The 2023 fly-in and picnic at Bob and Judy Gillette’s home airstrip, Lakewood Lodge (14WS) in northern Wisconsin, attracted pilots from as far away as Oklahoma and Florida.
Bob and Judy noted that the 29 airplanes in attendance were very near a record.
While the four-day event is typically an annual gathering of EAA Chapter 631 and friends from the Recreational Aviation Foundation, many of those attending found time to help out with some projects on the airfield.
With the summer season winding down, it was time to remove the pier and swim raft from Loyhead Lake. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves and pants legs and got them both safely on shore, according to RAF officials.
There was also a large oak tree that had fallen into the lake a few weeks earlier. A team jumped into action to get the oak cut up and removed from the lake.
Another volunteer lent her own talents to the fly-in/work party.
Rachel Thomas brought all the ingredients for fresh baked pecan pies from Oklahoma, then created the pies in her tent. Judy lent the use of her oven for the baking.
When asked if she has ever attended a fly-in without baking a pie, Rachel simply replied, “what would be the point?”
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