Volume 35a

Taking some extra time at lunch to write, and to review my life. I just reread the review at the beginning of my last journal volume, written when I was at the Regionals last July, to put things into perspective.

Since then, I think I've finally finished with and put away the Meredith affair. I thought we'd gotten back to being friends again, but she recently dashed that illusion, and said another goodbye, to which I gave my own, feeling finally that I'd said all I needed to say to her, and had been heard as best as she is capable of hearing me. It wasn't what I'd hoped would be the conclusion, but is something I hope I can live with and leave behind.

And my emotional energy has been disengaged from her, at least to some extent, and is refocusing on new possibilities.

Tuesday, December 25, 1984 - 1:04 PM Christmas

Continuing with my summing up...

With regard to my emotional life; leaving Meredith behind, and being disappointed that Jean hasn't affirmed my hopes, as I saw with us the possibilities of a good relationship, with a common love for hang gliding as a solid mutual focus.

I had come to see that without this in a relationship, my hang gliding would tend to be a divisive factor, whereas with her, it could be a cohesive factor.

I seem to feel more secure when there's something tangible I can provide in a relationship, perhaps to balance my own needs and demands, and my selfishness in wanting to do my own trip (hang gliding whenever I can).

Moving on to other areas of my life, astrology is still an important interest to me, has been for a year or so now, and I continue to learn new things, gain new insights about myself and about life, gradually able to believe in a wider horizon of possibilities, a more "magical" universe with a secret mystery behind it, that has personal significance and gives personal meaning to life.

I also see the study as a way of developing my own native intuition, and getting in touch with deeper levels of my being, perhaps leading me to a sense of vocation and humanitarian purpose.

Hang gliding still provides my recreational outlet, and something more, and I intend to compete in the Regionals again this year, this time with a chance of winning.

Much of my focus at this point in my life is on my upcoming adventure, a trip to Australia and New Zealand. It comes just after my Jupiter return, which seems very appropriate, and I have the feeling that it will have an importance in my life that I can't begin to even speculate on, but we'll see.

Most of the preparations are taken care of, and I have less than two weeks before I leave.

Now, back to the present. Today's a foggy, cold, grey, winter day, as was yesterday. Summer in Australia and New Zealand will be a welcome relief.

Today Cici and I have been relaxing. I went over to feed and cuddle Mel's cat, Stretch, who's pretty lonely by this time. Took him some milk as a Christmas treat.

Tuesday, January 1, 1985 - 12 Noon

The sun has finally burned through on a very cold day. Last night I relaxed, watched TV, went to bed at 10:30, and slept late.

Am also watching the Cotton Bowl, with Heisman Trophy winner, Doug Flutie, throwing passes, and winning so far.

My attitude seems pretty much positive as the year begins, and I'm looking forward to my trip to Australia and New Zealand in only a few days. Starting to get nervous about preparations, though I'm pretty much ready to go, I think.

Wednesday, January 2, 1985 - 7:31 PM

Got a call from Drew yesterday afternoon, from Australia. He'll meet me at the airport, but has to work four days while I'm there, said we may not get up to the Great Barrier Reef.

To work again today. A productive day. Stopped in at lunch and picked up my tickets and reservations from the travel agent.

Saturday, January 5, 1985 - 2:19 PM

Getting my stuff together in preparation for leaving on my trip this evening. Packing and organizing last minute things.

Sunday, January 6, 1985 - 3:17 AM (Santa Rosa time)

I'm on the plane in Honolulu, waiting to start the second and longest leg of the journey, estimated at 10 hours, from here to Sydney. The first leg took 5 hours.

I got all packed up by 4:30, so headed over to Mary and Dennis's house, and sat with them while they had dinner. Then we all left for the airport a little after 6 PM, and cruised on down. After getting my baggage checked, I bought a couple of postcards, which I quickly wrote, to Deborah and to Jean.

Finally it was time to board, so I said goodbye to Dennis and Mary, thanked them for bringing me to the airport.

Then I was on the plane, a Quantas 747, and soon we were in the air. Had an isle seat, which was good, as I needed to stand up and stretch a few times, as my feet got twitchy.

Soon they served drinks, later dinner, quite good, and a movie, American Dreamer, of which I watched part, but was half asleep, quite tired.

The couple next to me were from Fiji, and transferred at Honolulu. More people are loading now to take the places of those who left.

I wandered around the terminal for 45 minutes or so, then we re-boarded. A young guy, who looks like he's been traveling for awhile, has the window seat near me.

We're due in Sydney at 8:45 (their time) on Monday morning, after crossing the international date line and losing Sunday. More later.

Tuesday, January 8, 1985 - 1:44 PM Sawtell, NSW

It's hard to imagine it's January, as I sit in the sultry heat of a tropical summer day at Sawtell, in the heart of the Banana Republic, on the coast of Australia, halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.

The long leg of the flight, from Honolulu to Sydney, went by okay, and I may have even slept for an hour or two. They served a midnight snack of sandwiches and wine, then we slept, or tried to, until it got light.

Then breakfast, and another movie, Rear Window, the old Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly film, which was better than I'd remembered. And finally, we arrived at Sydney about half an hour ahead of schedule, at 8:20 AM.

Off the plane, picked up baggage, and didn't have to go through any customs inspection. Came out and recognized Drew as he was coming towards me.

We put my bags in the car, then went back in to change some money, and have a cup of coffee, then began the long drive north up the coast to Sawtell, over 300 miles.

The scenery got progressively more beautiful as we headed north, woodland, pastures, rolling green farmland, a clear blue sky, wind from the coast, and many wide rivers which we crossed, as well as several towns and villages which might have been in California. I was reminded of Route 101 north through California to Oregon, except for the lack of Redwood forests. But there were many Eucalyptus trees.

On the way, I saw many 4wd vehicles, a much higher proportion than in California, many of which were just like my Isuzu Trooper, except that here they are called "Holden Jackaroos", manufactured for Holden by Isuzu. Even saw several hang gliders on top of cars, but didn't find out where they fly in this area.

Drew was in a hurry to get home, as he had a Rotary Club meeting at 6 PM, and we made it in time. He was quite impatient with all the trucks and "caravans" on the road, which slowed things down.

It was a two lane road most of the way, with lots of traffic, mostly coming the other way, people coming home from their "holiday" over Christmas and New Years, with lots of recreational equipment on top of their vehicles, mostly surfboards and boats.

Finally we arrived at Drew's house in Sawtell, a delightful house and yard in a pleasant coastal town.

4 PM

A hail storm has just started, after being cloudy most of the day, and it is thundering and lightning. Some of the hailstones are as big as marbles.

Continuing with yesterday...

We got home to find Jenny, Danny, and Grant; Jenny, pretty and pleasant, as I had remembered, and Danny, a delightful little boy of 4, excited to see me, calling me Uncle Ralph.

I was pretty exhausted by this time. After showing me his large back yard, with banana trees, tropical flowers, and a large aviary next door, Drew left for his meeting, and I took a shower, then napped on my bed 'til he and some old friends got home, the former deputy principal, who has since transferred, and his wife, Barbara.

Had a delicious dinner with them, and socialized awhile. Showed some hang gliding pictures.

Eventually they left, and I went to bed, after 10. Got a good night's sleep, feeling pretty well rested by the time I was awakened by some loud birds outside around 6:30. Got up around 8:30, and had breakfast with the kids.

Later I went to town with Drew, got some stamps and postcards, while he did his banking, depositing club gambling receipts.

Later, all of us went to Coffs Harbor, where we shopped. I got some shorts for general wearing around here. It's all a very nice area, a nice place to be. Drew and Jenny have been very hospitable, and Danny and I have had fun together.

It's really pouring now, has been for 25 minutes, will probably flood the backyard, a real tropical downpour.

Thursday, January 10, 1985 - 7:24 PM

Tired after a lazy day in which all I really did was go running this morning, and go to the beach later in the afternoon.

On Wednesday it was sunny after the previous night's rainstorm. Drew took me on a local tour to Coffs Harbour and beyond. Later he took me to the beach, but cut his toe on a rock, so had to go home and take care of that.

I stayed at the beach which was beautiful, wide, white, and sandy. The water was a very pleasant temperature of about 75 degrees (F) or so. A perfect beach for as far as you could see.

Was tired in the evening, as we watched a video, We of the Never Never, a good film about a woman who marries a ranch boss, and goes with him to the Northern Territory. Very good.

But we were all falling asleep, so went to bed before it ended, and Drew and I watched the conclusion earlier today.

Also, as on most days, I spent a lot of time with Danny, playing with the Vic 20 computer.

Today I got up early, went running down to the beach.

More later.

7:38 PM

Got a letter today from the treasurer of the NZHGA, who lives in Christchurch. He said I should call him when I get there. So I may get to fly while there.

Saturday, January 12, 1985 - 7:58 AM Sawtell

Sunny and clear today, nice and cool at this hour, sitting in the backyard.

