By Dan G, MVSA Webmaster
In an enchanted land far far away…. the weather was in question as was the field. Our CD went out early and at 7:30 AM reported back – the field is good – let’s fly. Click here for contest results.
We slowly arrived (I slowly arrived) and we had a quick and easy pilots meeting. Bill R, Bob W, Bill O, Rich S, Dan G, Bob G, Rich R, Dave Q, Larry W and John H all were there (I hope I’m not leaving anyone out). The conditions were different – 5-10 mph out of the north-northwest. The zeitgeist on the field was, “it’s an up and down day and will be won on landings.” Though at times this fatalistic outlook broke with bouts with “lift”.
The cloudy sky with rolling clouds at times opened with rays of sun – not seen on the ground but on the shines of aircraft. The short flights of round one gave way to slightly longer flights. Something with the winch pedal – Dave Q popped off the line – I think he re-launched. Bill R saw what looked like a stream of smoke from his E-Ava Pro. He committed to an emergency landing but all was well.
Dave Q. made a little rattle on the field at the end of round 3 a few big black birds (this may come across as a broad generalization of the avian to some who study them but – oh well) found lift along the ridge with him. Who is to say which came first but there they were! The fatalism of the field parlayed to general optimism! This was Dave Q – flying with the birds – or vice versa – again – who can say which came first.
And then it began – the boom-30 of round four. Dave flew well as did many others – “eight minutes” – “nine minutes” could be heard from timers. “Ten” and then “ten” was heard from Bill R. as he timed my last two flights – first an unlimited fixed up Explorer 3 and then an Ava Pro in RES. (Sigh)
And then like a tired wimper – it was over. The day, while not a typical July summer day in St. Louis – steamy and what not – was instead a slow roll broiler of a day with cloud radiant heat that never really got above 80F. “Are you going to fly more” was common – but also was the response “I would but I’m tired. The brain burns through tremendous energy as well, all schemed to find lift and longer flights. It was not a typical summer contest – smoldering with white hot intensity of a jungle barbecue party at midday – (right) but a slow burn where all fought for every scrap they could find and put on their plate.
It was that kind of day.