Volume 35b

Ivan called, and we made plans to move his stuff tonight (5:30). He's feeling better, but probably won't be flying this weekend, will be settling into their new place.

Friday, March 22, 1985 - 7:30 AM

Another sunny Spring day. Yesterday I called Allan, and we made plans to camp over at Elk, assuming the weather looks good.

After work I went to the bank, deposited Mike's check for the Cirrus-5, got some cash, then went over to Ivan's to help with their move, stopping to say hi to Bones on the way, as he was still at the shop.

Ivan also had a friend, Mark, to help him, and he brought a big flatbed truck for hauling the stuff on. We eventually got it all loaded on, and headed over to the apartment and storage garage down the street. We had to haul an old Chevy, about '51 or '52, out of the garage, before we could put the freezer and other stuff inside.

Finally, I went with Patti to pick up the pizza in Rohnert Park, then back to their house, where we all ate it. Finally, I came on home.

Watched some TV, including 20/20, which had a good presentation of the Bernard Goetz situation. My sympathies are with Goetz, who was the intended victim of those he shot, even though he did go further than necessary. When you ask for trouble, you frequently get more trouble than you bargained for, and these guys were obviously looking for trouble. Yet the mother could only see her son as "a good boy," who wasn't doing anything wrong.

Went to bed after that. Slept okay.

Saturday, March 23, 1985 - 8:06 AM

Up and ready to go to Elk Mountain, on a sunny warming day.

Last evening Mary called, said they'd locked themselves out of their house, wondered if I had a key, but I don't. Later she called, asked if they could stay here overnight, as they hadn't been able to get in.

I said sure. But she finally called to say that they'd gotten in (after 10) by breaking a rear door handle, which they'll have to replace.

Hank called about flying, but I had to tell him I had a full car, as I was expecting that Denise, Allan, and Sue would be riding with me.

But later I called Denise, to confirm, and she told me that Tom Lowe was coming up again, so they'd go together instead.

And Allan hasn't called me yet. I called him at work on Thursday, and we made tentative plans, but would get in touch on Friday night to confirm them. I'm assuming that he (or they) is still coming, but I haven't heard from him.

Jon also called last night, won't be going flying, but gave me the tentative dates for the Regionals.

Sunday, March 24, 1985 - 9:49 PM

I'm very tired so I won't get caught up completely.

Saturday was a good flying day. Allan and I got off by 9:45 or so, and got to Rich's house by about 11:30, finding Stretch and Anne, as well as Denise and Tom Lowe. Soon we headed to Elk, Allan and I leaving first, so we'd have time to set up our tents before the others arrived.

When Rich arrived, with the others, we loaded our gliders on also, and headed up the mountain. I was surprised that Hank hadn't come after all.

On top, it was gusty from the NW, and I was a little worried that the last person would have to launch unassisted. I was going to wait to launch Allan, not wanting to leave him in that position. But after Stretch, Anne, and Tom had launched, Dave Thor arrived in his new truck, so he'd be able to assist Allan, so I suited up and launched next.

Got lift, and was soon a few hundred feet over, with the others. Before long, I got a good thermal that took me high above the others, to 5200', circling back behind the knoll, but soon was back down with the others again.

Soared for a long time, 'til everyone was flushed except Rich and me, and finally Dave Thor launched also, so it was the three of us for another hour or so. I followed Rich around awhile, comparing sink, etc.

Eventually, the Trooper came back up the hill with Allan's glider for another flight, and Stretch, Anne, Denise, and Tom to drive the vehicles down. So I hung out while Allan made a few soaring passes on the ridge, and I got to cloudbase at 5300'. Then I headed on out pretty tired.

My approach was okay, though perhaps too slow, and I came over the lip (after calling down to a truck and trailer to please move out of the middle of the LZ), then fell out, without a good flare, so crashed in, went limp, and swung through, not damaging anything, fortunately. Was up for 2 hours and 40 minutes, my longest flight in quite awhile.

The others left for Rich's house, so it was just Allan and me camping. So we collected some firewood, and got a fire going. Had a good dinner of steaks, sat around the fire afterwards, and listened to some music, 'til time to go to bed, around 9.

