Volume 34a

Had a good first flight at Dunlap yesterday. Went up with Howard Osterlund, Wayne Ashby, and Dave Lukens around 11:30AM. I found myself set up first, so went to launch, as no one else was ready.

Launched my Comet at 1:10, a nice steep launch. Turned right, made a couple of passes before going far enough out to find a thermal, circled up, and got over the ridge to the right, then over launch.

8:18 PM

Continuing... I circled around launch 'til some other pilots launched. Howard, then Wayne, headed down the ridge to the West, so I followed, but we had to scratch low around Samson, weren't finding much, so Wayne and I headed back to launch low, but found some lift along the lower ridge to the right of launch and were able to get back up.

The next time, I was able to leave with more altitude, got past Samson okay, but couldn't find the lift to get up on Delilah. Saw Howard in a thermal, going up, so looked around after getting quite low, and eventually found something weak, but which got stronger as I circled in it, and it eventually got me over the top.

I stayed down there above Delilah for quite awhile, getting to 6800' or so, almost 2000' over, where it was a bit cooler, which was nice, as the temperature on the ground was over 100 degrees.

Eventually, I flew back to launch, then down the other way for a little while, not finding much lift until the area over the road up. There I decided to head out over the valley to see what the lift was like, so I did, keeping a lot of altitude, and crossing over the turkey farm, the school, and the town area. Then I headed east over the campground to the hill beyond it. There I was able to gain a few hundred feet before eventually setting up my landing.

I circled down behind the fence, not wanting to come in too high, then cruised on over it and into the landing area, but short of the first target area, slightly crosswind, flaring, but not stopping, swinging through and slightly bending a downtube, but okay for my first attempt at a tricky landing zone. I had two and a half hours, a good first flight, did a lot of exploring.

I was really tired after folding up my glider, and couldn't stop downing liquids in the intense heat.

Larry Smith, who's sharing a double campsite with me, arrived later in the day, and we've gotten along very well. He's a very congenial person, also a Virgo, September 14, 1944, will turn 40 this year. He was very surprised to find that I'm older than he is.

After dark, when the mosquitoes started eating us alive, we both decided to retreat into our tents and go to bed early.

Slept fairly well and awoke early. Decided to conserve my strength rather than go for a run. It's very hot and will stay that way.

I'll write more in the morning, as it's getting dark now. And I still want to sum up my life, as is my custom on beginning a new journal volume. I had another good flight today, of two hours, but I'll talk about that tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 3, 1984 - 8:21 AM Dunlap

Yesterday was super hot, and today is about the same; I'm sweating in the shade at eight in the morning. I didn't sleep very well until later, from the heat and from my sore legs and feet.

Anyway, yesterday we had a good breakfast of eggs and hashbrowns which Larry cooked up, then I washed the dishes.

When Connie said she was going to town, and asked what anybody needed, I asked her for some pencil leads for my Pentel, which she got for me.

Rode up the mountain after awhile with Ray Parsons in his big Chevy wagon about 11:30, along with Larry, Wayne Ashby, Dick Cassetta ("Deke"). Also going up at that time were Howard Osterlund, Kelly Dearborne, and John Erickson.

John is the guy who picked up James and me that day the Eagle Scout broke down in Hopland. That connection didn't come back to either of us until after we'd landed. He flies a Magic.

At launch, I was ready first again, so carried my glider up behind Howard, who was also ready. He launched, got up, and left for Delilah. I launched, turned the corner, found lift there, went through it, thinking it would be like the day before, but turned back when I found that most of the lift was in front of launch. So I circled there, got up a little.

Some others soon headed for Delilah, so I followed. Found some lift on the SE face of Samson, so stayed there and got up higher before heading on to Delilah. Howard was over Delilah, and I flew around lower looking for thermals.

I went over the ridge to the west, thinking the wind would be coming up there like the day before, but it wasn't, and turning back it felt like I was going upwind. So I searched around and finally found a thermal that took me to the top of Delilah, but not much further.

Eventually Deke joined me there and we thermaled together awhile, before heading back to Samson, where the lift was more consistent on the SE face. Wayne also came out and flew with us there for awhile.

Finally I headed back to launch, where I scratched around awhile before heading out over the valley again, to get the lay of the land. Didn't find much, so headed on down above the campground, back to the ridge behind it, but didn't find much there, so prepared to land.

I came in higher this time, went for the second spot, didn't quite make it, was too extended for a good flare, so ran a few steps before dropping it. A better landing anyway.

Folded up with Ray, John, Kelly, and eventually, Larry. Then I came back to camp, before riding with Ray and a few others to the swimming hole. There we spent the rest of the afternoon, relaxing in the cool stream as it clouded up overhead.

Eventually, back to camp, for a small dinner as the daylight faded, and to bed early. More people have been arriving, and there are probably about twenty competitors here so far.

Larry and I have had some good conversations, about women, relationships, attitudes, etc. He had a divorce, and last year was in a very depressed state of mind, much as I have been for the last year. But he's with a new lady now, and they have an "honest" relationship, and he's pretty happy now.

I told him much of the Meredith story, and he had some wise comments to make. He's been doing TA therapy (Transactional Analysis), and has taken responsibility for his own feelings. So we've had a good sharing so far.

Now to review my life a little. Coming to the Regionals has been a good change in environment, a different world, so that it's hard to recall what I'm coming from. Basically, I was feeling good about the honest relating with Meredith before I left, though I was disappointed that she hadn't answered either of my last two letters, which brought me down a little, had me feeling that our "friendship" was mostly my illusion or wishful thinking. But her letters did show a lot of care, and I still have that to fall back on.

I'd gotten to a fairly stable place, was sleeping fairly well again, but was still very lonely, wanting someone to love. I was also somewhat resigned to the fact that I probably wouldn't be finding anyone until I emerge from this transit of Pluto, and this regeneration process, with some new attitudes and direction.

A lot of my focus and energy these last couple of weeks has been directed toward the Regionals, and I'm experiencing it as a test or challenge of some sort, far removed from my comfortable everyday world. And I can see the extent to which I'll have been divorced from my usual world by the time another six days has passed.

It may be a time of transformation, a culmination of a process I've been involved in this past year and a half. I may be a different man when I go home, in ways I can't even conceive of now.

8:36 PM

It's getting dark, so I may not have much time to write. But since the competition starts tomorrow and I'll have to focus on that, I thought I'd better get caught up now.

Had another good flight today, of two and a half hours, exploring some new territory. Rode up with Ray Parsons again, as did Larry, Wayne, Kelly, John Erickson and Jerry Sorensen. Ray, who is the Safety Director this year, was inspecting gliders and giving safety stickers, so I got my Comet inspected with no problems.

I was ready to launch after Howard and Larry at 12:35. It was coming in strong at launch, and I turned right, got up, and explored the ridge, soon headed for Delilah. Came around Samson low, but found some lift there, so turned back into it, soon circling up over Samson, then heading back to the ridge of Delilah from there.

Found Larry there, and circled up below him. Wayne also joined us there soon. Later he left. Deke left high to cross the valley, and I also started across. But halfway over, I decided against it and turned back, eventually arriving at Samson low, where I scratched my way back up again. Went to Delilah a couple of more times, and back to launch again and back to Delilah.

Finally decided to head across the valley to see if I could make it to Granny's knob. On the way over, I realized that if I didn't find lift there, I'd probably have to land in a field, but went for it anyway. And at 3800' on the ridge, I found a thermal which got stronger and took me to 5100', above Granny's. Went west to explore, but didn't find more, so came back over it, then on over the next ridge, over the swimming hole, and back to the campground.

Didn't find any lift on the ridge behind, so set up my landing. Came in higher this time, and made the spot, but my flare took me up, and I came down hard, bending a downtube, which I was able to straighten okay. Also hit my knee hard, was worried for an instant that it was hurt bad. But I was able to walk on it okay.

Anyway, it was a good flight. I got my number and applied it, a blue number four, to match the glider.

During the flight, I'd talked to Wayne a lot on the radio, and he later followed me over to Granny's.

John Erickson had gone down behind Delilah, so Larry and Ray went looking for him. But it turned out he'd gotten a ride quickly, and had been invited to a swimming party by some girls, which he'd accepted.

After I finished folding up, I went to the swimming hole with Jon Minnick and Wayne Ashby, which was very refreshing.

Lots more competitors arrived today, including Dan Racanelli, Steve MacQuilliams, and others, some very good pilots.

The mosquitoes are getting me, so I'll have to quit now.

Got my number and ready to fly

Unloading gliders on top near launch

Looking south over the valley. Granny's knob in right third. Campground is halfway up in left third.

