Oshkosh Oasis: Seaplanes on Lake Winnebago
Not far from the crowded, noisy Oshkosh flightline there is an oasis. A quiet, cool place on lake Winnebago, just a short distance from Wittman field, where you can relax under the shade trees and watch seaplanes come and go. For a week each year this secluded harbor comes to life. For a week it is the home to seaplanes and crews who have made the pilgrimage to Oshkosh. We have come to visit the Oshkosh Seaplane Base.
Activity here is unhurried. The usual gathering of float planes rest in their moorings. Volunteers provide support for visiting pilots and their craft; food, fuel, repairs or just plain hospitality are offered to visitors. You don’t have to fly a seaplane, or even be a seaplane pilot to be welcome by this group of fliers. Just show up and make yourself at home. Almost everyone here is eager to talk about this corner of the aviation world. You can enjoy a boat ride around the harbor while a volunteer tells you about the various airplanes that have splashed in for their annual visit. You can take a ride in any number of different seaplanes. Manufacturers are showing their wares but seem to be enjoying themselves more than the landside marketing folks. There is just something about a water takeoff or landing that makes you smile. We may be working today but this seems more like vacation. The food offerings are about the same as on the flightline, the lines are just shorter and everything is more relaxed. Sitting under a tree with a cold drink is not a break from the activities, it is itself a main event. Nearby a family from Colorado picnics while their Lake rests in the water nearby. There is no sign of the hustle and bustle of the Wittman flightline.
While hanging out at the Lake we discovered a number of Seaplane operators who offer training and rentals and some parts suppliers. There is no hard sell here. Everyone will take time to talk about their service or products, the weather or whatever you like. It would be easy to sit here all day, but Oshkosh only lasts a week and we have lots of things to see and people to meet. It is with some reluctance that we hike back to the road to board a bus back to Wittman Field and the hustle of the flightline and vendor areas. Perhaps next year we will arrive at Oshkosh by seaplane, splash down on Lake Winnebago and spend the entire week right here at this fly in oasis. 
By Mike Likavec