Decided to prepare for rain, and it was a good thing we did, as it rained for a good part of the night.

More later, going to bed now.

Monday, March 25, 1985 - 7:15 AM

The sun is coming up earlier these days, and it is light by 6AM, so I have been awakening then. So today I got up at 6:10, instead of waiting for my alarm at 6:25, so I'd have more time to write. Also, I went to bed around 10 last night.

Continuing with the weekend... We went to bed early in our tents, and it did rain for much of the night. But I was snug and dry in my sleeping bag, but finally got up after listening to Allan building a fire in the morning around 7:30 or 8. The wood was mostly wet, but it had stopped raining, and we soon got a small fire going, and eventually had breakfast of steak and eggs.

We thought it might clear up, but around 9 it drizzled a little, and we decided to pack up our gear. Then we went to Rich's to see what the others were doing. They'd all left for home, except for Rich, who was about to go visit a woman friend, so we headed on home too.

By Windsor, there was a blue sky, so we decided to check out Goat Rock, though I was fairly sure it would be blown out. And sure enough, it was blowing 40+, with a big rotor 15 feet behind launch.

So we drove on over to James's house to say hi, but they (James, Jimbo, and Sandra) were all at work on a project, so we left shortly, and came on home. Allan left, and I took a shower, then went to a movie.

Saw The Breakfast Club, about a few high school students at Saturday detention. Actually it was pretty far fetched, and bizarre, but somewhat interesting, though not too believable.

Came on home, to watch news and 60 Minutes. Then, there being not much of interest on, I continued reading in my '78 Journal, got to the point where Mary's mother died, which was the beginning of a big change in her.

She called a little later to say hi, was at the hospital. It's amazing how she's mellowed out in the intervening years.

Friday, March 29, 1985 - 7:08 AM

A sunny clear morning, and it looks like a nice weekend as well. Hope it stays windy, so Usal can be a choice.

Last evening I called Mary, and talked for a little while. She said she has to study, won't be able to go to Usal. Also, I went shopping for a few things at Safeway.

Monday, April 1, 1985 - 7:25 AM

A pleasant though not soarable weekend at Usal, with Ivan, Jon, Roy, Bob Storms, Brian, and John Blacet. We flew each day, and I was able to stay up for 20 minutes on Saturday. More about it later, as I have to pay some bills right now.

Tuesday, April 2, 1985 - 7:02 AM

A warm sunny morning today, the warmest so far at this hour. My lawn needs mowing again very soon, I notice.

Last evening I got out all the stuff to do my income taxes, but then a movie started on Channel 8, which pulled me away; Peter Fonda in, TheTrip, which was a very good cinematic portrayal of an acid trip, directed by Roger Corman.

Also, I called Russ Locke, to find out about the Regionals. They'll probably be at Dunlap on June 13 through 16th, using last year's format with some refinements. I told him I thought last year's was excellent. I'll put in for my vacation soon.

Now back to the weekend, as I still haven't written about that yet.

Allan arrived early at 8 AM on Saturday, and we were off by 8:33. Stopped in Willits for food and gas.

When we got to Usal, it was almost dead, so we drove down to the beach, where we fount Bob, Brian, and John. Roy arrived right behind us, and Jon a few minutes later. So, after walking around on the beaches for awhile, we left Roy's truck in the landing area and headed up to launch.

The white caps were visible and getting closer, so we set up, and around 3, the light south breeze was replaced by clouds coming in from the west, meeting above us. We should have launched then, but waited for it to get better, for as we waited, it got lighter, and soon the white caps were fading, and it was turning back to a south breeze.

Finally, Roy launched anyway, headed down the ridge, and was able to thermal up further down for awhile. Jon launched next, didn't stay up long, then I followed.

I launched from the SW facing bluff, had a good one, and headed north close to the ridge, did find some light lift, so came back, made some passes, finally headed out further. Found some lift over the road, where I got from 500' to over 600' for awhile, but eventually it died, and I had to go out and land after about 20 minutes, a challenging flight, however.

My landing was only fair, as I did passes over the big bushes, made a last turn into the wind, flared too soon, went up, held it out, and bonked in. Felt good about the flight, though, as I'd gotten all I could out of it.