I'm beginning to feel restless, the itch to move on, see some more, yet part of me is content just to relax and live each day as it comes, taking it easy, rather than going places. In fact, there is no place to go, except Sydney maybe. Everything is so far away from this little village, even hang gliding sites.

Took my run yesterday morning, down to the beach. Then, after breakfast, Drew took me and Danny on a trip up to Dorrigo National Park, through Bellengen (a total hippie community back in the hills). Dorrigo is up a mountain which opens onto a plateau of rolling countryside.

We took a hike of 1.5 km down a jungle trail to a waterfall and back, which was pleasant.

We were pretty tired on the way back, so I passed up the offer to look in stores at Bellengen in the interests of going home and flaking out. There's a festival there beginning today, so I'm hoping to go back.

In the afternoon, after a nap, Drew and I played some chess. He beat me once, then I beat him finally, in a long game in which I'd blundered earlier but managed to recover, though he blundered later.

Then I headed for the beach in the late afternoon, and could see from the sky that it would rain soon, as there were dark clouds coming from the SE. The beach was deserted by then (5:40), so I took a quick swim, then came home, getting here in time to get the laundry in off the line before it rained.

Some friends of Drew's and Jenny's from Coonamble (their old school assignment in the outback) stopped by. They are holidaying in Sawtell, and they came by as we were finishing dinner (or "tea," as they call it).

So after dinner, Drew took Steve and me into his study, where we played blackjack on his Apple 2c, which he has from the school. That went on until after 10.

Then Drew showed some videos of Coonamble, and some more from all over the world. Finally after 11:30, we quit and went to bed, after Steve and Anne left. They were nice. I enjoyed listening to Anne talk in her unaffected Australian accent. She was quite a talker, telling stories well.

This morning I was tired, so didn't run. Will call the office to see how things are doing.

Also, I feel the need to plan the rest of my time here so I can get back to Sydney without causing Drew and Jenny to have to drive me. And I'd like to get them a nice house gift, but haven't decided what.

Monday, January 14, 1985 - 8:27 AM

Today's another sunny, clear summer day.

On Saturday, Drew, Danny, and I took a "joy ride" in a Skyhawk at the local airport, for which I paid ($48), and it was fun, flying out over the ocean to Solitary Island, where there's a lighthouse, then along the coast and over Sawtell to see it from the air. That was the high point of the day.

Later, Drew and I played chess, then I went to the beach for some more good ocean swimming.

After dinner, we watched a video of Gorky Park, which was excellent.

On Sunday, I went running again in the morning. I'd skipped it on Saturday, as I was too tired.

After breakfast we all went to the local equivalent of a flea market, which was held in an underground parking area at Coffs Harbour. But there were some Orientals cooking, and creating a very smoky atmosphere in there, so we didn't stay long. Saw everything though, but nothing much of interest.

Later, Drew took me on a ride to see a local winery, but after finding it, we found it was closed on Sundays. We also went to a Gallery, also closed, so came on home.

Later I went to the beach for some more good swimming, but a lot of wax was coming out of my left ear afterwards, and this morning it's fairly solidly plugged.

Stopped at the local Hotel bar where a band was playing, afterwards, but they soon finished, and I came home.

After dinner (a nice baked snapper), we watched The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, another good Australian film, about the racial problems with the Aboriginals, showing the poor treatment they received, and an act of vengeance by Jimmie Blacksmith, who was eventually hunted down and hung.

Tuesday, January 15, 1985 - 9:22 AM

Yesterday morning, I wrote a letter to Bones and Sharol, then Danny and I walked up to town to mail it, and also to buy a traveling bag I'd seen in a store there. Then we walked around, up to the beach, where we saw Steve and Anne, then to get an ice cream cone at a little store. I also bought Danny a matchbox car he wanted.

Eventually we walked home, but when we got there, I realized I didn't have my camera, which I'd taken with me. So I walked back, and found I'd left it at the Sports store where I'd gotten the bag, and the couple there had held it for me.

Later, I put on my swim suit, and went back to the beach to swim. Also saw Steve again, to tell him that their friend Wendy from Coonamble had called, and would be stopping by that afternoon, so to stop by to see her. Jenny had asked me to tell them.

Had a good swim in good waves, until my last wave, a good one, which took me a long way, and I bumped into a woman swimming there, and hit her pretty hard. I helped her up, and asked if she was okay, while apologizing.

But she said she was okay, and not to worry, but I felt very bad about it for awhile.

Took a walk down the beach. The sun was overhead and strong, so eventually I headed home.

I've gotten a pretty good tan so far. Later, I took a nap, until Wendy, then Steve and Anne came over, and finally I got up and socialized with them awhile.

Later we all went to dinner at the Rotary Club, where Drew is Treasurer. It was an interesting scene, and the food was very good, though one of the speeches, by a guest rice grower, was a bit long.

And there was a lot of friendly kidding around by the members, fining and cross fining each other for various "offenses."

Finally, we adjourned to the gaming room and bar downstairs, for further drinks, 'til eventually heading home.

Then we all sat up talking 'til after 11, when Steve and Anne finally left, and we made a bed for Wendy in Drew's study, and went to bed. Again, I didn't sleep very well, but well enough.

This morning, I made a reservation for the Thursday morning flight to Sydney, as Drew's ear infection is still persisting, and he won't feel like a drive to Sydney, as we had planned.

Also called the office today, and things are still running smoothly without me.

Wednesday, January 16, 1985 - 9:04 AM

Well, it's my last day in Sawtell, and I'm ready to move on, to Sydney, and then to New Zealand. Though it's very pleasant here, and I've been relaxing and getting a lot of sun and ocean swimming, I've also had the feeling of wasting time when I could be seeing new places. So I'll be glad to move on.

In retrospect, I wish I'd allowed more time for New Zealand, but that can't be helped now.

Now to write some letters.

Thursday, January 17, 1985 - 9:41 PM Sydney

My first day in Sydney, back to my hotel room, after many miles of walking today.

Yesterday, back at Sawtell, Jenny suggested a ride to Bellengen, to which I readily agreed.

We got a flat tire, which I changed, on the way to Bellengen. Then I had a pleasant time there with Jenny, Danny, and Grant, walking around, looking through galleries, taking photos, etc.

After I got home, I went for my last swim at the beach. Again it was quite windy at the coast, but good swimming.

More chess with Drew, then a good barbecued dinner. On TV afterwards we watched a Clint Eastwood film, Magnum Force, a far-fetched Eastwood fantasy, which I went to bed before it was over.

Again, I didn't sleep very well, think it may have been because of the ice cream late in the evening.

Today, I finished packing, and Drew drove me to the Coffs Harbour Airport. Jenny brought Danny and Grant to see me off also, and I said my goodbyes, and my thanks.

On the plane, I sat next to a nice man with the Public Health service, a Lindsay Beattie, with whom I talked for awhile.

At Sydney, I caught the city bus, and got off at Town Hall Station, about a half block from my Hotel (I'd made reservations at the Coronation Hotel the evening before. It was recommended by the local travel agent).

Got my room, changed some more money at a bank, then walked around, from which I'm pretty tired.

First I went to Hyde Park, where some of the Sydney Festival activities were going on, a nice scene. Then, over to Kings Cross to check out that scene. Then back to downtown Sydney, to Centrepoint, and through miles and miles of arcades under and through many city blocks, with crowds of people.

Came back to my hotel later, to call Cici, but had to go to the station to make an international call. Got through to her, and wished her a happy birthday. She seemed surprised that I called, and we had a good, though short conversation.

Later, I walked back downtown, came to a place where lots of people, mostly young, were gathering. Later I asked a lady what they were waiting for.

She said, a rock group was supposed to come (part of the Festival), but they hadn't shown up. Her daughter was in the crowd below.

We talked a little. She lived in the North Shore town of Manly, "wouldn't live anywhere else," she said.

Finally, getting chilly, I walked back, stopped in at other places, the Hilton, and the bar downstairs, where I had a beer. Then came up to write this.

Friday, January 18, 1985 - 9:03 PM Sydney

Slept fair to okay. Got up around 7, and had a nice shower, and breakfast (part of room cost) in the dining room.

Then I went out to start touring the city again. Nothing started until 9:30 though. First to the Centrepoint, to go up to the tower, but had to wait for it to open.

Talked to an older lady, from Melbourne, who hadn't been to Sydney in twenty years, had gotten up at 5 AM to make it a long day's visit. She was originally from New Zealand, she said.

In the observation area, a couple of the young attendant girls started joking around with me in a weird way, but it broke the ice, and we had a friendly conversation.

Then, on to catch the Explorer Bus outside, which came soon. Talked to an older American couple from Oregon at the stop.

Got off at the Rocks for quite awhile, then at Circular Quay, where I was able to catch the 11 o'clock Harbour Tour ferry, for a very nice tour of the harbour and bays, which are quite extensive as well as beautiful, a very worthwhile trip.

But I quickly ran out of film, so after the cruise, I rode back to Hyde Park and to my hotel, to get more film and go out again.