From campground looking east. LZ is further east but not visible. Sontag is peak on right. Route 180 is visible across ridge.

From campground looking NW. Samson is high peak beyond vehicle. Delilah is higher and beyond.

Looking north toward launch on prominent ridge.

Looking SE from launch. Highway 180 cuts across ridge below. Campground is in right third, halfway up, with LZ just to the left, beyond pond.

Relaxing at the swimming hole

Congregating for the pilots meeting

At the pilots meeting, including Russ Locke, Dale Bowyer, Susan Senger, others

Wednesday, July 4, 1984 - 7:26 AM

Lots more competitors rolled in last night and this morning, including a woman named Jean from the Owens Valley, whom Larry befriended when she got here, and is camping next to us, sharing our shelter. She hasn't flown the site yet, and is the only woman competitor as far as I know. The tension is building as people talk about the rules, strategy, etc.

It's another hot morning. Got up at 5:40 after a pretty good night's sleep. My knee's a bit sore but functioning okay. I'm as ready as I'll be.

Thursday, July 5, 1984 - 7:07 AM

Yesterday was a very satisfactory day for me, as I finished the course, a very difficult one, surviving with a last-ditch good-effort save.

Got up at 5:40, got a shower and some breakfast. Pilots meeting at 8AM, announcing the course: to the dome at the campground, then back to the mountain to Delilah, then out to a blue house in the valley, on over the school, then through the finish gate at the campground, and land.

There would be tarps forming letters at the turnpoints that we'd have to see and remember, to tell the landing judge on landing, to get credit for making them.

Rode up the hill at 10AM. My draw was to launch fourth, after Dick Cassetta, Dave Lukens, Dave Bowen, and before Richard Staudinger and Jon Minnick. This got me launched by 12:10. Had a good hard launch into good air, but flew around to the right and didn't find much happening there. So I headed back east past launch where I saw a glider getting high, and circled up there.

Saw Dave Lukens head out, then turn back low beneath me. Also saw Dick Cassetta coming back low, so headed on out for the dome with about 4700'. Got over it at 3500' but couldn't read the letter, went around it, blinking and squinting, finally saw it as an R and headed back towards the ridge at the road. Got to the ridge about 100 feet above the road (route 180), where I scratched with Dick Cassetta just above the highway, but barely maintaining.

But I couldn't stay up, finally had to head out the ridge towards the SW. Began to look for a place to land, as I was just over the trees wondering even if I could get to a landable field.

Finally made it to the bump at the end of the ridge, where I circled in zero sink, just above it, persisting but not finding any lift. Decided to cross to the next ridge, closer to the LZ, in case I had to land, getting there just over the end of it, circled and scratched, and finally found the hint of a thermal.

It gradually grew stronger, and I began to climb 20 feet per circle back up the long ridge toward the highway. To my growing delight, I made it back up, sticking patiently with that same thermal 'til I was high over the road again, and above Dick, who was still scratching there.

Finally got to ridgetop level and cut across to the NW and the ridge, where I ran on up past launch to the next ridge, where I caught a good thermal. Took it up and cut across to Samson, where I found some lift on the SW face.

Circled up until I was even with Delilah, then cut over there, gaining as I went, so that I could fly along the ridge and read the letter at the pylon, before finding another thermal at the point, in which I circled up.

Then across to Samson, and out across the valley with about three other gliders and about 4700'. Got some lift on the way, and came over the blue house, but couldn't find a letter on the roof.

I circled and circled lower, trying to read or find the letter, with the others circling above me. Finally decided to guess a T (on the ground) and proceed, as I'd already lost about a thousand feet.

Headed on over the school, caught the J, then to the campground with room for a 180 before turning back to land. There was another glider at my level so I was worried, but came in below him, didn't make it back to the first spot. Flared, but couldn't hold it.

Felt very good about completing the course. Had three beers in the heat while folding up my glider.

The third letter had blown off the roof of the blue house, which is why we couldn't find it, and it was allowed for us.

Rode over to the swimming hole with Jon Minnick and others, and stayed there for a couple of hours. Got a ride back with Wayne Bowen and Laura, his pretty girlfriend, who has been very friendly to me.

Later the results were posted. I'm in 12th place, had a time of 67 minutes, the best of the first five launchers, beating out Deke and Dave, who both finished, but launched ahead of me.

Lots of talk about the results, as Larry, who finished, but with a high time (97 minutes), was only a slight .02 ahead of those who only got one pylon and landed. He's been quite worked up about this, though with good humor, and happy to have finished the course.

Jean, who's been sharing our campsite is a nice lady. She's also a Virgo (September 15), as is Larry (September 14), and me (September 18). She's 36, has a nice lean, strong body. I like her.

Time to get ready for the pilots meeting. We'll fly two rounds today, it is rumored.

9 PM (approximately)

I'm sitting in the john where there's some light to write, because I also seem to have a touch of diarrhea, which made its presence known after I got back from the swimming hole an hour or so ago. So I thought I'd come in and write about the frustrating events which have transpired today, not a successful day for me, as I failed to complete even one of two tasks which were run today.

My partner, Larry, made both of his, has now made all three, so is feeling very good.

Let me review. Two tasks were declared for today, and I got drawn as 6th launch in the first round, so we got up there earlier, and my launch time was about 10:45AM.

The first few off seemed to be having difficulty, except for Steve Roderick in a new Streak, who headed right out, flew into some thermals, got high, made it to the dome pretty high.

The task was: the dome, then back to Delilah, and back to camp.

I launched, got up to the right of launch, and left soon about 500' over, gaining as I left. Felt fairly confident, as I was able to read the letter early and head back to the mountain, over the same ridge that had saved me yesterday, with even more altitude.

But I got all the way up to the road, was circling over the house near the highway and not finding much but teasing mini-thermals. Finally had to scratch back down that ridge where I was saved yesterday, but nothing strong enough could be found, so I eventually had to cut across to the LZ and land.

Did a running standup landing, but hadn't completed the task. Also there, were Kelly, and soon Jim Lynn, who also couldn't make it. But a bunch of those who had been struggling did make it, like Deke, Steve Hawks, and others, including Larry.

There was an attractive woman named Lori at the beer stand, with whom I talked. But she didn't show much interest, and later a motorcyclist, a Harley rider, arrived, with whom she was obviously involved.

We had to load up quickly for another run on a very hot day. I did grab a sandwich before we left, but was quite hot and tired up on the mountain.

My launch time was after 3. We'd watched Steve Hawks get out high and make it back fast, and others too, so when I got a good thermal to the right of launch, I took it up to 400' over, then left.

This time I'd decided to follow Ron Hess's advice (he is the current front runner) and head back NW toward launch or Samson, rather than up the ridge to the NE, a longer course. He said there were places to thermal on the way, whereas the ridge had let me down earlier.

So, on seeing the letter with good altitude, I headed back toward the base of the ridge to the north of launch, over the rocky hill in between, but I was down to just above highway level when I got there, and couldn't find anything in the bottoms of the canyons heading up. So I had to scratch along above the highway and out to the rocky face where I hoped for salvation.

Made a few circles, got about 50', but eventually it died, and I had to face the prospect of landing out, in an area of farms and fields below. I finally set up an approach over a field, made passes at the downwind end, and came in on final.

The field sloped away, and I was soon close to the road, so I flared hard, but it didn't stop me, and I hit the downtube with my hand as I fell through, which took out the downtube (almost) and hurt my hand and wrist.

At that point, I was very close to calling it quits. I'd have to repair my glider, and my wrist was possibly injured badly.

Got a ride up to the St. Nicholas Ranch, where I was able to phone in for a pick-up. Then I came back to fold up my broken glider in the blistering heat.

More later.

Friday, July 6, 1984 - 7:59 AM

Pilots meeting at 8:30 today, so a few minutes to write.

Lonnie picked me up after my flight, and after some more cold drinks, I set to work on repairing my glider, replacing the downtube. That made me feel better, and I'm more inclined now to keep flying. My wrist is still sore and weak, but I think I can fly with it okay.

But I'm going to be conservative, take my time, stay high. I'm out of the running anyway, so I'll just fly to finish if I can.

They've decided to throw out and re-fly the last half of yesterday's second round, as only one pilot in that group made goal. But that doesn't help me, except that I don't have to fly twice today.

Went to the swimming hole later with Larry. A lot of other people joined us. More later.

10:46 AM

I'm in the second round today, after a reflight of yesterday's second half, so probably won't launch until 3:30 or so.

Back at the swimming hole yesterday, I talked with Susan Senger, a friendly lady who's here with her boyfriend, Dale Bowyer, and she's also a hang glider pilot, flies a Breeze, and was at Hull Mountain a few weeks ago.