Everyone else flew sledrides, and Brian broke a downtube after coming in low, making a low 180 into the wind.

We rode back up in Roy's truck. Set up tents along the cliff, then built a campfire, and cooked our dinners. Sat around the campfire talking for a long time, finally went to bed around 9:30 or 10.

Slept fair, awoke to a pretty Spring day. Had breakfast, then took some walks waiting for the wind. Also down the meadow, and across the road, looking for a launch on the other side for NE days.

Eventually the light wind switched to South again, and stayed. The white caps showed no sign of coming in. So about noon, we got ready to fly sledrides to the beach.

Allan went first, then I went. But I found no lift, flew straight out, made my approach and an okay landing, though I dropped my nose.

Afterwards, I went over and talked with a very cute girl (about 18), who was with some motorcyclists and a couple of older women. They were from Fort Bragg. Didn't get her name. Waved to her when we left, and she waved back. Felt another unspoken connection.

Packed up our gear after everyone flew, and headed on home, getting here by 6:30.

Watched 60 Minutes, called Mary, relaxed, very tired, went to bed around 10 PM.

Thursday, April 4, 1985 - 7:16 AM

Another nice day, though with high clouds.

Oh yes, the evening before (Tuesday), Mel returned my call, and told me he soloed for the first time that day. He was excited, feeling good about himself.

Friday, April 5, 1985 - 7:32 AM

Yesterday, the power went off a little after noon, was still off at 1:30, so George said that those of us who want to, could take comp time and go home, so I did.

Allan had called earlier, would be coming after work to put together a hang glider rack, and get his glider, so he could fly at Fort Funston tomorrow. So I called him, and he said he'd leave right then, and he arrived before 4 PM.

We built Allan's rack out of the one I'd made for Mary, which she'd eventually given back. Went to Friedman's, where we found the bolts we needed. He'd bought roof racks for his car. Got it all together, and he left by about 6.

Saturday, April 6, 1985 - 8:53 AM

Waiting for Allan, to go flying, on a foggy morning.

Read more in my 1979 journal last evening, about my first flight at Hull Mountain (May 18th). Wrote some nice things about Mary there, who was a good sport that day. Called her later and told her.

They'd tried to reach me earlier, to invite me to the movie, Witness, with them. They'd also liked it very much. I want to see it soon.

Now to pack my gear.

Monday, April 8, 1985 - 7:21 AM

It was an especially nice weekend at Elk, with good flights, good times, good friends, good weather, etc.

Ivan and Patti had gone to Hull Mountain, so I was torn as to where to go, but I knew that Stretch and Anne, Denise, Rich, Roy, and Mark Bennett would all be at Elk, so that, with the potential winds, made Elk the better choice.

We got to Rich's house by 11:30 or so. Roy was there, but Stretch and the others hadn't left Willits yet. So after awhile, Allan and I left to go to Elk and set up our tents.

The campground was almost full, but we found Tom Denny and Bill Vogel's camp, and joined them, setting up our tents nearby. They'd gone up the mountain already, but we talked to them by CB radio.

Soon Rich and Roy arrived, with the others' gliders as well, as they'd flown on Friday. Rich had flown to his house, and Stretch had gotten a good thermal there, and had gone on to the Lakeport airport, where he'd landed.

Allan and I put our gliders on Tim's truck and headed on up, as Rich had a full truck anyway.

We set up at the south facing launch, where Tom and Bill were making passes, a couple of hundred feet over, at most.

Art and Jim Philbrook, and Tom Sullau also arrived and set up, as did Stretch, Anne, Denise, Mark, Rich, and Roy. Anne and Denise gave me big hugs, which made me feel better.

Allan got launched, but couldn't stay up, but got good scratching practice all the way down the hill.

I got launched after Stretch and Roy, and managed to get up, after scratching at the knoll. Then it was a matter of flying around at varying altitudes on the south side, avoiding each other, circling in thermals which blew back pretty much, and having fun. Didn't get much over 5300'.

Eventually, most had headed out, so I did too. There were a few gliders making approaches to the LZ, so I joined Stretch and Anne at 2300', and we got small thermals off the LZ, which kept us up. I went from 2300' to 2800' with Anne, who eventually landed after Stretch.