Caught the Explorer Bus again, and got off at Pier 1, which was a waste.

But when I got on again, I was joined, after the stop at Mrs. MacQuarie's chair, in the back seat, by two of the cutest, blondest girls I've ever met, ages 5 and 3 (Helen and Allison). Their parents were up a few rows, but the girls came back to talk with me, and were most charming, especially Helen, who was such a blonde innocent child, with wide blue eyes, and such enthusiasm and openness.

I fell in love with her as we talked. They were from Melbourne. She said she had some postcards, and I asked who she would send them to.

She said, "To my boyfriend, and my nannies." At one point, she said, in her careful Australian accent, "I can read, and I can write, and I can swim, and I haven't even started school yet."

I took some flash pictures of them, and was sad, but joyously touched by them, when they got off the bus. They were the high point of my tour.

At one point, Helen had said to her parents, "We're just talking to this boy," and I felt we had really communicated in a way that only children can.

Got off in Chinatown, then walked home, buying a couple of postcards and stamps just before 5 PM.

I'm ready to move on, am too lonely here, though when I think of sweet little Helen, I smile with joy, glad I have her picture to warm me, hope it came out well.

Sunday, January 20, 1985 - 7:15 AM Christchurch

Awake early on a Sunday morning at Christchurch, New Zealand, ready to continue my exploration of this country.

Yesterday was spent mostly in travel. Got up for breakfast, packed, and waited for the 8:35 bus (300 - Airport Express) on George Street. It was right on time, and the trip to the airport was quick, and I was in line at the Quantas check-in window by 9 o'clock. Checked my luggage, paid the departure tax, and browsed at the duty-free store 'til it was time to go through Customs and Immigration, and on to the gate, with still an hour to go.

Sat next to an attractive woman, who turned out to be a "Kiwi" or New Zealander, returning from "holiday" in Australia. We got talking, and struck up a nice friendship. She's a teacher (biology and science - high school) who spends most of her vacations seeing the world, was in the U.S. in '83 (took the whole year to travel that year).

She's a Leo, with Virgo rising, and we talked about Dunedin, the University there, hang gliding, psychology, though she said if she got too much into psychology, she'd have to think about what she did more, rather than just doing, being spontaneous, and she wasn't sure she wanted to do that.

We finally boarded, and exchanged names. Hers is Jackie Green. We were separated by our seat assignments, but after the flight, I called her, took her picture in line after we'd disembarked (she was ahead of me).

Finally caught up with her at the baggage check. Offered her a ride to town, but she declined, as someone (an uncle or grandfather, perhaps, or father) liked to meet her. So I gave her a card I'd written up with my name and address, told her to visit if she gets back to Northern California.

She thanked me, said she'd give me her address, but she doesn't have one, will have to look for a flat. She wasn't all that pretty, but had pretty eyes and a charming manner that easily captivated me.

The flight was fine, and we got some nice views coming over the Southern Alps on our descent. The meal was skipped due to a foul-up with the caterer, which would have delayed us much longer to wait for it, so we had no meal, but it was only a two-hour flight.

Got through Customs without being checked again. Then I picked up my rental car from Hertz, an amethyst Toyota Corolla 4-door sedan, almost brand new, very nice.

Tried to have dinner at the Airport Restaurant, as Quantas had given us meal vouchers, but it was too crowded. So I went on to the motel, the Russley, a very nice first class motel.

Forgot to mention that I changed some money, and got more than a 2-1 exchange for American dollars, so I have a lot of money, and the motel is still cheap by American standards.

Called Grant Tomlin's house. He's the NZHGA person who'd written to me. But he was still not home from flying (talked to his wife).

Also placed an overseas call to Mary, and talked to her and Dennis. She was surprised. Everything is fine at home.

Called back Grant's wife. He was still not home. Rather than wait around for him to call back, I told her I'd call in the morning, also that I wouldn't fly, but would like to meet and talk with him, find out about flying sites. Will call at 8 AM.

Then I went driving to Christchurch proper, and up the hills overlooking the town and the ocean. It's a very pretty place, the City on the Plain, with the coastal hills looming above it, many good flying sites.

Drove around, took photos, talked to some New Zealanders, finally came back after 9:30, after cruising through the downtown area as well, not finding any activity.

Awoke to sounds of birds this morning. Am anxious to continue my explorations.

10:20 PM

Today has been very nice. After breakfast this morning, I called Grant, and went over to his house after checking out at 9:30. He's a very nice guy with a very nice wife, Marie, and we chatted at his house while he had breakfast, about the economy, and hang gliding.

There are only about 400 hang glider pilots in the whole country, and of those, only about 100 are really into it with up-to-date gliders. A US glider would cost about $6000 over here, so NZ and Moyes gliders (before devaluation) are the only alternatives.

He and Mark, who arrived soon to go flying, both fly Moyes Missiles with VG. I decided to follow them to their flying site at Little River, about 40 miles out to the east, on the second volcano that forms the harbour and hills around Christchurch. Met two other pilots up there, then we drove up the hill. But it was gusting up to 25, so they decided not to fly.

So after talking some more at the bottom, they decided to try another site, and I decided to proceed south towards Dunedin, where I am now. More about that in the morning.

Monday, January 21, 1985 - 7:33 AM Dunedin

Continuing... After a very nice night in a very nice motel in Dunedin...

I headed south yesterday from Christchurch after 1 PM, cruising down the flat Canterbury plain somewhat inland from the coast. It's a huge flat area of farmland, with large farms of wheat, sheep, and many high hedgerows running perpendicular to the highway for windbreaks, as it was quite windy.

This went on for over a hundred kilometers, until it got a little hilly again, and the highway reached the coast again at Timaru. From there to Oamaru, there were rolling hills, pretty scenery, and it got even prettier and hillier between Oamaru and Dunedin, in fact, I was falling in love with the land by then.

Finally came over the hill into Dunedin, a quaint University city, with a mixture of the old English and modern, around 7:30 PM. Drove around a little before choosing a motel, as the sun was still high in the sky.

Drove through the campus, past an art gallery, quickly falling in love with the place. Chose a motel (the Commodore Motel), a beauty, almost empty, where I got a wonderful new fully-equipped comfortable room for $35 ($16 US).

The bearded clerk, younger than I, was very friendly, and we chatted amicably for awhile. He's been to the US, Boulder, Colorado, climbing, and skiing, wants to go back.

Then I went walking with my camera, starting with the Botanical Gardens around the corner, being awestruck by their beauty as I climbed the hill behind the campus to an incredibly beautiful mountain garden overlooking the city. Then down through the campus, still taking pictures at 9 PM, as it was still light.

Finally back to the motel, where I did my laundry in its fully-equipped free laundry room (including iron and board), and also made calls to local hang gliding people.

Grant had given me a copy of their magazine, with local contacts. A very nice Dr. Pedy Grant was very friendly, but can't go flying as he's moving. He gave me the names of others to call. His name had been given me by another very friendly man. The people out here are very friendly as a rule.

Finally went to bed around 11 in a very comfortable bed.

I'm in love with this town, and my mind has been whirring, trying to figure how I could live here and make a living.

Today's overcast, with rain forecast. The local flying site is "Sandy Mound," 80 miles out on the Peninsula, which I'll explore. You can get 2000' over, and it's top landable.

8:19 PM Queenstown

Tired, with a headache from a long day of driving across what seemed like Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado.

But first, I explored downtown Dunedin, got a map of the Otago Peninsula, then headed out to the end of it, a beautiful drive in partially overcast weather.

On the way back, I took some side excursions, to Sandy Mount, where I found the Otago Free Flyers site, I think, but the top of Sandy Mount was enshrouded in fog, and it wasn't flyable. Also took the tour of Larnach's Castle, a nice hilltop estate being restored. Then back down, taking a wrong turn or two getting back to Dunedin.

The route I chose to Queenstown was a mistake (I'd wanted to go through the town of Hyde, which turned out to be a railroad station and a bar in the middle of nowhere, like Wyoming, or Nevada). The national highway to Milton, then west, would have saved me a lot of time and desolate country.

It looked promising at first, as I approached a looming mountain range to the west, but then the road swung north, and it flattened out to a high grassy plateau, gradually getting rockier and more desolate.

Finally, at Alexandria, it began looking like Colorado, as we followed a river gorge into steeper mountains, until the last 50 kilometers to Queenstown looked like the approach to Aspen, except that here, in addition to the skiway, there is a huge lake over 100 kilometers long, which goes almost to Milford Sound at the coast.

Got in around 7:30 PM, and most of the motels were filled, but I found a little bed and breakfast place with a cabin in back for only $20.

I'm torn between taking a flight to Milford Sound tomorrow (only $90), or heading on up the west coast, a long haul. Time pressure is getting to me, as I see how far I have to go to see any of the North Island.

With an early start, I could make it up the coast to Greymouth or Westport, then be in a good position to cross the ferry the next day, which is what I'm leaning toward now, as the flight would kill most of the day.