We mentioned Sharol, whom she knows of (someone told her she should be like her), and she does remind me of her, both in appearance, attitude, and enthusiasm. She's also a Leo (with Cancer Moon and Taurus rising). She's enthusiastic and friendly, but has been a militant social reformer, is only recently seeing the relativity of points of view, and still feels some guilt about not being "active" or political enough.

Coincidentally, she and Dale live in the same apartment building where Penny and I lived in Berkeley, when we first moved there in 1972, at 2430 Dwight Way.

Cooked some hot dogs for dinner last night. Larry, Jean, and some others went out to eat, but I thought the place only served Mexican food, so didn't go with them. Went to bed around ten instead. But had a poor night of sleeping, as my left hand and wrist were hurting, dogs were barking, etc. It's still very hot.

Today we had a good breakfast, a pilots meeting at 8:30, then went to the swimming hole with Susan for a couple of hours. Now the make-up round is underway.

7:58 PM

Feeling very good after a good round today, making a course that seemed beyond my capability, yet making it easily, while six or seven pilots had to land out. So my spirits are restored, and my hand and wrist feel a lot better, gave me no problems.

After the make-up round, which Jean completed, we had a short meeting for the next task, then loaded up all the pilots and gliders to go up, as we're down to 28 or so competitors.

I was 19th in the launch order, so took my time setting up, though they had changed to a system of launching where each pilot would launch as ready, rather than waiting five minutes for each person. This worked well, and I was launched by about 2:55, after Dave Lukens.

The task was to make Clingan's Junction, which was beyond Bald Mountain, then to the school, and back to the LZ at the campground. To get to Clingan's, you'd have to get high at Delilah, and cross to Bald Mountain first.

Dave and I thermaled up and down in front of launch, before I led him up to Samson, as Ron Hess, who launched after me, headed out lower. Got up at Samson, then headed back to Delilah, below the top until the end, where I caught a good thermal, which eventually took me up to 7000', or 2500' above launch, so I decided to head across toward Bald Mountain.

I'd decided to play it safe and get all the altitude I could before leaving, which I did. Got some lift on the way, just slowed down through it, and was above Bald Mountain at 4700', when I saw the pylon below at the junction. I was just barely able to make out the letter "O."

Then I headed directly to Granny's knob, which I was well above. I'd seen at least one glider on the ground below. Made Granny's easily, then stuffed the bar and headed for home, getting the letter at the school, and cruising on in over the campground.

Circled on in and landed, not near the faster times, but fulfilling my mission to complete the course. Larry didn't make it, nor did Jean, nor Jon Minnick, who broke his glider in an out-landing, putting himself out of the contest.

So I felt for them, but was happy about my own flight. I beat Dave Lukens, who launched ahead of me, and had a respectable time, I'm sure.

Went to the swimming hole with Susan, Dale, and others. Had a nice time there.

Saturday, July 7, 1984 - 9:16 AM

We just had our pilots meeting. Our task today will be: the school, Delilah, then out the Daltons to Wonder Valley, where we'll land. Getting back from the school will be tough. Again I'm just going to fly conservatively, and try to make it.

They posted the updated results last night. I'm in 19th place, Larry's in 17th. Of course, the second day ruined me, with two incompletions.

I see two things about the scoring that are unfair, and have worked against me. One is that incompletions have been worth different amounts on different days, i.e. 1.5 on day one, 1.8 on round two, 1.7 on round three, and 1.8 on round four. This seems arbitrary, and the .3 difference is a big factor.

The second thing I talked to Connie about. For round three, the second group got to re-fly, because only one finished. Whereas those at the beginning, where 4 out of 7 (including me) also got incompletes, did not get to re-fly, had to take a loss, which really hurt in the standings. She'd seen this, had considered it, but it's water over the dam at this point.

Last evening I cooked a couple of hot dogs for dinner, later went down to Jerry's camp, where we listened to him play his guitar. I also had one of Sergio's small trout, which he, Wayne, and Steve Hawks had caught by hand among the rocks at the swimming hole.

Finally I came up and went to bed. Slept fairly well, except for dogs barking at various times during the night. My eyes were also pretty dried out, so I used some Murine a couple of times.

Talked a little with Jean this morning. She's from a military family, her father an Air Force Colonel (West Point), and she was married to a Navy flier for ten years. She had been ambitious, until she got into hang gliding, then traded her house for a trailer, so she can go where she wants.

I'm feeling friendly vibes from the women here, especially Laurie, Susan, and Jean, and that has boosted my spirits. Jean suggested we exchange phone numbers, as she'd like to come up and fly Hull Mountain sometime.

Sunday, July 8, 1984 - 7:15 AM Dunlap

It's the last day of the meet. It seems strange that this competition won't be continuing indefinitely, as it has almost become a way of life.

Yesterday was a great day for me. I finished the long course (28 miles) to Wonder Valley in the third fastest time of the day, surprising myself and everyone else.

Had a good breakfast, then relaxed before we all went up the hill, and we started launching around noon. Conditions looked good, but the task seemed almost unmakeable: out to the school, back to Delilah, then to Wonder Valley, which is a long flight out to Bald Mountain, across to the Daltons, and seven miles out to the valley at the far end.

I launched at around 1 PM, after Sergio Magistri, a Swiss pilot, who took eight minutes at the launch window. We both thermaled up near launch, but then saw that Dave Bowen, who was next in line, blew his launch, looping left into the trees.

Evidently he was hurt, had to leave on a stretcher, but his prospects look good. He'd been saying a few minutes earlier that the glider was too big for him (a 185 Whitehawk).

Anyway, getting to about 6000', I headed on out to the school, and Sergio followed me higher. We read the letter with over 5000', and headed back to the ridge. Sergio headed for Samson, but I took the more conservative route back to the ridge in front of launch, which I made high enough to thermal up again and head for Samson. More later, after breakfast.

9:05 AM

Continuing... At Samson, I found Larry in a thermal above me as I approached. I cruised on through, gaining, until I hit a thermal in the SW bowl, circled up, then headed back to Delilah below the ridge but gaining steadily, until at the end I hit a thermal and started circling up under Richard and Sergio, eventually outclimbing both of them, and finally topping out at 6800', so headed out towards Bald Mountain.

Got there with 4700' or so, and saw some gliders below me circling near the peak. But as I came over the saddle before the peak, I hit a thermal and gained 500', and Sergio and Richard, who'd followed me over, circled below me.

Then I saw a glider crossing the gap from Bald to the Daltons a couple hundred feet below me, so I decided to go for it too, and soon he was climbing on the other side and I was gaining on him. It was Jim Woodward on his Vision.

When he paused to circle in another thermal, I cruised on through and led him for awhile as we just stayed over the ridgetop in marginal lift for six or seven miles. It was a beautiful view, especially as Wonder Valley appeared at the end.

Then we cruised on out towards the landing area, where a few gliders were parked. I crossed the line, got my flag, and circled on down to get out of Jim's way. Made a perfect landing about four feet from a spot, feeling very good about completing the task.

Connie told me I was the first person from the second page, that I probably had a very good time, and as it turned out, I had the third fastest time of the day at 52 minutes, behind only Racanelli and someone else, Eric Robinson, I think.

So I was jazzed. Sergio and Richard soon arrived, and Larry much later, so we were all happy, and proceeded to drink lots of beer and get very wasted.

Later we went back to the swimming hole in the pickup with the keg, and relaxed awhile there. Went off by myself into a cave for awhile, feeling my aloneness.

Later, Larry and I went to the Dunlap Inn for a good dinner, where we were joined by Wayne and Dave and others. Then later, to the "dance" at the Community Center.

But I was disappointed at not seeing Shirley, or others from Pinehurst. But I did have a good time, dancing with Jean, and with Laurie, who asked me. I like that lady, and Jean as well.

Finally I walked on home by midnight and went to sleep. Felt okay this morning, considering how wasted I was.

Monday, July 9, 1984 - 12:53 Noon - Santa Rosa

Getting behind here, as things came to a rapid close, and after an exhausting drive home last night, getting here about 2AM. Thought I'd write for a few minutes, then go get some breakfast at Denny's.

Back to Dunlap, Sunday morning, the last day of the meet. Connie called a tough task, which didn't seem makeable: to the dome, back to Delilah, to Clingan's Junction, back to Delilah again, to the school, and finally to the campground LZ, 5 pylons to get and remember. But we went up and did it, starting the round by noon.

I was 14th in the launch sequence, a good place to be, and got launched at 12:47. Had to work for a thermal, but soon got up to 5700' and headed for the dome. Got the letter, still with good altitude (5000') and headed back toward the ridge to the right of launch.

