s your best travel advice? A. Well, my first thought is that the great ones adjust. Things don’t always work out as planned. I was a college basketball player, and I played part of my career at UCLA under John Wooden. I often think about him and his counsel to his players. The message was “take care of what you can take care of and the rest will take care of itself.” I’ve used that a lot as a coach and in my current position, but it really applies to day-to-day life as well. Remain steady and know that things will work out. Don’t get upset over things you can’t control. Q. How do you pass the time when traveling by air? A. I’m always armed with something interesting to read. And I like to learn about other travelers. There are many fascinating people out there. I strike up a conversation. 48 | skyWest Magazine March/April 2011 united express

Q. What are some of the things you share about Gunnison? A. That it’s a wonderful place to live. My wife and I are so thankful we raised our daughter here. It’s a small town where people’s lives really intersect. It’s a very caring, supportive place. I think I love the authenticity of the people more than anything. Although there is certainly an abundance of outdoor recreation as well. Q. When you entertain out-of-towners, where do you take them? A. In any season we go up to Crested Butte. Also, in summer we like to get them out on the water on the Gunnison and Taylor rivers. River rafting through Taylor Canyon is a great experience. Blue Mesa Lake is good for water sports starting in mid-June. And there is an array of fine dining opportunities— too many good restaurants to name. And of course I bring everyone to the college.

INSIDER INFO: For a unique encounter with the area’s earliest inhabitants, call the college and ask for a tour of the active archaeological site on Tenderfoot Mountain (better known as “W” Mountain for the giant Western College initial on its face). Mark Stiger, chair of the college’s archaeology department, and his team are working on a find that has created a paradigm shift in understanding the habits of the ancient Folsom people. Until Stiger’s discovery, it was believed this nomadic tribe lived only on the plains surrounding Folsom, New Mexico. The village he uncovered indicates that they had a much broader range. It has been the subject of Smithsonian and National Geographic coverage. Watching the painstaking work provides a fascinating diversion in a gorgeous setting. n

President Helman: Cocoran Communications

r. Jay Helman, president of Western State College of Colorado, serves a small school with a big reach. The 2,400 students attending the Gunnison, Colorado campus hail from all fifty states and beyond U.S. borders. Their presence colors the culture in this historic mining town just 30 miles from the Crested Butte Ski Resort. Gunnison in turn contributes much to the collegiate experience. Recently, Helman, who coached and taught in California, Pennsylvania and Arizona before landing in Gunnison 20 years ago, explained why Gunnison is so special. He also applied the advice of his former basketball coach, UCLA’s legendary John Wooden, to air travel. Q. We often hear about Gunnison/Crested Butte. But they are indeed two different towns. A. Absolutely. Crested Butte is the ski resort. Gunnison is home to both the airport and the college. The college was founded here in 1909. The fact that it is a small public college that feels like a private college—85% of our faculty members have Ph.D.s in their fields—and that it is in the heart of the Rocky Mountains brings students from everywhere. It really is a spectacular setting.

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