I sure wish I'd allocated more time for New Zealand. Oh well, I'll know better next time.

Tuesday, January 22, 1985 - 7:05 AM Queenstown

While I was in the house taking a shower just now, it started to rain, so this solves my problem about the flight to Milford Sound (though I'd already decided), but raises the question of what the weather may be like on the coast.

Last evening, I walked around Queenstown a little (it's similar to Aspen), but the bars I found were very smoky, and without many women, and they closed at 10 PM! So I came home and went to bed.

I'm worried about this weather, wondering if I can make it across the pass and up the coast. I hope so.

Wednesday, January 23, 1985 - 7:30 AM Murchison, NZ

Yesterday I drove for almost 12 hours, covering over 800 km, and ending up in this small town in the mountains, only because I didn't have enough gas to get to the next town, but it turned out to be fine.

Reviewing my day, I was in for breakfast at my Queenstown bed and breakfast place at 7:30, the only one there for awhile. An American girl waited on me (I didn't ask her name).

Actually, she reminded me of Marty, from across the street in Santa Rosa. She had cashed in her ticket, was working now, had been over for awhile, so after breakfast, I gave her a $5 tip to help out, telling her that I know they don't tip in New Zealand. Anyway, I liked her, and she was very grateful.

Then I hit the road on a rainy morning, back tracking out of Queenstown, to Cromwell, then north towards Wataka, where I passed some beautiful Alpine lakes.

Got gas and proceeded through the pass through the Alps, the road gravel in places, through incredibly rugged and beautiful scenery, finally down into a rain forest to the sea at Haast, where a wide river bed attested to the amount of snow melt in the Spring that rushes to the sea.

Talked to two Americans at the restaurant there, who were also doing a quick tour after a month in Antarctica on a research project.

Then up the rugged west coast. The road itself, hacked through rain forest all the way, seemed like one of the wonders of the world. It runs along the rugged coast for awhile, then slightly inland through valleys bounded by huge rugged peaks, occasionally snow-covered, as we passed Mt. Cook, and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. And occasionally there were lakes, surrounded by jungle beauty.

Finally the land began to open to rugged pastures with sheep and cattle, and small communities near the top.

I stopped for gas again at around 4 PM in a small town short of Greymouth. Since they were out of the cheaper gas, I only got $20 worth, thinking I'd fill up later (but that was 3/4 of a tank, and I thought it would get me as far as I would go).

Then up past Greymouth, I decided to go on to Westport. Stopped for a man and a boy hitchhiking between showers (rather, downpours). He was a hippie type, with a two or three year old son, coming out from Christchurch to buy a cheap truck. He reminded me of Scotty (Mary's ex.), in worn jeans, tattered sweater, was friendly though, helped me with my route.

In fact, he told me that he'd heard a lady say that a bus wouldn't be coming tomorrow, because they were closing a road for road work, which was the only other road east from Westport, so I decided I'd better go further east and not risk getting trapped.

Dropped him off in what seemed a barren area of coast, but he said they were staying with friends nearby.

Then I headed north along the rugged coast, thickly grown with vegetation, a rather desolate area. Stopped at one point to ride out a hail storm deluge, but proceeded okay, turning east before Westport, and heading through the mountains again, through the rugged Buller Gorge, finally arriving here at Murchison, finding no gas stations open, nor motels, so taking a room at the old Pub, a hotel and bar in the center of town, $15 for bed and breakfast.

Then I went downstairs to the bar to have a beer, and an interesting evening as well. There was an old man, a real character whom everyone knew, who was named Ralph, and they all called him that as he played pool, and they all laughed and had a good time.

Eventually, I went over, told him I was named Ralph too, and we talked, and he invited me to play pool and drink with him, so I did, and we played a few games as a team against another pair of local men.

He was 72, and had lived in this town all his life. There'd been an earthquake in 1929, which they still talked about. This hotel is older than he is. He has ten children, five of whom have gone to Australia, and thirteen grandchildren, the oldest about to be married.

He was an interesting fellow, and I enjoyed sharing a little of his life, though it seemed dull by today's standards, or at least limited.

Slept well in this little room and bed, after sharing two pitchers of beer with Ralph until the bar closed at 10 PM, and I came up to bed.

It's raining again today. I'll have breakfast, hope to cross the ferry to the North Island today.

7:49 PM Levin, North Island, NZ

After breakfast this morning, I checked out, got gas, and headed on east from Murchison, passing a ski mountain with definite hang gliding possibilities, up the Wairau River Valley, for quite a long way, sort of like a smaller Owens Valley, and the mountains weren't so bush covered as they had been further west.

And a little bit further east, there were lumber roads to the top of many of the lower peaks. Eventually, cruising down that valley at speeds up to 130 kph, I came out at Blenheim, which seemed like a nice town, near the coast, but accessible to good mountains.

Next, north to Picton, arriving at the Ferry Terminal about 11 AM, in good time to catch the noon ferry. Had to go get gas, and record the mileage, before turning in the car, as they didn't want you to take them across to the other island.

Checked two of my bags, and bought my ticket, then climbed aboard the spacious ship. Eventually we embarked and headed out the channel from Picton. It took about an hour to pass through the islands and surrounding peninsulas, the tree-covered tops of sunken mountains.

During this time, I had a couple of glasses of beer, then talked to an elderly English man, from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, who'd come over on the Canberra (which I'd seen in Sydney Harbour).

A little later, I saw a little girl smiling at me, so I said hi, and asked her name. We were soon good friends, and she was affectionately climbing on my lap, putting her arms around me, and telling me everything.

Her name is Joelle, and she's five years old, with an older brother, Stefan, and younger sister, Nadine, and her Mum and Dad, who were from Holland, now living in Wellington.

He was very nice, as was her Mum, and I talked to each of them for quite awhile. I was a bit embarrassed at how uninhibitedly affectionate Joelle was with me in front of her parents, but enjoyed the attention.

Later, I wrote down her address, so I could send her photos of us (her mum took one of her on my back), and when we finally docked at Wellington, we walked off together, with Joelle holding my hand.

Finally, after meeting her grandmother, we kissed goodbye. Her Mum said she'd be talking about Ralph for weeks. So that was a nice experience.

Wellington was too big-cityish for me, so I got my rental car and headed north up the west coast. Passed some high hills facing the sea, and the wind was blowing hard. Headed on up through some towns, finally decided to stop early in a nice motel with pool and spa, to relax before deciding where to head, which I did, a Best Western, in Levin. Went swimming, and later soaked in the spa.

Forgot to mention that the car I got this time, a Mitsubishi Mirage, is nowhere near the car that my Toyota Corolla was, for performance and handling, and features, but it's only for three days, so I can't complain, it's just that I got spoiled. The Corolla was like a sports car, solid, smooth, and gutsy.

Called Leslie and John, talked to John first, then Leslie, and they invited me to come by. Leslie knew me from Aspen, and I hadn't realized exactly who she was, but knew she was a friend of my sister's. But she was very warm, seemed very glad to hear from me. So I'll visit them Friday evening, and head for the airport at Wellington on Saturday morning.

Friday, January 25, 1985 - 10:30 AM Rotorua, NZ

Stopping here for coffee and to write in my journal on a rainy morning after leaving Matamata and the New Zealand Hang Gliding Championships.

Yesterday, I got going in the morning, but with no particular goal, just to make a swing up past Lake Taupo and as far north as I could get. But when looking at my map later in the day, I saw the place where the NZ Hang Gliding Championships were being held, and checked the magazine Grant had given me to see if they were still going on, and found, in fact, that they were just starting yesterday, so I decided to go there.

Got to Matamata all right, and got directions first from a truck driver, who told me what road to take out of town, then I stopped at a motel on that route (at about 3:30 PM) and the nice lady there made a couple of calls, one to the Hot Springs camping area, where the pilots were staying, and she set me up to get a cabin there and everything, and told me how to find it.

So that worked out very well, and I went on down there, and was given a cabin with another American who was there. (Now I've forgotten his name, though I just had breakfast with him awhile ago.)

From the campground, after changing my clothes (putting on my Sonoma Wings t-shirt), I headed out to the flying site, which is a beautiful twenty mile mountain ridge to the NW. Found the place, and talked to a guy in the trailer.

It had turned into a nice day, and most of the gliders had launched, and were headed for their goal, twenty miles down the ridge, slightly upwind, and about 80% made it to goal.

Eventually, Hugh (Warren?) came back and he was the Meet Director. After awhile, he asked me if I'd drive one of the trucks to the goal landing area to pick up pilots and gliders, and I said sure. So I got to drive this big old Bedford truck down this road for 20 miles.

Picked up a couple of pilots from Ireland, who were walking, near the end. Then took a bunch of pictures, and talked to some of the people, a nice bunch, about 60 altogether.

Rode back on the truck, as another local pilot drove it. One of the Wellington pilots wanted to trade t-shirts, but I wasn't crazy about what he was offering in exchange for mine, a Welly Boy Team Typhoon t-shirt with no picture. I said maybe, but we never got together later.