Got a thermal near the house at about 4000' and circled up to launch level (4500'), scooted up past launch, into a thermal, then on to Samson, getting above it, crossing back to Delilah, where I found a good thermal, read the letter, and took it on up to 6700' or so.

Some people were leaving for Clingan's Junction (an earlier group), but I wanted a little more altitude to be safe, so I circled back, got some more, then left with about 6800', but as I left I climbed on up to 7100', or 2600' over, and followed the others, flying near Jim Woodward.

We got there still over 5000' and headed back towards Samson, but almost didn't get there. Saw Steve below me at the base, not getting anything where I was headed, and it looked like we were both in trouble above the highway.

Then I got a light thermal behind where I'd been flushed on Thursday, so started circling and climbing slowly. Steve saw me, came over and was saved too. It was a slow one, and I eventually had enough to jump to the lower end of the ridge to the west of launch.

Had to scratch there a few minutes before getting anything, but eventually got a strong one, and was joined in it by Dan Racanelli and Wayne Ashby. I was 180 degrees across the thermal from Racanelli, staying with him every circle, and we climbed out together, until I finally left him and climbed out higher toward Samson.

Circled up again there, got to Delilah again, got the letter, then took a thermal to 5700' and left. Made the school with plenty of altitude, then stuffed the bar and headed for home, way too high.

Had a good time for the course, but was only 10th for the day with 68 minutes (75 was average). Had a hard time coming down over the landing area. There were a few other gliders coming in, so I did tight circles, finally set up a landing, and to my surprise, it was perfect, a couple of feet from the center of the target. Felt very good about completing the task, knew I was in a better position now.

While I was in the landing area, Russ Locke told me that they'd corrected the Wonder Valley scores from Saturday, and that now I had the fastest time for that day, 43 minutes, beating Racanelli's 45 minute time. That made me very happy.

The beer hadn't arrived yet, so I went to the store, got a six-pack, and drove back to the LZ, giving some to other people, feeling very happy.

More after breakfast.

3:09 PM

Had some breakfast and some long conversations with Bones and Mel (also Mary, earlier).

Back to Dunlap on Sunday... Larry didn't complete the last task, unfortunately, landed near Clingan's Junction, which dropped him down to about 17th or 18th, I think.

I picked up a little, finished 11th overall. During the awards ceremony, I was also surprised to find I was 4th in landing points for the meet, thanks to my good landings on the last two days. Jon Minnick got the Marty Alameda Sportsmanship Award, and Ray Parsons the Meet Sportsmanship Award.

The order of finish for the Regionals was: 1st - Dan Racanelli on a Magic; 2nd - Howard Osterlund, Espirit; 3rd - Ron Hess, Sensor; 4th - Sergio Magistri, Comet 2; 5th - Steve Hawks, Magic; 6th - Dick Cassetta, Comet 2; 7th - Steve Roderick, Streak; 8th - Wayne Ashby, Comet; 9th - Dale Bowyer, Comet; 10th - Eric Robinson, Streak; 11th - Ralph Hyde, Comet; and so forth.

(ed. note: A writeup about this meet, by "Deke and Skyman," appeared in the October 1984 issue of Hang Gliding magazine on page 9 in the Competition Corner section.)

Said a lot of warm goodbyes. Susan and Dale live at 2430 Dwight Way, #314. Jean and I exchanged addresses and numbers, and she said she'd love to come fly up at Hull. Lots of good feelings, and a feeling that I'll want to go back and do it again next year.

Packed up my gear, then went to the swimming hole for a last swim on the way out. Said goodbye to Larry, who's off to the Owens Valley next week.

Left around 6:30 PM for the long drive home, forgetting how tired I was. Had to stop several times to wake myself up. Finally got home around 2AM.

Found that our street was to be "sealed" today, so there were "No Parking" signs posted. Had to move Hummer out and put the Eagle Scout in the driveway.

Slept well. Stayed in bed until eleven this morning. Found a postcard from Meredith that cheered me. She was at a friend's cabin at Donner Pass last weekend, which was why I couldn't reach her when I called. Was happy she'd thought of me.

Also called Mary this morning. And Bones and Mel, with long stories of my adventures. I missed a big birthday party for James last Friday, according to Mel. Also, Hull wasn't very good either weekend I was gone, Anne had nearly tumbled her glider, nearly crashed, in the strong winds.

So that about catches me up. The whole past week seems like a dream now, a different world, from which I've just returned. And I'm very glad I did it, feel I've gotten something important from it.

Thursday, July 10, 1984 - 6:41 AM

A poor night's sleep last night. Lay awake for much of the time after going to bed at 9:45. My mind wouldn't shut off, and my hand and wrist were still aching some. When the alarm finally went off, I was just getting to sleep, and now, after my run, I feel very tired.

Yesterday, after journal writing, phone talking, etc., I went out shopping, first to Safeway. Talked to Beverly a little about my vacation. Then I drove down to the Jeep dealership to look at the new Wagoneer, but they are expensive, up around $14,000 plus, loaded, so I'll probably look more closely at the Isuzu alternative, or at used Toyota trucks, if I decide to do anything.

I've been totally out of touch with the world of news, not having seen a newspaper, TV, or heard a radio over the last nine days.

Feeling a slight recurrence of depression, as I settle back into my workaday routine, down from my high of last week. Some of it is loneliness, not for friends, as I have many, it seems, but for someone to love, a partner and lover.

Wednesday, July 11, 1984 - 6:38 AM

Back to work yesterday. Was quite tired, but able to get back into the swing of things okay.

Saw Monique, and told her about the Regionals. Also Salli, and others.

Last evening, I found I'd left the lights on in Hummer, and the battery was dead. So I jumped it with the Eagle Scout. Also, I went to the Isuzu dealer to look at a new Trooper. But the price is high, would come close to $11,700 altogether, which I have a hard time justifying.

Last night I called Meredith, and finally found her home. I talked about the Regionals, and she gradually opened up a little. But there was still a distance between us. I thanked her for her card, told her it meant a lot to me. She was positive about her life. Afterwards, I felt the distance.

Also called Michael Cate. He'd had a good day of flying at Dillon Beach. He wants to come up and see me after work some day, perhaps next week. He's getting out and meeting people, feeling better.

Wrote a thank-you note to Connie Bowen. Also asked her for a copy of the final results of the competition.

Saturday, July 14, 1984 - 7:11 AM

Up and getting slowly ready to go to Hull Mountain. I hope there are some friends there. I'm feeling lonely and depressed, in spite of a very nice evening at James and Sandra's house with an excellent dinner. Loni is visiting Tera, and they're staying in a trailer that was given to Emba, parked on the property down the hill. They gave me a tour of the property, with Loni holding my hand, and of the trailer, which is very livable.

I finally came home around nine, watched some TV, then went to bed. Also called Carrie, to see if she wanted to go to Hull. But she had plans for Sunday, thanked me though for asking, and I felt better about offering.

Yesterday was a frustrating day at work, as the computer was down practically all day. Didn't get much done.

Monday, July 16, 1984 - 7:10 AM

An exhausting weekend at Hull, but with good friends and fair flights. Got off around 8:45 on Saturday, stopping for coffee at the Bluebird Cafe.

At the campground, I found Roy and Tom (Roy's brother), Ivan and Patti, Tom and Lin. I loaded on with Roy, and we went to Sunset campground to pick up Phil Ray and a driver.

On top, it was blowing straight up the ridge from the south, so both the propane tank launch and the ramp were somewhat crossed. Phil launched first from the ramp, ridge soared the top, gradually sunk down below lower launch, where he got a thermal to over the top.

I set up to launch at the propane tank, as it seemed straighter. But I dragged my right tip on a bush, almost went in, but got on the left tube and managed to fly it out. For a second there, though, I thought I was going to crash.

So I felt very lucky, and scratched around for some lift, not finding much until the bowl on the ridge below lower launch, where I got a thermal which got me back up the ridge and eventually over the top.

Everyone else launched, and soon there were a lot of us scratching in the various bowls, as you couldn't stay over the top for very long. My highest altitude was 8000 feet.

Eventually, Mike and Roy were flushed down to Red Spot and beyond, so I was left alone over the top, where I hung out for awhile.

Finally I headed out, encountering strong South winds on the way, so that I even became concerned about making it out, moreso about Roy and Mike, who were thermaling back at the dogleg. But I came out with thousands of feet, and eventually landed, not a very good one, hitting the windsock and just missing a stump.

After the flying, I pumped up my little boat. Tom and Tim had one like it, and Ivan and Patti had their canoe. So we all went out for a swim in the lake in our boats, having fun.

