RYAN FLY-IN 2019

This year’s RAF Ryan Field Fly-In hosted a full line up of aircraft, and guests enjoyed the bounty from Lindey’s Steak House catering truck from Seeley Lake. Second-generation chef Mike Lindemer served sirloin steak sandwiches Friday night, and surprised everyone with three kinds of Montana ice cream. RAF ladies added fresh strawberries.

Saturday night diners filled all dozen tables and enjoyed beef or pork tacos, and got a giant sugar cookie frosted with the new RAF logo for dessert.

Rain on Friday night shut down the fire in the RAF fire ring, and Saturday morning’s hot breakfast was welcomed by all, courtesy of the Seeley Lake Airport Foundation.
Shoppers selected new RAF logo wear from the Backcountry Boutique, and Swan Mountain Outfitters took ten riders on a trail ride in Saturday’s welcome sunshine. Berkley Hudson led a dozen on a hike.

Saturday evening, wildlife biologists spoke about the regional grizzly bear population, how to minimize risk while recreating, and let guests try out bear spray techniques. RAF co-founder and past director Chuck Jarecki was recognized for his long-term efforts building and maintaining the amenities.

Mike had set up a corn hole game and guests engaged in friendly competition long into Saturday’s late-dusk evening, as some enjoyed sitting around the fire in the RAF fire ring.

The RAF thanks everyone who attended, especially Scott Newpower who arrived in his pickup truck with the ice cream freezer, rather than flying in; and thanks all the great RAF volunteers who helped host another successful Ryan Field RAF Fly-In.

Submitted on July 25, 2019