Talked with a guy on the way back, John Morgan, a young pilot, who makes about $16,000 a year, which is "a good wage." But that makes a hang glider very expensive. He said a lot of their sites have their problems, however, with wrong winds, no good in winter, etc.

After we went back to camp, I met others. An American, Pat Sheedy, from Sylmar, who'd brought his own Sensor over. Also a Swiss, his roommate, who knew Sergio, and is going to live with him in San Francisco. And my roommate, from upstate New York, who was flying a rented Moyes Mars, not a modern glider. He'd been led to believe he could get a glider out here, but was disappointed. He reminded me a lot of Ernie, is in the construction business.

I went down to the hot pool after awhile, which was very nice, and talked to some other guys, most of whose names I've forgotten. There was John Morgan, whose flying site is on the west side of North Island, also Kerry. Then there was a mechanic from Hawkes Bay, near Napier, and we talked awhile. Also, "Big John" Isaacs, who has the problem of not being able to get a big enough glider. He's about 6'6", has a 175 Mig (Bob Schutte's design). We talked awhile about gliders, etc.

Stayed in the pool 'til 10 PM, then showered, later had a beer with Pat Sheedy and the Swiss guy, before going back to my cabin and going to bed. Finally used my sleeping bag, which I'd carried all this way.

Got up in the morning, shaved and showered, then went to town to breakfast with my roommate. It was raining, not looking good for flying. I decided to head for Hastings after breakfast. Will take the shorter route, so as not to be too late getting there.

Forgot to mention that yesterday I got stopped by a Highway Patrol car. He was coming the other way, turned around, chased me, and pulled me over out in the open country. He said, "I clocked you on the microwave doing 110."

I looked surprised, asked what the limit was. He said, 80. I thought it was at least 90. He looked at my driver's license, warned me to go 80, and sent me on my way.

I felt relieved. Was lucky I didn't have the Corolla, as I'd been doing over 130 in it on the South Island.

Now to hit the road.

Saturday, January 26, 1985 - 3 PM Wellington, NZ

I'm at the Airport, checked in, ready to board the flight to Sidney.

Yesterday I drove to Hastings from Matamata. I took the more direct route, past Lake Taupo again, as I was feeling quite tired of driving, and as it was a rainy day anyway, I wasn't all that much into driving much out of the way.

So I got to Leslie's at about 4 PM, found their house okay, a country house with a 20 acre orchard, and found her in her bathing suit, mowing the lawn.

We had a beer, and talked for a couple of hours, about NZ, its problems, provinciality, etc., about her background and history, about John, his background, wild days in Aspen, and their days of living together here, and their marriage.

She went though lots of changes, starts and changes of direction, and opening restaurants, printing fabric, and dancing seemed to be her strong points vocationally.

I was pretty tired, but sociable, and John finally came home and joined us. Then we had a late dinner on the porch, continuing our conversations until we were all tired and ready for bed by 10:30 or so.

John's been working 12-hour days picking fruit to earn some money, and all their other time is spent working on their orchard, a major challenge.

John says he feels the need to put in 110% effort to make up for all the wasted years. He had to get up and go by 6 in the morning, so we said our goodbyes then.

Slept only fair. After a bowl of cereal and coffee in the morning, Leslie gave me a tour of their orchard, and I was impressed by the magnitude of what they are attempting, growing various kinds of fruit trees, grafting, etc., a major undertaking, and a large investment.

I left about 8:30, and drove on down to Wellington, past more nice scenery and good flying mountains, got here about 2 PM.

Wrote postcards to Joelle and to Meredith after checking in. Now we're waiting to get on the plane. I'm traveling in my shorts, even though I know I'll be chilly at the other end. But I'll be more comfortable on the plane.

Sunday, January 27, 1985 - 5:31 PM Santa Rosa

After a Saturday 43 hours long, I am home again, back in the winter world of Santa Rosa. I'm invited to Ivan's house for dinner in a half hour, so this will be short.

A good flight from Wellington to Sydney. Sat with two young men (30's) who both were teachers. They were interesting. The one closest to me, Martin, had been in Singapore, and Bangkok a few years, had a business, was coming back to accept a teaching post in Canberra, to preserve some sort of status as a teacher. He indicated he was well off enough to retire, was Scotch by background, only needed $10,000 a year to live.

The other was a geography teacher in Sydney, and a climber during vacation, was into buying a flat for the investment.

Had a few hours to kill at Sydney Airport. Called Jenny and Drew, talked awhile, thanked them again for their hospitality.

On the flight from Sydney, I was seated next to the prettiest lady on the flight, a blonde from Sydney, married with two kids, named Janette Penrose, off to America to ski at Jackson Hole and Tahoe. Her husband, a professional squash player (they also have a glass business) would join her two days later.

We made good friends, enjoyed each other's company, and told each other about ourselves. They live on the water at Sydney, are into windsurfing.

A long trip, getting in at San Francisco by 6:15 PM, Saturday evening. Then a trip to Santa Rosa by Airporter to the Rancho Tropicana, where I had to wait a half hour for a cab. Finally home.

Called Mary at the hospital, and we all went out to breakfast this morning.

Monday, January 28, 1985 - 7:37 AM

Up for work on a damp, cold morning. Yesterday I got up around 10, and took a shower, and Mary and Dennis came for me at 11 or so. We took the New Zealand book I'd gotten, and we went to Elmer's for breakfast. We had a nice time, and afterwards I dropped them off at their house.

Stopped at Safeway and picked up a bunch of film developing envelopes to fill out at home and drop off later with my film (13 rolls).

Then I dropped by to say hi to Mel, and we visited for awhile. He was focused on his aviation course, and had been only one of eight to qualify to take the FAA exam, thought he'd done pretty well, and thought he'd be focusing more on flying a plane this year.

Later I called Ivan and Patti, Allan, and Deborah. I didn't miss anything while I was gone but a lot of cold weather, it seems.

Later, Ivan called back, invited me over to dinner, so I said sure, and had a nice time with them, a delicious dinner (I've had so many of those recently), and a lot of conversation, mostly about my trip, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Tuesday, January 29, 1985 - 7:39 AM

Back to work yesterday, where everyone asked me about my trip. Talked to various people about it, including Al, Nancy, Ann, and Mary over at the Administration Building. Spent the day dealing with problems that had come up while I was gone.

Picked up my mail during morning coffee break. No personal letters, but various bills, magazines, etc.

Last evening, I went through magazines, mail, etc. Called Anne, but forgot to thank her for their Christmas present. Told her I hope I'll see her this weekend.

Tried to call Tom Denny, but no one home.

Friday, February 1, 1985 - 7:45 AM

After work yesterday, I picked up my travel pictures, 13 rolls of film, and I was very pleased with how well they came out. Good ones of Helen, Joelle, Danny (my 5 year old friends) as well as of Jackie Green (the Kiwi teacher), and the others were good, too.

Mary called last night. I'll see her today. It's another cold one, but sunny.

Sunday, February 3, 1985 - 10:34 AM

It's overcasting up high after a clear early morning. Yesterday was very nice. Cold but clear, so I got up and got ready to go to Elk Mountain.

Called Roy, who would be there, and tried to call Ivan, but his phone wasn't working again.

Friday night, I'd gone in to work, to move the IDMS journals, then I'd gone over to Mary and Dennis' house and showed them my photos.

So on Saturday morning, I headed for Elk with my HP, pulling in at Rich's house, where I found Eric and Denise, a surprise to see them together again, instead of her being with Tom.

Anyway, Roy, without his beard, and Stretch and Anne, soon showed up also, and it was looking good, so after showing them some of my pictures, and giving Anne her birthday blowup (a photo of her circling over Lake Pillsbury), we headed off to Elk.

We loaded all seven gliders on Roy's truck, and headed up in the wintry cold air. It was almost dead on top, but with clouds forming above us, and the wind soon picked up from the NW.

Eric had his new Dawn, and Rich had his new Magic 4.

Stretch helped me to launch my HP, and it had gotten quite windy at launch. Got a good one, got into my harness okay, and went up. I soon headed out the first ridge to find lift, and soon found some behind it, went back with it to the next ridge, where I stuck with it, and soon was higher than everyone else, still climbing, on up to 5000', then 6000, finally 6700', far above everyone else.

Soon I hit some more lift back there, and got to 7400' and cloudbase, whiting out, so headed NW to Horse Mountain, making it over there easily, finding another thermal and circling back with it, down to about 6000' by then.

By this time, Rich and Roy were getting up where I had, so I headed back there too, and we all got high again, and Rich headed toward Horse.

After awhile, most people were heading out, as it got quite turbulent, so as I watched Rich and Roy land, I decided to head out soon also, as I was now alone up there, still pretty high, but encountering much sink and turbulence.

My landing set-up was okay, but the windsock shifted at the last moment, and while I first thought I might be too high, I got into ground effect headed for the other gliders, flared hard, but popped up, held it, and came down hard trying to run it out, but nosing in. Didn't break anything, so felt good about the flight.