Finally I set up my tent, then cooked my steak for dinner. Sat around afterwards with the others, but was very tired, so went to bed early, shortly after nine. Slept well for a time, but was also tossing and turning a lot, with my hand aching and bothering me.

Got up early to a cloudy day. After breakfast, we eventually got gliders loaded up for the trip to the top. I rode up again with Roy. My ass is sore from the hard seat in the truck bed.

When we got to lower launch, we felt a strong NW wind, and could see the flags from that direction also, so Roy decided to stay there and launch, though I would have preferred going to the top. So I set up for a launch off the road.

While there, Jon James arrived with Hank and Barry. I greeted Hank, who's been busy with his crafts and other things. He later told me I look very lean and strong. His hair is quite long again, and his beard bushy. They went on up to the top, as did John Blacet, Dave Thor, and Doug Groenhout.

I launched from the road, had a good one, then went out around the point, where I found a thermal in which I circled, getting up above the ridge almost even with the top.

Ivan had launched from the rockpile, was sharing the same air with me, and we were looking for thermals in the west bowls, maintaining, and soon there were a few more of us there.

I wasn't able to get over the top, and was soon down to Red Spot low, looking for thermals, finding only marginal ones. Finally slipped on out the first ridge, occasionally finding marginal lift, but nothing to get back up in.

Eventually I was over the second knoll, and crossed over to the first, worried about even making it to the airstrip. Found a light thermal in front of the lower knoll, but couldn't get up, so headed out over the trees, expecting to have to land on the runway.

But I found light lift over the trees, worked it all the way around to the road, then crossed high enough to make the campground, but sunk out a bit short of the spot, which I had created the day before. (I'd used a hoe to make a circle in front of the campground. No one hit it all day.) But I was happy to make the campground, and had a good flare and landing.

Eventually I got packed up, said my goodbyes, and headed on home, with my usual refreshing stop at the Eel River for a dip.

Stopped at Burger King for salad, then to Hopland, where I stopped at the Hopland Brewery to get some T-shirts for birthday presents. Cruised on home from there, arriving by eight, very tired.

Took a hot bath and went to bed, but had a poor night of sleep, with lots of tossing and turning.

Saturday, July 21, 1984 - 7:34 AM

Up to get ready to go to Hull Mountain. The sun is burning through early fog on a chilly morning.

Monday, July 23, 1984 - 7:49 AM

I took longer than usual this morning getting up, running, exercising, and taking my shower, getting dressed, and having breakfast, so no time to write about the weekend at Hull.

Maybe I'll take some extra time at lunch to catch up. It was a nice but exhausting weekend, with lots of friends there. I had a two-hour flight on Saturday, and a two-and-a-half hour flight on Sunday, when only four of us even flew, the flight of the day.

12:24 Noon

Taking an hour of comp time to catch up. In today's mail I got the reply to my letter from Connie Bowen, a nice letter, plus the results I had requested.

They had updated the scores to give me the fastest time for the fifth round, with a score of .587, ahead of Racanelli's .675 second place score. If the third round had been thrown out (since some of us didn't get to fly it), I think I'd have finished in 8th place overall. I'll do some computing to confirm that.

Had a good weekend of flying, but not much sleep, and I'm pretty tired today. I arrived at our usual camping and landing area on Saturday to find some non-fliers camped at our spot, and most of the fliers camped next door in the eastward area.

A large group of fliers continued arriving, surrounding them thoroughly. We decided later that we definitely do need a sign to warn people that this is where we land and camp, for their own protection against being surrounded and overwhelmed by all the hang glider vehicles pulling in.

Everyone who had arrived earlier (including Bones and Sharol, Don and Marty, Mel and Lynne, etc.) had already gone up the mountain, so I, and John Blacet, and later Jon James (and Nancy) relaxed, put up our tents, until eventually Mike Kunitani, Hank, and a couple of Mike's friends arrived in Mike's Land Cruiser, and we rode up with him.

Got set up at the rockpile after saying my hellos to the rest of the gang. Sharol waited a long time there, decided finally not to launch.

I went next, down the left slot of launch, as it was crossing from the left. Got into a good thermal immediately off launch, turned left, then right, by now over the top, but there were flush cycles too.

Flew around with my camera, taking pictures of other pilots, including Mike, Jon, Hank, and Ivan, but got tired and cold early, staying over the top much of the time, so finally headed out.

I overshot my landing, as there was a lull on the ground when I came in. But I had a nice two-hour flight, at cloudbase for much of the time.

Relaxed and socialized with everyone, cooked my steak for dinner, and sat around 'til 10. Jon finally tried to have a club meeting, but nothing happened, as he couldn't get people's attention, and it was already after 10. Hank had gone to bed, and I did soon also.

Don Piercy's stories of his Owens Valley flights, including one of over 100 miles on the last day, were the highlight of the conversation. He's an excellent story teller.

I didn't sleep very well. Got up around 7:30 and took a dip in the lake, rather the creek which runs out to the lake, which is getting pretty shallow by now. Then I had my breakfast.

Eventually I rode up with Roy and others to the top. The clouds seemed to be blowing from the east. No one who was already up there had set up yet, as it was blowing from the SE, too crossed at the propane tank.

But we thought it looked good at the eastern road loop, where it was blowing up nicely. So Ivan and I started setting up there. Others waited.

I was ready and was the wind dummy. Launched at 12:40 into a nice thermal, but after getting picked up nicely, I got dumped, then thrashed around a bit, so I didn't try to soar the bowl, just flew down the ridge looking for lift.

Finally, over the road between Timberline and Lower Launch, I found some lift, started circling, it got stronger and took me up the ridge and over the top soon, in very turbulent air, getting tossed around quite a bit.

But it was fun, and I found that there were consistent thermals from that area, but they were blowing out over the west bowl, and the cores were small and strong.

So I flew around by myself, until Ivan launched, got one thermal, but then headed out. Don Piercy launched too, and stayed for just one thermal also, before heading out.

So I was alone again in the rasty air, but having great fun, 'til eventually, after about two hours, Mike, Jon, and someone else launched. I flew with them awhile, getting to cloudbase a couple of times, then finally headed out high, very tired in my arms and shoulders.

Sank all the way out, but still had a couple thousand feet. Set up a landing in a strong west wind, and was short of the spot anyway, but had a good landing.

Some more people, including Tom Hazelwood and Denise, Tom and Lin Denny, and others, had come up just for Sunday, but didn't fly. Most people thought the conditions too radical, but I had great fun, enjoyed being the center of attention with lots of people watching me from launch but not flying.

Packed up my gear, said my goodbyes. Invited Tom and Denise to my swimming spot, but I was already leaving by the time they arrived. I like them both a lot, and am infatuated with Denise.

Drove on home, arriving very tired at about 7:15. Relaxed, watched 60 Minutes, had some dinner, took a bath, and went to bed. But I didn't sleep well, so am very tired today.

Thursday, July 26, 1984 - 7:43 AM

Happy Birthday, Carl Jung. May your inspiration continue to shine.

This morning, I refigured the Regionals scores, throwing out Thursday's scores (my bad day), and found that I would have come in fourth for the meet. Not bad.

Monday, July 30, 1984 - 7:39 AM

A foggy Monday morning after a pleasant weekend at Hull. Came home not quite as exhausted as usual.

Only a few minutes to write, so I'll have to catch up later. Got off Saturday in a somewhat disorganized state, getting to Healdsburg before I realized I didn't have my sleeping bag. Having the new tent had perhaps disrupted my routine.

The Scout ran well except that the gas gauges are now acting very strangely, telling me there's only a fraction of a tank when I've just filled that one, so I had to keep mental track of the gas situation all weekend.

On the way in, I heard Tom Denny on the radio, so I called them, told them I was on my way, and Ivan saved a space for me on his truck, so when I arrived, we headed right on up the mountain.

Also there, were John Blacet, Dave Thor, Tom and Denise, Tom and Lin, Bill Vogel and Charla (an old friend of his from Portland). We had our regular campsite back.

It was a nice clear weekend, and although there was a slight SE breeze on top, it was soon launchable at the Rockpile, where Ivan and I set up, although the rest were launching on top, and getting very high.

Ivan was ready before me, so I helped him, also to see if I'd be able to get to launch and get off by myself, as we had no extra people, though Denise had offered to come down and help me if I thought I needed assistance.

Anyway, Ivan got a nice launch from the SW slot, and soon was climbing out.

More later, got to go to work now.

4:43 PM

Back to Saturday, I was soon ready to launch, but as there was no one else at the Rockpile, I had to get myself to launch by myself, and launched with no assistance, which I was able to do with no problems, taking the first decent cycle that came along.

