Danny Govier: I went out at lunch and watched some DLG fun. Chris the Champ, El-Roberto, Glauco and the the kite guy (sorry, I didn't get his name) were already there flinging their planes around. Well, not the kite guy--he was doing very tricky things with his aerobatic kite. Darn, I should have taken some pictures of that, too. Glauco, unfortunately had some problem with a disconnected antenna and had to quit until he could do some surgery to repair it. Allen showed up not too much later to get in some flying with his new Blaster before he relocates to the Torrey Pines Slope Soaring Field. Lift seemed really good when you could get it. I saw some flights where Robert was veeerrry high and a teeenny tiiiny speck (if others did that it happened when I wasn't looking) and others where everyone went up and came right down. When I got there Robert was complaining about having the wrong plane for how windy it was, but then he went and let Chris know that he was going to have to work to stay on top! I know that Chris won some rounds, but I didn't see any where his Blaster was the speck and Robert's Lightspeed was down. The other way around, though. I think Chris said something about flying with a crippled plane... I put some pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/dannygovier/ForestParkDLG20080617

I'm gonna miss him, but I'm glad that Allen introduced me to this great group and helped me poke a hole in my wallet before he moved. Now, if I can get that hole plugged up enough so at least it isn't more than just a trickle...

Danny

Glauco Lago launching his Blaster before determining that his receiver antenna was disconnected.  He promised to fix it before the Gateway Open and will be there to embarrass everyone who paid ungodly sums of money for ultra-lightweight planes.

Allen Priest: Flying yesterday at Forest Park was alot of fun and a really good time for me.  I brought out the Blaster 2 and tried some launches.  Thankfully, only one person laughed at my launch technique, but he's my best friend so I guess it's ok.  Chris and Robert were very helpful to me learning to launch and understanding a bit more about this tiny little lightweight planes.  My blaster sure is a different bird than my Piper.  I think, if a bumble bee landed on the tail while in flight, it would throw the CG off so badly that the plane would be unflyable.  Maybe not, but it is a different experience.  Thanks Chris for encouraging me to purchase the blaster and get into HLG flying.  I think it will be alot of fun and good exercise as well.  Also, thanks to Robert for coaching me down when my elevator control rod disconnected on launch.  It could have been very bad but, instead, we brought it down to a very soft landing.  It was great to fly with you guys one last time.

To everyone in the club, thank you for all your advice and help.  Being in MVSA has been a real joy and I'm glad to call you guys my friends.  I always knew I'd enjoy RC flying, but having you guys to teach me and show me such excellent flying has made my enjoyment of this hobby (sport?) even better.  As many of you know, I'm moving to San Diego this Saturday.  In fact, I'll be moving to Poway, CA, the home of the Int'l Hand Launch Glider Festival.  I'm looking forward to joining the Torrey Pines Gulls flying club but I'll always be rooting for the MVSA folks back at home.  You guys are some of the best and I intend to continue to follow what happens so that I can say, "I knew them when..."

If you're planning a trip to San Diego any time in the future, send me an email.  I'd love to see you again.  Maybe, I'll see some of you at the IHLGF next summer.

Thanks again, and best wishes.  May God bless you all with the glory of his presence and the relationship available in him.

Allen