More later... I want to head out to Goat Rock, possibly before it gets blown out. Will continue later.

8:02 PM

Had another great flying day today, at Goat Rock, but first let me review.

Back to yesterday... after I landed and folded up my glider, I joined Roy, Anne, Rich, and Denise in Stretch's van, where we talked awhile. Meanwhile, Eric had driven Stretch, Ted, and Tim up in my Trooper to get their vehicles.

I asked Denise about her situation with Tom, and she told her story. I can't understand why Tom would act like that, except that he's a very good looking guy, probably has no trouble getting girlfriends, probably doesn't appreciate Denise as much as he should.

When the others got back down, and everyone was folded up, we all headed to the pizza place in Upper Lake for pizza and beer, eight of us, and we had a nice time. Finally, I said my goodbyes, and we headed on home.

Called Ivan's house, talked to Patti, told her I'd tried to call, but that her phone seemed broken.

Slept 'til 9, before seeing it was another nice day, so got up, exercised, and showered.

Called the coast guard, and decided to go out to Goat Rock, even though probably blown out.

At Goat Rock, a couple of gliders were up, and Ivan, and Bill Vogel were setting up, but it was already blowing 25+, making it tough to set up. But I decided to go for it, and got a little help from spectators.

Ivan and Bill got launched okay, and eventually I was ready. Duane and another guy helped me to the launch area, then twanged me off at 1:06 PM.

I soon got above both Bill and Ivan, and flew a few trips out to the Rock and back.

Bob Storms had flown to the south end, but hadn't been able to get back. Tom Denny had already flown his Magic, but had landed. I finally decided to head for the south end, noting that the beach was wide, in case I had to land down there.

But on my first try to get back, I made it easily, getting to over 700' over the hill, and increasing to 740' in route, still having 600' by the last bowl, and coming over launch with 550', much higher than I'd left with.

So I went down again, and Ivan followed. We both flew out over Arch Rock at one point. On my second attempt to get back, it wasn't so easy, and I barely squeaked over behind Bob Storms, with 200' or so, sinking fast.

But I went back down again, as did Ivan, who'd also made it back okay. This time, after flying out to Arch Rock again, and inland a ways, I got altitude for trying to get back again. Ivan was ahead of me, and had to turn back. But I nursed my altitude, made it with 400' that time, then watched as Ivan made several vain attempts, and finally had to land on the beach.

Doug Groenhout also launched in his Esprit, but soon it started raining, and he landed. So I was alone in the rain, but decided to ride it out, hoped to dry off afterward, rather than folding up a wet glider, which turned out to be a good decision. It rained for about 20 minutes or more, but finally cleared, and I dried off in flight.

Also did wingovers, 360s, and generally had fun, waving to people below. Finally, all dried out, after a two and a half hour flight, and feeling a stiffer wind, I headed out to land, high. Eventually came down over the dunes, and soared low over the dunes for about 10 minutes, just staying there in the strong wind, correcting against gusts, talking to people right below, as a crowd gathered, and finally landing easily on my feet, feeling very good.

Bob and Tom helped me wire walk it over the dunes, and I folded up in a pretty strong wind with their help also.

Finally, after retrieving my Trooper, and saying my goodbyes, I headed on out, but decided to drop in and visit James and family on the way home, which I did, showing them all my pictures.

Finally came on home, quite tired and sore from all the flying. I'm going to take a bath now.

Tuesday, February 5, 1985 - 3:48 PM

I've been sick as a dog for the last two days. It started Sunday night, with chills, then fever, and a vicious headache that many doses of aspirin wouldn't stop, as well as sore throat, general aches, and weakness, the sickest I've been in several years.

Went out Monday afternoon to get some orange juice and supplies, but otherwise have been in and out of bed, though hardly sleeping at all, mostly just in great discomfort.

Deborah never called. But Allan did last night. He said his glider is ready, wanted me to pick it up for him, and keep it for him 'til he has a car and a place to keep it.

Also called Mary, who told me about the flu's going around, said Dennis had gotten it twice.

Wednesday, February 6, 1985 - 11:35 AM

Still home sick, feeling somewhat better, but by no means back to normal. I'm still congested, weak, with a headachy feeling, and after having breakfast today, my stomach is somewhat upset. I've been thinking I'd go back to work tomorrow, but am not so sure now.

Got a few calls yesterday, from Allan, Donna, and Carrie. Allan was calling to see how I was feeling, Donna to tell me that she still has my book, will return it, and Carrie to ask more about my trip. She saw me coming home from Goat Rock on Sunday, she said.

I thanked her for calling. She'd just gotten over the flu herself on Monday.

6:50 PM

Just listened to President Reagan's State of the Union address. He is a good speaker, and you can't quarrel with his values. It's only in their application.

Wanted to catch up on some things. Composed and copied a letter to Jean, then walked over to mail it. Told her I'd come visit on the weekend of the 16th.

Later a call from Hank Roberts. He wants to get back into flying, also has been coming to Santa Rosa recently, is seeing a woman.

I told him about my trip, and my flu, and about recent flights. I'd just been thinking about Hank, within the last couple of days, feeling that I'd lost him as a friend. But maybe I was wrong.

Thursday, February 7, 1985 - 2:35 PM

I'm home another day (a wet and rainy one), though I thought I'd be at work today, but I tossed and turned all night, then fell asleep exhausted when the alarm went off, and realized I'm still not quite recuperated yet.

Got another call last evening, this one from Jon James, so I told him about my trip, and my recent flights. He'd gone skiing at Hull Mountain on Sunday, cross-country to Monkey Rock.

Got up around 11 AM, and have been reading Hillman, always fascinating, on work, and on love.

Sunday, February 10, 1985 - 9:52 AM

A sunny day, but chilly. I'm hoping to go flying at Goat Rock in a while.

Worked all day on Friday, a rainy day, only feeling weak and/or dizzy a little.

Friday night I called Cici, and made plans to go visit her on Saturday, and bring her her present.

Also, I'd been trying to call Bones about Allan's glider, because I thought he'd be wanting to fly this weekend.

But later, Bones called me, and we had a good talk. He seemed a little drunk. He'd heard about my flights last weekend (exaggerated), and assured me that I have the best glider around, and that other manufacturers are now getting rid of their keel pockets. He's been testing his own glider (his trip to Salinas) also, but now feels it's obsolete.

He said they'd probably go to Goat Rock today, so I'll call him in a little while.

Monday, February 11, 1985 - 7:34 AM

Yesterday was a sunny but chilly day. I called the Coast Guard, but the winds were not promising.

Watched TV for most of the rest of the evening, 60 Minutes, then a good movie, Blame it on Rio, with Michael Caine being seduced by his best friend's daughter.

Went to bed, slept okay. Decided to start a program to quit snacking so much at home. Whenever I catch myself starting to go for a snack, I'll instead do some pushups.

Tuesday, February 12, 1985 - 2:08 PM

A sunny but cloudy day, a holiday.

After work yesterday, I decided to go to Sizzler for a good dinner for a change. And afterwards I bought a paper, to check out local movies. The timing was right for The Killing Fields, an Academy Award nominee, so I went to see it at the Coddingtown Theater.

It was very good, brought tears to my eyes, and opened my eyes to the tragedy in Cambodia that our interference there led to.

Stayed in bed 'til after 10, finally got up. Mary visited after her class, which was nice, and we talked a little. Mary said she'd like to go to Usal again this year for another tandem flight.

Thursday, February 14, 1985 - 7:39 AM

Last night, after working on the yard (digging weeds and mowing the lawn) and having dinner, I went to the Sonoma Wings meeting at Duane's house. It was okay, but not really enjoyable. We talked about regulation at Hull Mountain, something which is being forced on us as a club.

Thursday, February 21, 1985 - 9:48 PM

Slept a little late, so no time to write this morning.

Today at noon I picked up Allan's glider at Bones' shop. Also got some nut covers for my HP. Bones had his prototype set up, and it looked pretty nice.

Tonight Hank called, wants to go flying with me on Saturday, so I said sure. I'd called Allan earlier, and he'll be coming also. And Hank might bring another person also, who bought Mike Kunitani's old Comet.

Mel had called yesterday, wants to go flying soon also, would use my Comet, but may not be able to go this weekend, as there's an eviction going on at his apartments, which makes things very tense. Also, he's going to meet his new flying instructor, may do a lesson.

Saturday, February 23, 1985 - 8:21 AM

Up to go to Elk Mountain. Allan will be coming, and bringing a girlfriend, and we'll be camping overnight.

Last evening Hank called to say he couldn't come, as his cat is sick. Also Mel called. He's going to be doing 4 hours of flying lessons this weekend.

I called Tom Denny. Lin answered, and she said that Tom wouldn't be going because their daughter would be visiting tonight.

Called Denise. She'll be going up on Sunday, but has a wedding reception to go to on Saturday. But she was glad I'd called, said, "Keep in touch." She said Tom had gone to Houston, selling moccasins, and she sort of indicated that they were finished.

