After training in a Cessna 182, I decided to use the plane to get my mountain checkout. Not only it has more power, but also it was a good chance to learn to use the avionics (G1000) in that plane on a longer trip

I went to Tahoe via Bear Valley, practised at a small mountain airfield (a bit scary actually), and landed at South Lake Tahoe where I had a late lunch. The airport staff was quite nice and lent us a car so that we can drive a few minutes to Lake Boulevard, and have lunch there. It was weird to find myself in South Lake with no snow whatsoever, not have my snowboard with me, and only be wearing a T-Shirt...

Anyway, it made for some nice pictures.
On the way back, it was a night flight for the most part after flying past Truckee airport (visible in the picture list ), so I got to play furter with the avionics, ans the XM radio stations :)






South Lake Tahoe airport, and the lake




The primary function display (PFD), showing basic flight characteristics


The multiple function display (MFD), showing engine stats, real time map with altitude and airspace info, as well as weather


onboard XM radio was cool, I was able to listen to some good trance on the way back (Markus Shultz mix here)

Pictures here