Leonid and Friends Plattsburgh NY Concert

Our Flying Trip

August 1, 2019

Plattsburgh International

Formerly called the Plattsburgh Airforce Base. The runway is endless (2 miles long), and so is the taxiway and ramp. I still don't know why I taxied to the end before takeoff. Just a habit I guess.

FBO is great and located in the now old control tower. Great people and great service. Fuel was about $4.25 a gallon, quite a bargain from where we come from.

We did a little bit of sightseeing walking tour from our B&B. Park commemorating the Tercentenary of Plattsburgh.

Kent-Delord House Museum

Might have been interesting to visit this old 1797 house, reputed to be the oldest house in Plattsburgh. Unfortunately it was closed.

Hummingbird Home

Our B&B, the Hummingbird Home. Great location, within walking distance of the downtown area, and most important for us, just a couple of blocks from the Strand Theater.

Interior of the Hummingbird Home. Jason is a fantastic host.

Leonid and Friends

For those who don't know, Leonid and Friends is a Chicago Transit Authority cover band. These people are accomplished musicians and singers and were performing their 2nd USA tour. We caught up with them on August 1st, 2019 at the Strand Theater in Plattsburgh NY. What an amazing concert. Check them out on YouTube, you will not regret it.

Horn section

Actually, a fourth player (playing the tambourine) will join in with his sax at times. These guys are awesome ... they are all awesome.

Igor

Drummer is a killer machine

Ksenia, Serge, Sergey and Leonid

Just, Wow.

No close-up photo of Vasili (another amazing singer).

To Harbor Basin

Next day we decided to visit Harbor Basin, which is just south of Burlinton, and only a dozen minutes away by plane from Plattsburgh. It has a grass strip, restaurant, and a beach resort. Here are a few photos making our way over to 6B0.

West side of Lake Champlain

On Base Leg of 6B0

Harbor Basin base leg.

Grass strip as viewed overflying the field.

6B0 runway

Lots of runway length. Ground was firm, though the ride was a little bumpy. Nothing that this nosewheel dragger couldn't handle.

Great place to stop and eat

The Red Mill restaurant is located in the red building just behind Shirley.

Made a return flight back to Ottawa, departing the field at 5 PM. I had previously filed a flight plan with FSS, however they "lost" it, so we had to re-file in the air. No big deal, but absolutely need one to cross the border, or else who know what happens to you :-) One hour later we landed a few minutes past our declared arrival time to customs, and nobody (CBP) was there to greet us at the FBO, so onwards to the hangar we taxied. Great way to spend two days ... flying to a CTA cover band concert. Thanks Leonid.

A special thanks goes to Jason, our B&B host who offered to drop us off at the Plattsburgh airport as Uber cars were not available during that time of day.

We like stopping at KOGS Ogdensburg to clear customs. A quick fuel-up, and about 40 minutes later we were landing in Plattsburgh.

Our track for the following day was a short flight south to Harbor Basin. A 5 PM departure brought us back to Ottawa (Carp CYRP) in 1 hour. Much more fun than driving!

Here is a sampling of Leonid and Friends' music:

Background story to the group:

Russian Band Delights In Chicago With Tribute To Rock Group | NBC Nightly News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU-5i_6MfEc

Leonid & Friends: The Story So Far.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVXUlV86bAM

Some of their CTA cover songs... (more out there on Youtube)

25 or 6 to 4 – Chicago (Leonid & Friends сover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_to...4KLCw&index=12

Feelin' Stronger Every Day - Leonid & Friends (Chicago cover)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwYV4H9rU6o

Wishing You Were Here - Chicago (Leonid & Friends ft. Ksenona - cover)