I felt slightly encouraged by her, but know she is so young (but so luscious). Can't let my fantasies run away with me. She said Stretch and Anne were at Rich's house. I'd tried to call them at home, talked to Debra, who didn't know where they were.

I tried to call Ivan several times, but his phone was still malfunctioning, so I drove over there, found them home, and visited awhile. They're going to be moving back to their apartments next to Eric, which are now known as the "Pink Palace,".

Also, Ivan was a little upset by transmission problems with his Toyota truck, which had cost $600 to fix.

Came on home after sharing a beer and talking awhile. Allan reached me while I was there, and we decided to camp over, at his suggestion. I'll lend his girlfriend a sleeping bag.

Went to bed before 10 PM. Slept okay. A clear sunny day today, supposed to get warm.

Monday, February 25, 1984 - 7:32 AM

Had a good, but exhausting weekend at Elk. Allan arrived with his girlfriend, Sue, around 9:30. She's a nice gal, 23, open and easygoing.

We cruised on up, stopped at Rich Sauer's, where we found Roy, Denise, Stretch, Anne, and Rich. Eventually we headed over to Elk, where we found Ivan and Jon James. So we headed up the mountain in Roy's and Ivan's trucks.

It was still on top, seemed to be coming over the back, but the north side was still, also. But we assumed it would shift to north, so we set up at the north launch.

Dale and his friend, Rich, came up also, and Rich did his first altitude flight, using Dale's old Phoenix.

Anne launched at the north slot, and got up over the knoll, but Stretch carried back up to the south launch, as it died on the north side, and others followed. Others launched, but didn't get up, scratching on the ridges, and heading out.

I also carried up to the south launch, got an opportunity, and launched. Headed right for the knoll, made passes there, but gradually sank below. But I persevered, and, as Roy was waiting to launch there, I worked my way up the face, finally circled and continued on up in a good thermal.

Roy launched and tried to follow, but couldn't find anything for awhile. But I continued on up to 5300' or so, where it was easy to maintain.

Later, Roy got to 4800' or so, but never got up to me, and after he left, I headed out the ridge to the road, and got up to 5800', and later still, to 6600'. And from there, I headed NE into the prevailing wind at that level, over the road behind Horse Mountain, but coming back when I'd slipped to 6000'.

Finally I headed out in a thermal, got over Mid Mountain, could have easily gone to Potter Valley, but didn't. Practiced some flares over the landing area, also some wingovers.

Then I set up and came in, in no wind conditions, got high on the downtubes as I bled off my speed, then flared hard, arching my back, and made a perfect landing, on my feet. Felt very good.

More later.

6:48 PM

Continuing... So once again, I had the outstanding flight of the day, a situation that continues to amaze me, and occasionally gives me a swelled head.

Played hackeysack with Stretch, Anne, Roy, Rich, and others, after putting away my glider. Allan, Dale, and Rich (his friend) went up for a second flight.

Later, Allan, Sue, and I had pizza in town, where we were joined by Dale and Rich. They are both 24, as is Allan, and Sue is 23. Add up Allan and Sue's ages and you get mine, which seems strange to me, as I don't feel that much older than them, except when I think about it.

After dinner, we decided to look for Crabtree Hot Springs, so embarked on a wild goose chase. I had the map, so we eventually found it after passing it, then had to walk through the pitch dark night (with one flashlight) over the hills, down the bank, across some rocks in the stream, then further along a trail to find it, only to find that the tub had deteriorated from winter, and the water was cold.

I went over to feel it at its source, and it was 100 degrees plus, but I slipped and fell in the water while doing so, getting wet up to my knees.

So we headed on back to the car. Sue also got a foot wet crossing the stream. We finally got back to camp around midnight, and fortunately our tents were up and ready.

I didn't sleep very well, got up at 7:30 to run a little and find some sunlight up the road.

I found Spanky, shivering, so started the Trooper and heater to warm him up. Stretch and Anne had left him there all night. He'd slept on Dale and Rich's sleeping bags for warmth.

Eventually Allan and Sue got up, and we went to town for breakfast. While there, Stretch, Anne, Rich, and Denise, who'd come up the night before, came in to breakfast too.

Afterwards, we all headed for Elk again, and after some more hackeysack, we eventually headed up in the Trooper and Rich's truck, with Sue to drive the Trooper down.

We set up at the North launch, but the others stayed at the South. Both were marginally launchable.

Stretch launched off the South launch, and got lift on that side, getting high.

It was dying at our launch, so I launched in a light cycle, turned left down the ridge, and around the knoll, where I found the lift I was expecting, and circled on up with Stretch, Roy, and Anne, and eventually Dale.

This time I couldn't get above the others, though even with them, and soon it turned quite turbulent, and we gradually got flushed down lower, from a max of 5600' or so, to 4500' or less, where there was ragged lift and sink.

After going out into the north bowl and not finding much, I had to go around the knoll again and scratch, but I eventually got flushed down the mountain, getting only ragged patches of lift. Soon set up my landing, did a good one, though had to run a few steps after flaring, as my flare was a little late. But I didn't drop the nose, for three in a row.

Allan had gotten flushed earlier, so went up for a second flight. I was exhausted, folded up my glider and tent, but played some hackeysack with the others, which did invigorate me a little.

Finally, after Allan was down again, we said our goodbyes, and headed out a little past 5 PM. Rich signed off Allan's Hang 3, so he was very happy about that.

Said goodbye to Allan and Sue, who'd had a good time (but had been deceiving her regular boy friend), and they headed on south.

I watched 60 Minutes, then went to bed early, after a hot bath. Unfortunately, a call from the office awakened me at 10:15, but I guess I got back to sleep, though I was exhausted today, walking around like a zombie.

Went shopping at Safeway this evening. Just a few minutes ago, Mary called. They'd gotten back from Oregon this evening after a good skiing vacation.

Last night, after I got home, Bones called to see how the flying was, so we talked awhile.

Monday, March 4, 1985 - 7:32 AM

A chilly morning after some rain last night. Had a good weekend, though not as planned.

After calling lots of people, and touting Usal as the place to go, and getting mixed responses, Allan arrived Saturday morning, and we headed on up there. But, after that long drive on a windy day, we found that it was blowing from the NE rather than the NW, and didn't look promising.

No one else was there (though we found out later that Roy was down on the beach), so we turned around and headed for Elk Mountain.

We passed Everett, and later Larry Smith, on the road back to Leggett, and stopped to talk. Roy caught up with us at Leggett, and a few minutes later we saw Ernie coming north on 101. So we stopped and told him the situation. He had his kids with him, and they decided to go back to Elk also.

It was nearly 5 PM when we got to the campground, and we found Tim and his kids camping there also. So we all loaded up on the Trooper, and headed up for a sunset flight.

More later.

5:11 PM

Continuing... We set up in a light NE wind on top of Elk around 5:30 PM. I launched last from the North launch, at 6 PM, was able to soar the ridge for a few passes before heading out. It was already pretty dark, as the sun was setting.

I wanted to do a good landing, but lost my concentration in the final approach, and didn't do a good hard arching flare as I'd planned, and dropped my nose. A 15 minute flight.

Fortunately, we'd set up our tents while waiting for Ernie, so folded the gliders, and Allan and I got a ride up with Tim to get the Trooper down, before cooking our dinners on a chilly evening.

Sat around the campfire 'til after 9, then went to bed. It got quite cold, but I stayed warm enough in my sleeping bag.

In the morning, our water bottles were frozen almost solid, and the faucets were frozen too. Must have been down to 20 degrees.

Got up when the sun hit my tent, and we soon made a good breakfast of scrambled eggs, steak, sausages, and toast. I'd remembered to bring butter and milk.

We went up the hill around 10:30; Allan, Tim, Ernie, and I, in the Trooper, as Allan wanted an early flight, and it was a lot calmer on top, even coming up the South launch. So we set up there, but by the time we were ready, it was crossing from the right and coming more from the back.

Ernie launched. I didn't see it, but the others were frightened, as he almost dragged a tip.

Then I launched, and did drag my right tip, so the others decided to carry down to the North launch. But I flew out of it, turned right, and got good lift, crossing the ridge and climbing over the North launch, then circling on up hundreds of feet, getting to a max of 5700' or so.

Watched the others launch below. Tim eventually got up, but Allan went too far past the knoll, and got flushed.

Eventually Tim got up with me, even higher for awhile, until a bad flush cycle came through, and he was heading out the ridge, as I was scratching on the knoll, but eventually had to follow him.

Scratched my way down the mountain, but Tim found a better place and managed to hang out for quite awhile. I had to go in and land after 55 minutes.

On my approach, there were people standing watching, right in my flight path, and they scattered as I dove at them, then over them, but made a good landing, with a couple of running steps after my flare. Again, my concentration was broken on final, so that I didn't flare as well as I'd have liked to.

Meanwhile, Roy and Rich had arrived, and Allan was almost broken down, to go up for another flight. I left my glider set up, decided I'd ride up to get the Trooper, but not fly another flight.