Could've maintained there indefinitely, but saw some more gliders coming out (the Philbrooks and others), so decided to get down and land while it wasn't congested.

Did spirals to get down, finally made my approach, a good one, concentrated on a good flare and did one, but too soon, so went high, held it, came down hard on my feet, but dropped the glider. But felt good about the good flare, and the flight.

Folded up, played some hackeysack with the others, who finally left, then went over to our camp. Allan and I got some more firewood, and got a fire going, and the four of us cooked our dinners, and relaxed for the evening, talking of taxes, and other problems of our time.

Bill had a newspaper, and I saw that my personals ad had gotten published, and I showed it to them. Bill said to send any extras his way.

Finally went to bed after 10. But I didn't sleep well all night, was almost cold for awhile in early morning, but warm when the sun hit my tent (at 7:45), so I got up then, to another beautiful day.

More later.

12:15 Noon

Continuing... We cooked up a good breakfast, and as it warmed up, I felt like a swim, invited Allan, and we had a cold but refreshing dive in the icy water where it's deep, by the big rock.

Eventually, the five of us that had camped at the campground decided to go up the mountain, loading our gliders onto Tim's truck again. On the way up, Rich called by CB, said he could bring an extra driver, so we wouldn't have to retrieve.

Another south launch day, warm and clear. We set up. Allan decided to be our wind dummy in light cycles. But he didn't follow my advice of going to the knoll, instead lost his altitude with passes in front of launch, and was too low to get up when he finally went to the knoll, though could have with more aggressive thermaling, and was flushed down the mountain, soon landed.

I launched, turned right for the knoll, came over it into a thermal, and circled up to 5000', and others soon followed. Had a good day, staying above most of the others most of the time.

Eventually Stretch circled up with me, and we got to 6000' together, then I got one to 6300' and was able to stay above him. I tentatively headed towards Horse Mountain, hit sink, so started back, but Stretch cruised on over there, so when I got back to about 5700', I headed over there too, and got there above the SW ridge, felt a little lift and zero sink, turned back over the front, then found some good lift, which I circled in, feeling relief.

Stretch had gone on to the next bowl, but was scratching low, eventually came back to where I was, as my cycle was giving out. Not finding another, I headed back towards Elk, and Stretch followed, slightly below and behind.

Came around the ridge to the SW side partway down, scratching to get back up. It was a challenge, but eventually I worked back up the canyons, then hooked a good one, which took me up over the knoll to 5000' again. Stretch also got up again. Later I saw Anne, coming back low from Horse.

Eventually it was just Roy and I over the mountain, as everyone else had headed out. Finally, I headed across to the grassy area of Pitney, where I found a thermal at 3400' and started climbing. Roy saw me, and came across too, began circling up below me.

More later.

8:12 PM

I climbed to 5100' in that thermal, a gain of 1700', then headed up the ridge towards the top of Pitney Ridge, and Roy followed a couple hundred feet below. But when I got to the peak, I didn't find much, so headed back towards the LZ, passing Roy at about my level on the way back.

Also saw Anne circling further down, and flew around with her, then maintained at about 2300' while she went out to land.

Decided to land myself, so flew on over the LZ, and circled, setting up my approach, but I made too long a final leg and came up short on my final towards the LZ, landing in the creekbed. But it was a good landing, running a few steps, and not dropping the nose, but not as good a flare as the day before.

I had over two hours, had gone to Horse Mountain and the peak of Pitney, and back to the LZ, probably 15 miles altogether, a satisfying flight.

Folded up, and played some hackeysack. Denise gave me a hug goodbye, and Mark too. Eventually I got my gear put away, and we said goodbye to everyone else, and headed on home.

Came up behind Ivan and Patti on Route 20, and we later stopped and talked north of Cloverdale. He hadn't flown at Hull, as Patti didn't want him flying alone in marginal conditions. But they'd had fun, canoeing, etc.

But a motorcyclist had hit Augie, their dog, not seriously injuring him, however, and kept on going. Also, they said, someone else was camped in our usual spot.