Launched into a nice thermal, and was soon circling over the top in good lift with several others, getting eventually to 9600'. Stayed up, playing for quite awhile. There were large cumi clouds back to the NE, which I ventured toward at one point, but didn't get close.

They eventually moved closer, but not before I left, eventually heading out high, my hands cold and tired (got to get some new gloves). The wind was stiff and I landed short of the spot. Had one and a half hours of flight.

Put up my new tent, which I like very much. Eventually had dinner with the others and relaxed. Slept pretty well.

In the morning after breakfast, I went with Ivan and Patti in their canoe for a swim, which was very refreshing. Later I rode up the hill in Ivan's truck.

Forgot to mention that on Saturday I took three people up the hill in the Eagle Scout to retrieve their vehicles, Tom, Ivan, and a guy named Mike from Oakland, whose partner had a new Toyota 4Runner.

Lin and Tom Denny were down on Tom and Denise for not doing their share of driving, which was unfortunate, as I like them all a lot, and it added a sour note.

Launched from the Rockpile again on Sunday. Also, Bones, Duane, and others had arrived on Sunday morning (also Steve and Doug, and Joe Baltz), so it was quite crowded on top.

People were getting very high. I launched, got in a thermal which took me right up to 11,200'. Since it was quite cold again, I decided to leave high, see how far I could go, heading south behind another glider, which turned out to be Bill Vogel on his new Comet-2.

Came over the lower knoll with 9400', over the lake with 8500', and almost to the dam with 7000', but decided, as there was a lot of sink, to head back and see if I could get back up the mountain. But by the time I was back at the lower knoll, I was down to 4500' and finding nothing, so I came out again and soon landed after only 45 minutes. It was dead in the LZ, and I just missed the spot, and dropped the nose.

It was early, so I got my gear packed up and left by 3:30 or so. Several people had gone cross country, Tom Denny to Potter Valley, and Joe Baltz and Tom Hazelwood to Willits.

Denise had found her rear tire almost flat, so I used my compressor to pump it up, and it seemed to hold.

On the way in on Saturday, I'd seen Stretch and Anne going the other way. According to Joe, they were headed for Santa Rosa and James's house to get Loni. They'd been to Canada and Washington, among other places, had good flying.

Made my usual stop for a swim in the Eel River on the way out. The water there was up about eight inches from last week, while down about a foot in the lake.

I cruised on home in plenty of time to go to Mary's birthday celebration.

On getting home, I was happy to find a nice letter from Meredith. That felt good.

Unpacked the car, showered, then went to Mary and Dennis's. She liked her T-shirt too (a yellow one), and after awhile Foster (very pregnant) and Michael came over too, and we had chocolate ice cream cake and coffee, a nice relaxed evening. Finally I said goodnight and left around 9:40. Came home and went to bed.

Saturday, August 4, 1984 - 7:32 AM

I'm up getting ready for our trip to Hull Mountain. My daughter, Cici, and her roommate, Kiki, are here and will go up with me. It's a sunny day after a somewhat hot night. Don't know who all else will be there. I was disappointed to learn that Stretch and Anne won't, as they'll be towing (with Eric and Brian, and Rich Sauer) over at Konocti, according to James, who won't be up either.

Monday, August 6, 1984 - 7:49 AM

No time to write this morning, as I've been moving slow, in a melancholy, thoughtful frame of mind. A pleasant weekend at Hull, however, with Cici and Kiki, Ivan and Patti.

More later about the weekend.

7:49 PM

Back to our trip. Cici and Kiki and I got off by 8:45 on Saturday morning, a quicker start than I'd imagined. Cruised on up in good time, getting there a little after eleven. Our usual camping spot was taken again, but Ivan and Patti saw us, called us over to see a rattlesnake they were escorting away from the place on the other side of the road where they'd set up camp.

I was very glad to see them, as most of our friends had gone elsewhere. They invited us to join them there, so we did, setting up our tents, waiting to see if others would arrive.

Tom, Lin, and Dave Thor were at St. John, and we talked to them later on the CB. Mike and Roy were still in the Owens Valley. Stretch and Anne, with Rich, Eric, and others, were towing over by Mt. Konocti.

The Swiss man, George, joined us also, and we eventually drove up the hill in the Eagle Scout, with Kiki as our volunteer to drive it down.

It was nice and cool up there. Russ Locke and a few people from the South Bay were setting up on top, and we watched them launch and get high. And we were eventually ready to go ourselves.

I'd set up on top, and launched from the ramp, after helping George to launch at the Rockpile.

I soon got high, a maximum of 9900' or so, near cloudbase, but not quite. Eventually I got flushed, had to head down to Red Spot, then out the ridge. There were some thermals, but they were blowing back.

I headed out the dogleg, and found some lift coming from the north, got to 6000' or so, finally headed out and landed after an hour and forty-five minutes or so. Hit the spot, but dropped the nose in windy turbulence.

After awhile, we all went in Ivan's truck to Sunset Campground for a relaxing swim. There were whitecaps on the lake, but it was sheltered where we were. Later we had a nice dinner of chicken breasts, and finally went to bed.

I didn't sleep real well Saturday night, but may have gotten three or four hours. I used my old tent, giving Cici and Kiki my new one, which they liked.

On Sunday, Ivan and Patti left early for a long canoe trip. We got up and had a leisurely breakfast. Later, we all went on up in Ivan's truck, including Steve Little, who'd arrived Sunday morning. He and I talked about New Hampshire, where he'd grown up. He's planning to go back within the next couple of years, he said.

George was a tool and die maker for the auto industry in Michigan for awhile, now has his own manufacturing company in San Carlos, makes machined parts for the military mostly, also has a house in Switzerland. He's an interesting man, from whom I kept my distance at first, and later learned to like. He eventually gave the girls a ride back to San Francisco with him, where they caught BART to Berkeley.

Conditions weren't as good on Sunday, as a stronger north wind had set in, though it was launchable in cycles. No one got over the top except me, finally, from a good thermal off lower launch which I took to 7700' or so, then flew over the top a couple of times to wave to Cici and Kiki.

Then I was flushed out too, and we all had to head out to the dogleg, where there was some convergence. George found a good thermal south of the lower knoll, which I found also, and got up to 6500' or so there.

We stayed there awhile, then went out to land in a turbulent SW wind, which almost blew me around, but I held on and got back into the wind for a good recovery and landing, still dropping the nose, however. Was up for about an hour and five minutes, but had the best flight of the day.

Cici and Kiki said goodbye, and left with George. I packed up the tents with Ivan and Patti, then left also, stopping at my swimming spot on the way out. Had a nice trip home.

Stopped at the Hopland Brewery, where I had a Red Tail Ale, and also bought another T-shirt, this one for JoAnn, for her birthday, a pink one. They only had a few left. Hope she likes it.

Came on home. Relaxed. Eventually went to bed in a somewhat melancholy mood. Didn't sleep well at all.

Thursday, August 16, 1984 - 7:36 AM

Talked to Ivan the night before last, about last weekend at Hull (to see what I'd missed). Stretch and Anne were back, as were Roy, Mike, and others. He thinks there'll be a bunch of people this weekend also.

Saturday, August 18, 1984 - 8:25 AM

Up on a Saturday morning, waiting for Betsy (my sister from back east), Al (her husband), and Mariquita (their college age daughter) to awaken. They arrived around 3 AM after a long day of driving from Carmel to Yosemite, then up to Santa Rosa. It was a hot day, so, fortunately, their rental car was air conditioned. Al said they are "zombies," driving around, taking pictures, "setting the alarm clock."

I greeted them when they arrived last night, but we haven't had a chance to talk yet.

Betsy had reached me at work in the morning, and told me that they wouldn't arrive 'til well after midnight, so I'd be able to go to the party (at James and Sandra's) after all.

There I saw, in addition to Sandra, James, and Tera; Stretch, Anne, and Lani, Joe Baltz, Peter and Debra, Suzanne and Wade, Jimba, Tom Barker (who likes his job in Animal Regulation with the County, and is now a permanent employee), and a few others.

I had a nice time, showed my photos, and saw those of Stretch, Anne, and Joe, from Washington, Canada, and lots of the neat places they flew this summer. Exchanged stories. They're going to be at Indian Valley next weekend, invited me to come up there, which I'll consider.

So I had a nice time, but drank too much (several Mexican beers plus a couple of glasses of homemade wine) and had a slight hangover this morning.

It's getting quite warm already this morning, was hot yesterday, and warm last night. I'm not sure what we'll do, probably go out to breakfast when the others awaken, then some local exploring, maybe to the coast. Tomorrow, if they're up for it, we'll go to Hull Mountain, just for the day.