Hung around on top 'til everyone launched. The wind had picked up again, and it was soarable from the north. Rich and Roy got high above, but Allan was slow in getting launched, and missed the good cycle, and got flushed again, was on the ground by the time I got down, while Roy and Rich were still up for a long time still.

Eventually we got our gliders and gear packed up, and said our goodbyes at about 4:30. Cruised on home.

Allan told me a lot about his active love life these days. He had a choice of three different women to sleep with when he got home. He'd been going to bring Sue with him, but she'd had a wisdom tooth out, and didn't feel up to it.

He was a bit annoyed that she hadn't told him sooner, so he could've invited someone else. Women find him quite attractive, and he revels in "being himself," being honest and direct, but at the same time is "non-threatening" to the women, who open up to him.

I don't mean to be critical of him, but perhaps there's a little jealousy or envy of his youth showing through here.

Was pretty tired, but not exhausted when we got home. Watched 60 Minutes, and a couple of episodes of Masterpiece Theatre (the one on India), and also took a bath before going to bed.

Thursday, March 7, 1985 - 7:38 AM

It rained off and on yesterday, and more is expected for today, and for the weekend as well. Snow levels are down to 1000 feet, so Elk is probably snowed in anyway.

Friday, March 8, 1985 - 7:20 AM

Sun and frost this morning, but with another front to come through later today, with more rain and snow.

12:22 Noon

Allan called me at work today. We decided that the weekend is probably a washout. He told me that he and Sue are thinking about living together, asked what I thought.

I told him I think she's a nice lady, but he'd have to decide. He's comfortable with her, and she seems to like the idea of hang gliding weekends, which, I pointed out, is a valuable quality.

Anyway, he thought he might call me Sunday, for an expedition, might bring Sue's roommate too, who's younger, so we'd be a foursome.

I didn't encourage this very much, but the call cheered me up some.

Saturday, March 9, 1985 - 10:28 AM

A sunny nice morning, but Elk Mountain has two feet of snow on it, so flying is out.

Allan called me last evening about going flying. I told him his call at work had cheered me up.

He said I'm his favorite person, and that he cares about me. He's also trying to fix me up with Sue's roommate, and things like that.

Anyway, I called Roy, then Rich, then Roy again, and found that, as I'd feared, they got a lot of snow at Elk, probably two feet on top, according to Rich, so even Pitney would be inaccessible.

So when Allan called this morning, we decided there was no place to go, even though the day looked nice.

Monday, March 11, 1985 - 7:37 AM

Today's sunny, looks like the storm has passed. Hope it gets warm enough to melt the snow off of Elk.

Friday, March 15, 1985 - 7:29 AM

Another foggy morning, though the days have been nice.

Last night I went shopping, had some dinner, then read, while waiting for Denise to pick me up for the Sonoma Wings meeting. She arrived a little after 7, and she was looking nice and smelling good, is a very attractive girl.

The meeting was fairly brief. Attending were Duane, Brian and Pam (at their house), Jon, Bill Vogel, Sharol, Bob Storms, Art Philbrook, as well as Denise and me.

The business was over by 9 or so, so I showed a movie I'd brought, of Winter '82, with lots of time lapse photography. Then we talked and socialized, before leaving around 10.

Saturday, March 16, 1985 - 8:34 AM

Another foggy morning, but getting ready to go to Elk. Couldn't reach Rich, but talked to Roy last night, and he said he thought we'd be able to get up Elk. Allan and Sue will come up with me.

Called Denise, thinking she might come too, but Tom Lowe is coming up from San Francisco, so they'll go up together, meet us up there.

Jon called last night also, was going to call today about weather prospects, but hadn't yet. Also Art called. And I called Ivan, but he's moving this weekend. I volunteered to help him move some heavy stuff on Sunday, felt good about that. Also left a message for Mel, as he was out.

Sunday, March 17, 1985 - 11:51 AM

Home on a cloudy day after a good day of flying, and partying with my friends.

Allan called yesterday morning, saying he was running late, also that Sue wouldn't be coming, so I called Jon to see if he wanted to ride with us, and he said sure. They were both late, and Jon finally arrived around 10, so we loaded up the Trooper and left.

Called Rich's house by CB as we got close, and Denise answered, so we headed on up there, found Denise and Tom Lowe, Roy and his brother, Tom, and Rich, playing indoor hackeysack.

The clouds were beginning to clear around noon, so I got us started to go flying.

2:27 PM

Continuing... As we were leaving Rich's, Stretch and Anne were just pulling up in their van. But Anne was still too sore to fly. We headed on to Elk, where we found Bob Storms, and we loaded his glider on the Trooper.

But when Rich and Roy arrived with all the rest of the gliders, we loaded those from the Trooper onto their trucks, leaving the Trooper for retrieval, and eventually headed up the mountain in their two trucks. A guy named Mike, formerly from Sacramento, now in the Bay area, getting back into flying, rode up with us to get his vehicle.

It was prefrontal, blowing up from the south lightly. I offered Jon a chance to fly my HP, would fly his Comet 185, and we both had good flights and poor landings.

Others launched first, with no one getting more than a few hundred feet above launch, and most scratching down the mountain, though Tom and Denise evidently got 1500' over, way out toward the LZ in a good thermal.

Jon launched ahead of me on my HP. Then I launched on his Comet 185, a good launch, picked up easily, making soaring passes in front, but gradually sinking down the ridge with Jon further out. Eventually we were both scratching the last low point, barely maintaining.

I took a chance, followed a light thermal back up the ridge a ways, then cut across to the next ridge to the east, and managed to work my way up that ridge until finally I was scratching the knoll, and eventually got up and over it.

About twenty minutes later, Jon got a good thermal, still far out and low, and got up even with the top, soon was over it also, and above me, in spite of his weight on my glider, and my light weight on his big glider, and we both stayed above the mountain for the next half hour or so. It was a satisfying feeling to have worked all that way back up, with perseverance and bold flying.

I found that I was flying less cautiously than usual, felt confident with Jon's Comet, and was turning 360's close to hills, in canyons, and cutting things pretty close, as when Jerry Sorenson was on launch, and I came 360ing up the face of launch, the last one clearing him by 15 or 20 feet, coming around behind launch quite low.

And finally, when I headed out, arms and shoulders quite tired, I made my setup, thought I was too high, impulsively tried for one more 360, though only a hundred feet or so up, and came in short, found myself over the grassy area of the campground with a car and trees blocking my approach to the LZ.

So I headed between two small trees, didn't allow myself enough time to get into flaring position, and my right wing was lifting as I tried to flare. I couldn't get under the glider, so held it out, then went limp as I crashed in, swung through, so that my head actually swung ahead of the leading edge, which landed on my helmet. So I didn't damage the glider, to my relief, felt lucky, though embarrassed by poor judgment, although I almost pulled it off.

Jon on my HP, with a nice approach to the south

Oops!

Later Jon came out to land, had a good set up, but didn't flare aggressively enough, and bonked the nose in also. But he'd loved flying the glider, did well with it, and I enjoyed flying the Comet 185.

Allan drove some people up in the Trooper to get the other vehicles, also gave Richard (Dale's friend) a ride up with his glider, while Jon and I folded up our gliders.

Later we all went first to the pizza place, to pick up our phone orders, which Anne had called in, then back to Rich's to party, eat, and drink, while the hot tub heated up.

And eventually, we were all in the hot tub, tight but nice, enjoying ourselves and our good company.

Jon was supposed to be back for a party, so we three eventually got out to get dressed and leave.

We cruised on home and said our goodnights around 10:15. Then I went to bed. Didn't sleep too well. Took a few aspirin for my hangover. Stayed in bed until 10 today.

Finally called Ivan about 11:30 to see about helping him move heavy stuff. But he'd gotten sick last night, had a temperature, wasn't feeling up to it, so we postponed the project.

Monday, March 18, 1985 - 7:30 AM

A rainy morning. I didn't sleep well last night, even though I went to bed before 10. And my muscles are still pretty sore from Saturday's flight.

Yesterday, after relaxing awhile, I went out to get a newspaper to see what was at the movies. Decided to go see The Gods Must be Crazy, which turned out to be an excellent movie, an amazing story, beautifully filmed, about a bushman from the Kalahari Desert on a trek to return a Coke bottle that had fallen from the sky, and though it was the most useful thing they'd ever seen, it had only caused them fighting and trouble. Two or three other story lines were brought in as well, a love story, and an adventure, all done as great comedy.

Watched Masterpiece Theatre in the evening, the last episode of "Jewel in the Crown," about the British leaving India after WWII.

Wednesday, March 20, 1985 - 7:24 AM

Bones called me, returning my call of Monday, and we had a good conversation. He's still reworking his glider, but flew it at Goat Rock recently.

I told him about Jon's and my flights on each other's gliders.

Went to bed a little after 10. Slept okay I think, but awoke early, lay awake for an hour or so.

End of Volume 35a