Got home in time for 60 Minutes, but was very tired. Stayed up 'til after 10, though, watching a show on the Alger Hiss - Whittaker Chambers affair, in which Hiss was crucified, seemingly unjustly, by a lying Chambers and the HUAC (House Unamerican Activities Committee), with Richard Nixon a central figure.

Went to bed. Didn't sleep well, but wasn't too tired today. Kept busy on a couple of projects.

Tuesday, April 9, 1985 - 7:17 AM

Today is foggy and damp. I didn't sleep well again last night, haven't had a good night's sleep in quite awhile, but I seem to survive without it.

Last evening I relaxed and read in my old journal, with the TV on in the background. Found that I first met Roy on July 7, 1979, the day Mary took that good picture of me launching at Hull. I landed in the creekbed after finding a stiff south wind, and Roy came out to talk. He was flying his red Fledgling then, had been blown off launch and had broken his keel a couple of weeks earlier.

Then I watched another episode of the Chambers - Hiss story, before going to bed.

Wednesday, April 10, 1985 - 7:27 AM

Turned on the movie last night about the Swedish diplomat who saved Jews in WWII, played by Richard Chamberlain, and also read in my old journal about the summer of '79, with my early flights at Hull Mountain, meeting Stretch, Anne, and James at Elk, and Gordon, and getting my computer, an Apple 2. Interesting to reflect on those times. And at work, my rapid rise to Senior Systems Analyst, within the first year.

Was pretty tired, so went to bed after 10:30.

Friday, April 12, 1985 - 7:16 AM

A nice sunny morning, with a warm weekend forecasted.

Last night, I went to the Sonoma Wings meeting at Bob Storms' house. We didn't cover that much business, then I showed an old movie, which Pam borrowed afterwards for her meteorology class. And Rick Kannisto showed some movies of his.

Also there, to my pleasant surprise, were Denise, Stretch, and Anne. Also Ivan, Eric, Jon, Pam and Brian, Sharol, Mike Ward, Scott ?, Duane, Tom and Lin, Bill Vogel, and Tom Lowe, who came with Denise.

I got good strokes from Denise and Anne, and felt good. Denise firmed her invitation to dinner, and it will be next Wednesday, also we'll go over her horoscope.

Everyone's pretty much decided to go to Elk this weekend.

Eric's also planning to go to the Regionals, and I said he could ride with me, as he also wants to go early. Also, Sharol said Bones will enter also, and she'll wind dummy. So it should be a nice scene.

Monday, April 15, 1985 - 7:24 AM

A fine weekend at Elk, with lots of good fellowship and good flights.

On Friday evening, I got a call from a Will Bannister, who is a Hang2 pilot who was ready to do his first altitude flight.

He was going to go to Ed Levin Park, but I said, "Why not come to Elk instead?", and he decided he would, and was there when we arrived. He seemed a nice guy, and did have a good first altitude flight.

Allan arrived Saturday morning, and we headed on up. He tells me that he thinks he and Sue are fading out, that she wants someone to party with on weekends, isn't too interested in the hang gliding. He had a date with Vivian, the older, experienced woman, on Sunday evening.

We stopped at Rich's, where we found Denise, with Tom Hazelwood, who'd gotten back from his travels, also Stretch, Anne, Roy, and Tom. Rich wasn't up yet. After a little hackeysack, we left to get our camp set up.

At the campground, we found Tom and Lin, Ivan, John Blacet, Bob Storms, and Will Bannister, whom I introduced to the others. Tom Denny and Bill Vogel had already gone up the mountain.

Set up my tent, and then we loaded gliders, even though the others still hadn't arrived. Will and John rode up with Allan and me, the rest on Roy's truck, and the other's arrived later in Rich's truck.

On top it was coming up the south face, but splitting the ridge from the west occasionally. Tom and Bill had gone to set up at the NW launch, but Tom later carried back up, only to carry back down with the rest of those who hadn't yet launched awhile later.

More later.

5:05 PM

Continuing... Allan managed to launch from the south launch, but had to run hard, and I went a little later at 1:54, got a good launch, but was the last to go from that side, headed down around the point, where Allan had been doing okay, and found lift on the other side and circled up a few hundred feet.

