Led by pilot and adventurer Kevin Quinn, the first fly-in was held on an empty area in northern Nevada he called “Three shotgun shells and a pair of shoes” because that’s all that was there when he landed. Since the lakebeds in northern Nevada dry up in the fall, the event took place in October. So successful was this first event that it has expanded each year, and Quinn purchased the land where the twelfth annual High Sierra Fly-In will be held—the Dead Cow lakebed. So named because, well, there was a dead cow. Quinn is much more creative than his naming indicates; he is the reason for the success of this event, known for its camaraderie, backcountry flying adventures, stargazing, and his creation, STOL Drag racing. This year the event takes place October 13 through 16. You must preregister, and a donation of $135 is expected. That covers the infrastructure of the event, including portable toilets, firewood, the entertainment, fireworks, and the clean-up crew.