I've been thinking more about a new vehicle, and realizing that the Isuzu Trooper is what I'd really like, rather than a pickup. Or else a Toyota 4Runner, or Jeep Cherokee, but those are more expensive. It would be nice for some expeditions, though the Scout has served me well so far.

Monday, August 20, 1984 - 6:32 PM

Had a nice weekend with Betsy, Al, and Mariquita. Today they've gone exploring further, down to Stanford, San Francisco, and possibly Berkeley, will be back here later tonight.

Eventually they got up around eleven, and we gradually got underway, talking, relaxing, and finally taking a ride to the coast, where it was cool (blown out at Goat Rock, blowing about 30) and pleasant, then to the Blue Heron for drinks and a very nice dinner. I had trout. We headed on home via River Road, and went to bed.

Much good sharing with Betsy, Al, and Mariquita. As Al said, they don't go as a "family," but as three separate people, sometimes pulling in different directions.

On Sunday, we got up early and were ready to leave for Hull Mountain in the Scout by 8 AM, and had a very pleasant ride up. Al was impressed by the Scout, by its rugged functionality.

We stopped to eat breakfast at the Bluebird Cafe in Hopland, a relaxing breakfast, then on, after some shopping at the Fetzer mall. Finally on the road again, we cruised on up and got to the campground about 12:20 or so.

There we found just Roy and his brother, Tom, and I introduced them to Betsy, Al, and Mariquita, who liked their friendliness and country charm. But no more of my friends were there, except Bones and Sharol, who'd already gone up the hill.

Roy and Tom were waiting for someone in the other campground, who had a driver, to come pick them up, so we drove on up. Passed Bones driving down after launching Sharol. Told him we had extra drivers, that he could fly, but he declined. And they were gone when I got down, so I didn't see Sharol at all.

On top were some other pilots from the South Bay, including a woman named Janet, who launched from the rockpile. But the man with her did a "Funston launch," and stalled, crashing on the rocks below. But fortunately, he wasn't hurt. I helped him get his glider back up.

Conditions were light, but with a south wind, up the ridge, alternating cycles between the ramp and the propane tank. I launched last, after Tom, Roy, and others. Some got up, but most didn't.

I had a good launch from the ramp, then turned right, got a thermal, and circled up about 500' above the top, climbing pretty fast. Then I got blasé, and eventually was down even with the top, then in a strong flush cycle on the west side, which took me down to lower launch fast, where I couldn't find much of anything. So on to Timberline and some light stuff, with which I should have persevered more, then to Red Spot and on out the ridge low, only finding marginal lift and fairly consistent sink.

In no time I was heading out the lower ridge, not finding anything. Meanwhile Roy had gotten very high (9000') in a thermal over Timberline, and was now flying with a sailplane which had appeared from Covelo.

I continued to get flushed on down, and soon was over the landing area with 900'. Set up a landing, but was fooled; I was too high, overshot, was popped up, flared, and was blown sideways, came down hard and bent a downtube. Not a good landing, and I was glad Betsy and the others hadn't seen it.

Folded up, after a 35 minute flight, satisfied at having at least gotten over the top. They took many photos of me. Luckily, I'd brought a cold beer with me, figuring I might have a wait, and I was all folded up by the time they got down the mountain, around 4:15 or so.

So we said goodbyes, and headed out, stopping for a wonderful swim in the Eel River, all enjoying it greatly. Then home, stopping at the Hopland Brewery, where I'd hoped to get a T-shirt for Monique, but they were all out of the design I liked in her size. We stopped for dinner at the Owl Cafe in Cloverdale, which was also nice, then cruised on home.

Unloaded and talked until 10:45, finally headed for bed. Everyone had enjoyed the day very much, and I was pleased about that.

Lots of good talks with Betsy about our childhood, our freedom then, Daddy, Alice (our stepmother), ourselves. Also about astrology, which she asked me about, though I sensed that neither she nor Al puts much stock in it. And we talked about Mary, Chevy, the Log House, the fire of a few years ago, and the losses sustained. And lots more that I can't begin to cover. It's been a good sharing.

Last night Al talked abut his current situation, as a Divisional Manager at Stone and Webster (with 25 years in), a company that's being hurt badly by the decline of nuclear energy, their specialty, and the frustrations of having to go out in the field, recently three months in Cincinnati before they shut the plant down for good, now a six to nine month project in Joliet, Illinois. A top group of senior people, but only home once in two weeks. He likes the work and the challenge, but it's a difficult time.

He dreams of being off in the wilds by himself, doing photography or something. We talked of goals, attitudes, and the price you have to pay for everything you choose.

Slept pretty well.

Tuesday, August 21, 1984 - 7:39 AM

Well, Betsy, Al, and Mariquita have left, around six this morning, for the airport and home. I was worried about them last night when they didn't get home 'til nearly midnight. I knew they'd planned too much for a single day, but hadn't expected them to be quite so late.

We talked awhile about their day, then I went to bed while they organized their stuff for morning.

Got up at 5:45 to see them off by 6:10. Today's foggy again, cooled off yesterday. I'm pretty tired, would like to take a day off, but can't until Thursday at the earliest.

Thursday, August 23, 1984 - 7:26 AM

Watched some TV last night; a Smithsonian program on Anne Morrow Lindbergh, and her life with Charles, also as a flyer, navigator, and crew for him. She was a beautiful girl, daughter of the Ambassador to Mexico when Lindbergh flew to Mexico City and met her there. She fell in love with him, and they were married. She learned to fly to share his life, and became his copilot on many exploratory trips around the world to chart air routes for airlines, covering more territory than any explorer in history. An amazing life.

Later, a movie on the Gossamer Albatross and the Channel crossing flight, very well done.

Went to bed, slept well after awhile.

Saturday, August 25, 1984 - 7:55 AM

A chilly, foggy morning as I prepare to go to Hull Mountain.

Monday, August 27, 1984 - 7:33 AM

Had a nice weekend at Hull Mountain, with interesting flights both days, as well as good companionship, with Ivan and Patti, Bill Vogel, Tom and Lin (on Saturday), Gordon, Mike Kunitani, Doug and Steve, and Steve's wife, Barbara, who drove for us, a nice lady.

Packed and headed up on Saturday morning. It was foggy to Cloverdale, and clouded over beyond, so I didn't expect too much. Got there in time to throw my glider on Bill's truck and head up the mountain.

Tom and Lin were already on top. It was blowing from the SE, and I decided to launch from the road at the hairpin turn, where it was coming up straight. Doug and Steve joined me there.

Tom launched first, from the propane tank launch, and found some light thermals in front, but didn't stay up very long. Doug and Steve launched, and maintained awhile also.

I thought I could launch myself there, though Barbara offered to help, but as I stepped over the lip from the road, my right wing started lifting and I couldn't hold it down, and I was soon pinned with my nose on the ground up to the left. Barbara and a couple of spectators got me turned around again, and then I had a good launch, and soared the bowl, calling "Thanks" to them for their help.

Flew around looking for lift, not finding much over the top, but finally finding some good ones coming up from the channels between Lower Launch and Timberline, where we'd circle high up and over the West Bowl, much like that other day a few weeks ago (7/22) when I also launched from the road there, and was up by myself for so long.

7:46 PM

Continuing... Back to Saturday's flight, with the wind from the SE. Spent a long time waiting for others to launch, catching thermals below Lower Launch, then climbing high over the east bowl, to 8000' plus, then over the top for awhile, then back down for another good thermal.

Finally got tired, and left pretty high. Headed on out. On my landing approach, I decided to come in hot and low, which I did, but I was too low, the wind had died, and my flare didn't stop me, and I couldn't run fast enough, dropped the nose, but didn't bend anything.

After the flight, I adjusted my CB antenna inside the sail, tying the ends out with thread, which probably helped.

Finally got my tent set up, then a fire started, and we all cooked our dinners. Went to bed early. Slept okay.

Got up after eight. Had a leisurely breakfast, and relaxed 'til Bill was ready to head up around 10:45.

The weather was cloudy, with cumulus clouds blowing fast from the SE again. When we got to the top, we found it blowing hard from the SE, coming up the road launch at 15 to 25, and the clouds moving past very fast. It looked marginally blown out, doubtful as to being able to penetrate out to the south.

But after watching a few birds able to fly upwind, in seemingly good lift, I decided to give it a try. It was a tough decision, but I was the "old timer" of the group, the one to be wind dummy if anyone would. I felt that if Joe were there, he'd try it, so I decided to be bold and try it, considering the possibilities of having to land at Lower Launch or at Red Spot if I couldn't make it out.