Bill Vogel, who'd launched earlier, and I had the sky to ourselves for awhile, as Allan got flushed, and we watched the procession of gliders marching down to the NW launch.

But I noticed that my HP wasn't flying right, it turned harder, didn't climb as fast, and then I saw the problem. I'd forgotten to close the zipper in the sail, so that the keel was exposed, and the undersurface was being pulled apart. So after awhile, after fruitlessly trying to reach the zipper, I headed on out, as it was turbulent air anyway.

Got over Pitney with 3300', and found lift coming off the LZ, so circled up to 4700', and decided to make a last desperate try to close my zipper. I stood up in the control bar, one foot in each corner, then reached way out front with one hand on the keel, and managed to barely reach the zipper pull, and pulled it closed. Felt a great sense of relief, a flight salvaged, and then I thermaled on up higher.

Tried to call others to tell them of the good lift over Pitney, but found out only later that they'd all switched to channel 14, because some people didn't have channel 7.

But Tom Denny did fly over in his new Magic, and circled up under me. I took some pictures (Friday night I'd velcroed a new camera mount on my harness) of him when he reached my altitude, then I followed him up the valley as he headed out. We were up to 5400' or so by then.

I headed more toward the Mid Mountain (west) side, figuring that some lift might be coming up the other side, and managed to stay a hundred feet or so above Tom.

Soon I could see Rich's house, so decided to head for it, as I didn't find much lift over the peak, just took what I had and crossed over, cruising out to Bachelor Valley.

Made it to Rich's house on the hill with a couple of hundred feet to spare, circled over, then around past the other side of the valley, calling "Bones" and "Sharol", thinking they might be at their property there. Finally set up a landing in a big pasture by the road, with two horses and some sheep in it.

I'd been looking for some wind indicators as I came over the valley, but hadn't seen a thing, so made passes over the trees at the south end of the field, made a good approach, and a good landing in nearly no-wind conditions, frightening the horses, who went running off as I approached.

Carried over to a tree near the road, drank the cold beer I'd brought with me, and rested, feeling good. Soon I climbed the hill to Rich's house, where I tried to call people on the radio, but still not knowing they were all on 14, so didn't raise anyone.

When I got back down, there was another glider there, and it was Tom Hazelwood, who said he'd just squeaked in. I'd brought down another beer, which I shared with Tom, and with Denise, who also made it out shortly, having gotten to 7300' over Pitney.

I folded up my glider while they hiked up to Rich's, taking a shower and bringing Tom's van down, which he'd conveniently left there. So I got a ride back to camp with them.

In Upper Lake, we found Tom Wormington, who was stopped with Dave Thor. Dave had crash landed on the main street, in front of the pizza place. He'd clipped a wire with his kingpost, crashed in, and mangled his downtubes. Talk about bad judgment.

Got back, and went for a swim with Allan, which was very refreshing.

Others had also gone cross country. Rich went 24 miles to Long Valley.

Stretch flew to High Glade (21 miles ?), but had almost been cut away from his glider by his new speed rail. A hose clamp had cut his hang loop, and started on his back-up loop.

And Anne went to Clover Valley.

So it was a good day. We cooked up our dinner after collecting some firewood, and eventually went to bed, though some partying bikers kept us awake much of the night.

Awoke to another sunny day. After breakfast, Stretch and Anne came back early, and we four went for a refreshing swim in the swimming hole.

Went up Sunday with Tim, who'd arrived, as had Jon. It was a windier day from the south, and no one got more than a few hundred feet over launch.

I launched at 1:20, soared awhile, but the sky got crowded. After 45 minutes or so, I went looking for a thermal, found sink instead, and got flushed, had to head out and land.

But the wind was in a shifting pattern, from the south when I first flew over, to NE, which was a more difficult approach, and I made an okay setup, but not a good landing, slamming in, bending slightly a downtube.

Took another swim while waiting for Allan, who landed much later, and finally we headed home about 5:25. We'd both had a very nice weekend. Made it home in record time, in time for 60 Minutes.

Was very tired, but stayed up to watch James Michener's Space 'til 11. And was very tired at work today.

