Sunday, May 12, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (1)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (1)

Date: 05/12/2019 (Sunday)


Start Location:
  • Home
  • Escondido, CA 92026
    • Start Time: 5:40 a.m.
End Location:
Cost per Night: $65.00 per night
Internet Remaining: 1.9 of 20 AT&T Remaining


We hooked up the tow vehicle at the bottom of our hill in front of Champagne Lakes RV Park.


Took the 15N to the 210W; 210W to the 118W; 118W to the 101N. No problems. Just one small accident in Carpinteria, CA.

Arrived at Rose and Dave Lambert’s house around 10:45 a.m. We set up camp at the Pacific Dunes RV Resort around 2:00 p.m.

They gave us two spots: one for the RV and one for our tow vehicle. They are small spots on gravel. Our George Boy is backed up right up to the fence. Behind the fence are the dunes. It was pretty windy when we arrived, so we did not do too much exploring.

Going to McLintocks for dinner with Dave, Rose and Jimmy.


Swallows nest throughout California, and the Dunes in Oceano, California are no exception. These Birds were busy building their mud nests . . . . they were everywhere. 

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

The Elite New Powersports Aircraft - Airports Not Required!


SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”

SkyRunner MK 3.2 is an FAA certified special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) fused with a rugged, military grade all terrain vehicle wrapped in a design that would make James Bond blush. Arguably, SkyRunner is the most versatile and logistically competitive machine on the market. You’ll be hard pressed to find a trophy truck, ATV or UTV in the world that can follow where SkyRunner can go.

SkyRunner conquers sand, dirt, snow, asphalt, and born to defy gravity; for those peaks, rivers, lakes, canyons, trees and cliffs that get in your way.

This ‘Bond Baddie’ off-road flying car, took flight on the BBC’s highly touted “Top Gear” season 25, episode 2, aired on Sunday March 4th on BBC America.



SkyRunner’s Gravity-Defying Vehicle Takes Flight on “Top Gear”SkyRunner manufactures the FAA-certified light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) that also functions as a military-grade off road vehicle. Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner’s creator and CEO of the company, is featured on-camera in the episode to make the three-minute conversion from off-road vehicle (ORV) to airplane.

So, how does SkyRunner differentiate itself in the bustling niche of flying all-terrain vehicles? It uses a proper car engine. On the ground, SkyRunner reaches top speed of 70 mph. Airborne, it cruises at 45 mph with a rear-mounted propeller-driven by a Rotax engine. 



While LSAs are considered one of the safer forms of recreational flying, there are always inherent risks in aviation and in driving. SkyRunner is unique in that it flies its plan B (parachute), and unlike most aircraft, the engine isn’t considered a safety component of flight.

“Should the engine run out of fuel, a pilot can simply glide down into the nearest grass field, strip or sandy desert. Unlike other powersport vehicles, this one requires proper training before you can use it,” said Hamel.

Per Hamel, being featured on a globally-recognized show known for highlighting the latest ground transportation innovations as well as thrills, speed and excitement—and pushing those extremes by exposing the hosts to a flying vehicle—is a coup for this ‘Bond Baddie’ creation.

About Stewart Hamel

Stewart Hamel, CEO of SkyRunner, launched a Shreveport-based private investment company, Hamel Interests and Private Equity, LLC, the original funding arm for SkyRunner's research and development, manufacturing, and distribution in 2010. SkyRunner builds and sells all-terrain/light-sport aircraft vehicles. Stewart Hamel and SkyRunner have been featured on Fox News, CNN Money, TopGear, Discovery Channel, Jet Set Magazine, Flying Magazine, Digital Trends Magazine, featured by Red Bull and the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association among other industry publications. Stewart has served on the board of Oxford University’s, Saïd Business School, and the Development Board of the London Symphony Orchestra.