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Hangola October 24 & 25, 1998

I'm pleased to report the High Rock Work party was a success on all fronts. Lewis and I rolled in around 9:15 to unload concrete, then Louis went down to fill up on water. Fred and Raean blew in with rebar and tools to work the concrete. Ed Reno, Chuck Pyle, and some pilot who is getting back into the sport (and who's name escapes me) showed up and the party got started.

The steps are poured, with rebar sunk about two feet into the gravel. The right side of the pad has been repacked with large rocks cemented into place. It looks like old times again.

Dan Tomlinson and Ralph Sickinger came in to help out with the paint job that afternoon. We've now got a no-skid surface: I tried standing up there and doing "the Twist", but it just isn't possible on that stuff.

Nearly everyone named above got extended sleds. Marc Fink, Kelvin, and Steve Padgett showed up for more of the same. The only guy who got above launch was the one guy who's name I can't remember. Go figure.

A big thanks to all who helped out.

-BrianVH.

Lots of flying at the Pulpit on Sunday. Keith Ford and Mike Chevalier jumped over the back. John Middleton and Dan Tomlinson flew over an hour, but couldn't quite catch that last thermal to join Mike C at altitude for the jump. Lyman Hart flew.

Keith helped Dave Johnson launch, and Mike observed for Steve Padgett and Chuck Pyle. Dave and Steve each had a long flight on the ridge, and a late day 2d flight extended sled.

I was the stuckee as end-of-the-cycle wire crew, along with Joe Branch. We needed any pilot to come back to help Joe crew for me. (I have always disliked the idea of wuffo crews. With the past week as reinforcement, I will not launch with a wuffo on wire.) Joe needed an observer to get back up to throw him off.

Joe and I spent from 1:30 to 3:30 visiting with the hawk watchers at launch. He finally broke down, having put in a long day. I finally got in the air after 3:30, after all of the lift had shut down for the day. My launch was super, and, I am told, entertained the birders. I was only able to scratch on the ridge for a ten minute flight, getting at most 100' over launch. The air was smooth and nice to fly in, but I only found a few very small bumps, nothing I could work. I nailed my landing. I am clearly showing the first signs of 3-itis. I had an absolutely flawless 10 minute flight with grade A launch and landing; a flight I would have been ecstatic to get only three months ago. Sunday, I went home frustrated that I missed the lift window, and "ONLY" flew for 10. Gotta keep this sport in perspective: the weather was gorgeous, the company good. my flight skills continue to improve. Next week: SKY OUT!

Cragin S

Steve wins prestigious Hormel Open with an unbelievable 13.3 mile downwinder!! The prize, a can of a pate like substance appetizingly named "Potted Meat Food Product" is chock full of Beef Tripe, Mechanically separated chicken, Beef fatty tissue and a long list of valuable chemicals. Them was tough miles hombres. Highest I got was 2400. Took me an hour and 25 minutes. Blinding speed eh?. Steve Turner made 5 mile and never got over 1200 ft That's pretty amazing if you think about it. Thanks for picking me up Mike.

Sorry to steal your thunder Geoff. I thought you might not be effusive enough.

Skyline Drive was beautiful with the fall colors yesterday, but the wind was not blowing in at Dickey Ridge for Tom, Mike B, Homer, me. Bailed to Woodstock where it was blowing in lightly. Late day sleds.

Judy

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This page last updated October 26, 1998