Saturday, April 20, 1985 - 9:45 AM

An overcast day with rain probable, so it doesn't look like I'm going flying. Instead I'll try to clean up this house a little, maybe go to a movie, maybe call some of the women who've responded to my ad.

Last evening, I did my laundry and went shopping, came home, had dinner, continued my letter to Gail, and finally went to the party at 8:20.

Was greeted by Stretch and Anne, Mark, Rich, and Denise, and felt welcome. Took the photos from last week to show them.

Later, we all played Trivial Pursuits for awhile, before I left to go home, as it was 11:30 or so.

Came home and went to bed. Slept okay, Awoke tired.

Allan called, but decided not to come up, as flying didn't look promising.

I called Denise's house, where the others are staying, and it's not looking like they'll go flying either.

Monday, April 22, 1985 - 7:25 AM

A bright sunny morning, after the rainy cloudy weekend.

Last night I relaxed, watched 60 Minutes, cleaned up a little, read in my old journal (up to early '80), meeting Bones and Sharol, and Jon, and the early days of the Club. Stretch and Anne were both out with injuries.

Went to bed after 10. Slept okay. My left arm still bothers me when I awaken. There seems to be no comfortable way to sleep with it (still from my Regionals injury). Also, my left foot isn't quite right, so I must have bruised it.

Saturday, April 27, 1985 - 8:08 AM

Last evening, I went to the "Cross Country Seminar" at the Xerox office, where Bill Vogel works, that the Club had set up. I took my 3D maps, which were appreciated, and we had a nice get-together, which Rich Sauer even came down for.

Also there were Duane, Jon, Brian, Tom and Lin, Mel, Bob, Bill and Charla, Ivan, and John Blacet.

I left around 9:50, came home, went to bed soon.

Today's sunny, clear, looks beautiful. Heading for Elk.

Monday, April 29, 1985 - 7:19 AM

We're back on Daylight Savings Time, so it's an hour earlier than I'm used to, on a foggy, cool morning.

Had a good weekend of flying at Elk, with Allan, Stretch and Anne, Rich, Roy, Tom and Lin Denny, Ivan, and Bill Vogel. Also Jon, Brian, Barry, and Tom Hazelwood were there on Saturday, while John Blacet, Don and Marty Piercy were there on Sunday.

And Allan brought up some Fort Funston acquaintances, Louie, with a Magic, who was always at the top of the stack, and Bill Wood, whom I'd met at Hull in years past.

Allan showed up at my house around 9 AM, with Louie, and Bill Wood and his wife, in separate cars, following. So we cruised on up with Louie on our tail (he hadn't been to Elk before), and Bill and his wife went on ahead to see someone in Cloverdale.

Took the Trooper up both days, with four gliders, and a driver the second day, Bill's friend Dave (the bike shop owner from Cloverdale. He had a pretty wife, Michelle).

Anyway, when we got there Saturday, Rich, Stretch, and Anne had already gone up, and were in the air for a morning flight.

We set up our tents, then headed up, behind Bill Vogel's truck. The competition slots were crowded, so we drove on down to the point, and set up there.

I launched last, scratched around looking for lift, and didn't find much low, though people were high above. Finally made a pass in front of the ridge, found a small thermal past the other launch, and circled in it. It got stronger as I got higher, and took me on up with the others to a max of 6700'.

Then I headed over to Horse Mountain, got over it, but didn't find anything there, so came back to Elk, reaching it at ridge level, eventually finding another good thermal, and getting back to over 6000'.

Eventually I headed over to Pitney, but didn't find anything much there (though later I heard that Roy had gotten to 8000' over the peak), so I gradually headed out to land. Didn't do a good one, ran a few steps after flaring, and dropped the nose. Had an hour and 25 minutes.

Found out afterwards that Bill Wood had flown to Lakeport, a good flight of 17 or 18 miles. I was impressed.

After folding up my glider, Ivan and I went swimming at the swimming hole, which was refreshing. But my foot was hurting again, and I'm afraid I've cracked or broken a bone in there.

We decided to forgo our steaks, and go to the pizza place with Ivan for dinner, which we did. Stretch and Anne, Jon, Rich, and others were there, just finishing when we got there. We'd also stopped to gather some firewood on the way.