It turned out to be a good judgment, and a learning experience. With four people helping me move into launch position, the glider wanted to pull me down the hill. But then I had them release, took a couple of steps, and was up, soaring the East Bowl in what turned out to be very smooth air.

Found I was able to penetrate easily, and was able to climb as thermals came through, getting to 7800' or so, above the lookout. Then I headed out to test the lift further out. Got another smooth thermal over Timberline and climbed to 7900' or so, then decided to head on out against the wind.

After watching me, Mike Kunitani decided to set up also, but he was the only other one to fly.

Penetration became more difficult further out, but there were patches of lift as a cloud street was coming across from Snow Mountain. Continued out slowly, and it wasn't 'til I crossed the second ridge, down from the dogleg at 6400', that I felt confident of making it to the LZ.

Further on, over the woods behind the campground, I got another thermal that took me from 5100' up to 6700', blowing back towards Pillsbury Ranch. Came out again, eventually sank through the shear layer and set up my landing.

Made a good approach, but was popped up above the spot, pulled in a little, then made a standup landing in a decent wind beyond the spot. It was only a 45 minute flight, but very satisfying. A situation where if I hadn't tested the conditions, no one would have flown. I felt that the bold side of me had been reinforced, and I felt good about my judgment.

Eventually Mike made it out, also with plenty of altitude to spare, and we talked awhile, about his Owens Valley trip, which was exciting, and he urged me to save time to go next year. I said I'd try.

Said my goodbyes after packing up all my gear, and stopped to swim at my usual spot on the way out. Made it home before seven.

Forgot to mention that Ivan and Patti had brought a cousin of theirs, a boy named Matisse, about twelve, as a guest. He was much impressed by the hang gliding scene, as would be expected.

Got home to find a poem that Al Patterson (my brother in law) had written, on a postcard, with no return address, and only signed, "A.A.P" He wrote as follows:

To Hang Free in Silence

To slip off the earth,
with a running start,
and float out onto the waiting air
which cradles you,
and lifts you,
and allows you to feel
your Spirit
and see.
Yes, to see
out, below, around;
that is my wish
Today.
To be like a bird,
and go where I wish
To rise to the clouds,
and look about
over our magnificent earth.
In almost silence,
my wings whisper
as the wind and I are one,
rising,
circling, and
falling.
Until the air
lets me down
softly
on the hard, real ground.
But in my head
the flight goes on.
It is remembered,
relived,
in readiness for tomorrow.
Oh God of Wind
and thermal air,
Thank you for bringing
me to your breast,
So that I might
float and be lifted
and see
all that there is to see
within me,
and the reflection
of what is
out there.

A nice tribute to the world we showed him.

After I got home, I relaxed and watched 60 Minutes, then some more TV.

Saturday, September 1, 1984 - 9:33 AM

A sunny, warm morning. I stayed in bed until 8:15 or so, though awake much earlier.

Today Jon has scheduled a St. Helena flight. I've been very ambivalent this morning about whether I want to go, but have decided I will after all, and will be a driver if there aren't enough, instead of flying.

2:48 PM

This morning, as I was loading my glider onto the Scout, I tweaked my back in a painful way, and it's been sore ever since. That was the signal I needed to call Jon and withdraw from the St. Helena expedition, which I did.

Found out that Hank had also withdrawn, with a sore throat this morning. One of the reasons I'd been going to go, in spite of my ambivalence, was because I haven't seen Hank in so long.

Jon wasn't upset, and they weren't counting on the Scout or anything, so I felt relieved.

Sunday September 2, 1984 - 9:20 AM

Yesterday afternoon I went shopping at Safeway for wine, for dinner at Mary's, and a couple of other things.

3:01 PM

Went in to work today, in order to reorganize a database. Spent five hours on it, and feel good about successfully completing it. Had a few frustrations along the way, but got past them all.

I've got some energy now, but don't know what to do with it. It's very hot outside, like an oven. Thought of looking at cars, but am still very ambivalent about that.

Monday, September 3, 1984 - 1:15 PM Labor Day

Got up this morning and went running. Ran to the track, where I did four laps, two miles altogether.

Yesterday afternoon I drove to the Toyota place and looked at 4-Runners. But they didn't have any SR-5s, and the price would be around $16,000, which discouraged me.

Tuesday, September 4, 1984 - 9:06 PM

I was running late this morning, so didn't get to write.

Yesterday afternoon, I took a ride to Auto Row, but then turned around, didn't go in. I had an inner war going on between my Saturn and Jupiter attitudes.

Then I walked around at the Mall, just feeling lonely, looking at people and things.

Spent a quiet evening, reading, watching TV. Went to bed at ten and slept okay.

An okay day at work today.

After work I went back to the Isuzu dealer, saw Steve Melton again, Steve Langridge's brother-in-law. And I looked again at the Isuzu Trooper. I liked it. The one I'm interested in has air conditioning, stereo, tachometer. Nice.

Right now I'm leaning towards getting it. And as I mess with the figures, I feel I can afford it, even though the tax, registration, and insurance will take a bigger bite. So I'm leaning toward my Jupiter side, allowing myself to act more prosperous, as Reverend Terry said on TV last night. Maybe I don't have to be so "tight" as I've thought I've had to be.

Also this evening, I called Jon James, and Patti Wick, talked about our weekends. Good flying at St. Helena and Hull. Mike got to a new high at Mt. St. Helena, over 8000'. But his car (the Saab) went off the road in the hands of his girlfriend, Nancy, sustaining some damage.

Art and others left early, said it was blowing from the east, but when Jon, Mike, and Brian got up there, it was fine.

Mary and Dennis stopped by today. It was the first day of school at the J.C., and the streets around here were parked full with cars. I had parked my Toyota in the street so Mary and Dennis could park in my driveway while at class.

I think I'm going to buy that Isuzu Trooper.

Wednesday, September 5, 1984 - 7:33 AM

Didn't sleep very well last night. Had the inner battle over buying the Isuzu raging inside. But I think I'm going to go through with it. While $12,000 seems like a lot of money, I make three times that in a year, and can pay it off with direct deposits to the Credit Union, which won't hurt that much. So I think I'll go for it. Today I'll go to the Credit Union, also call my insurance company.

I can see the negative sides of the picture all too clearly. My Saturn worrying side, which is very strong, makes sure of that; the added worries of having something new, vulnerable to theft, damage, etc., the added insurance costs, registration costs, etc.

Yet I can afford it, and I'll have the peace of mind of having a dependable vehicle that I can take anywhere, and that someone else (a potential driver or lover) could also be very comfortable in. This is an important factor.

Thursday, September 6, 1984 - 7:18 AM

Well, I did it, I bought "the whole thing," my beautiful new Isuzu Trooper II, dark red, with air conditioning, stereo, etc.

Went over after work, and made the deal. When I got there, someone else was looking at it with Steve, but he left. I asked Steve, "Did he buy it?"

He said, "No, but he'll be back in the morning to buy it."

So anyway, I went ahead with it, wrote a check for $3000, with a contract for the rest, a little over $9000 with the 5year/50,000 mile warranty which I bought (years 3 though 5).

After the paperwork was done, I drove it home. Tried to call Mary, but she was working. Went over to see Marty and show her. Then got her to go with me to pick up the Toyota which I'd left there. I let her drive the Isuzu home, and she liked it a lot.

Left a message for Mel, who called later, so I went over, had a beer with him and showed it to him. We laughed about how plush it is.

Friday, September 7, 1984 - 7:37 AM

Last evening I went back to the dealer, where I was reimbursed for the gas ($5) I got, and where the clock was to be fixed, but there was no one there that could do it, so I put it off. The service manager was very nice, though, gave me his card and number.

Then I drove to Bones and Sharol's house. Sharol wasn't home, but I showed "Son of Eagle Scout" to Bones, then we had a beer and talked.

His glider is 90% designed, and he and Don Piercy have formed a company to produce them, Maverick Aircraft. He says it's very fast with good high speed sink rate, but still too fast to land. He flew it at Hull Mountain last week.

(ed. note: This glider design eventually became in 1987 the Z-1, and the company name became American Windwright.)

Then I drove to Ivan and Patti's, showed them the Trooper and let Ivan drive us for a little ride.

Came on home. Went shopping at Safeway. Talked to Beverly in the lot as I was leaving. She liked the Trooper. But she told me she's leaving Safeway, has one more day, will work for UPS, but is under 21 so won't be a driver yet.

I told her I'd miss her. Asked it she'd like to go to the mountains some weekend. She said she was very flattered that I asked, but that she's engaged now.

I congratulated her and we said goodbye. She also said her Dad is excited about hang gliding, dreams about it.

End of Volume 34a