Went to bed fairly early and seemed to sleep pretty well. Up with the sun on Sunday. More later.

12:31 Noon

Continuing... We had our steaks for breakfast in the morning, and later, Allan, Ivan, and I took a long walk to go swimming. It was pretty cold, but refreshing. I further aggravated my sore foot jumping across the creek on the way back.

Eventually Bill got back with his friends from Cloverdale, and Dave agreed to drive the Trooper down, so we loaded our gliders, and headed up in the Trooper as everyone else was loading.

Bones and Sharol, and Marty and Don pulled in as we were heading up, and we waved hi.

Again we chose the point, to avoid crowding. And after setting up my glider, then walking up to talk to Don and Marty, I came back and launched. Allan and Ivan had already launched. Bill Wood "assisted" me, and I nearly crashed.

He was on my right wing, still had some pressure, and when I told him to "Clear!" he said, "I'll run you off," held onto my wire and ran beside me, so I found myself turning to the left, but managed to get flying anyway, to both of our relief.

I won't get myself in such a situation again, as we didn't communicate clearly to each other, and his holding of my wire didn't let me get the feel of the wind, so when he let go, my right wing went up. But luckily, I was flying, got in my harness, and turned right.

Got up, soaring the NW wind, but not very high, my max was 5000' or so. There had been some thermals out over the creek towards Horse Mountain, but I didn't find much there.

After an hour of ups and downs and turbulence, I headed out behind Rich, followed by Louie.

I was down first, so set up my landing into the north wind. Made a good approach, but got severely popped up about 30 feet, pulled in, but fell out the other side. Came down, nearly stalled, pushed out, but landed on my belly, nosed in, went limp, and wasn't hurt, nor did I bend my downtubes. But I damaged my camera, which I'd left velcroed to my parachute bag, scratching the lens, unfortunately.

6:43 PM

Continuing... Eventually, we packed up and said our goodbyes, cruised on home in time for 60 Minutes.

It was a good flying weekend, but I found myself home, feeling somewhat depressed.

Forgot to mention that I heard bad news about Joe Baltz, from Ivan, then from Stretch and Anne. He'd been in a serious accident last week. His glider had a structural failure at 200 feet, folded up on him, and he fell 200 feet, landed in bushes, but was severely injured, nearly dying.

He broke his leg (multiple breaks), his nose, damaged his liver and kidneys, and lost his spleen, is in intensive care in Santa Barbara. I'm not sure what maneuvers he was doing, but there was a big crowd of spectators.

Anyway, I got his address, and will write him, and send that 8x10 photo of him over the Dam at Lake Pillsbury, to cheer him up if I can. I'm very sad for him. He's the archetypal puer aviator.

Tuesday, April 30, 1985 - 7:16 AM

Last evening I paid bills and rent, and drafted a letter to Joe Baltz, which I'll send with that 8x10 photo.

Also watched part of Apocalypse Now on TV, which was depressing.

Friday, May 3, 1985 - 7:26 AM

Oh yes, I talked to Bones and Sharol, and Sharol had a great flight on Monday, 35 miles, almost to Middletown.

Got to run now.

Saturday, May 4, 1985 - 7:44 AM

Up on a sunny morning to go to Elk. Still somewhat depressed, but feeling a little better, after a nice evening over at Denise's house, with Stretch and Anne, Denise, Mark Bennett, and Eric Beckman.

They're going to be flying at Mt. St. Helena today (I passed on that). Anne had called me earlier from Eric's, and invited me to meet them at Denise's, which I appreciated.

Denise visited Joe last weekend in Santa Barbara, and said he is getting better every day. He'd been unconscious for four days, is still a little disoriented, but improving rapidly. She said he'd asked about me. I'm glad I sent him that photo.

In addition to a broken leg and broken nose, he also has a broken arm and broken jaw, as well as the internal injuries (lost spleen, injured kidneys, liver, and lungs).

Mark has a new glider, a Sensor, without a keel pocket. And Jon has ordered a new Magic 4.

Earlier I'd called Ivan. He wasn't home, but I'd talked to Patti. She said that the others were at Eric's, also told me that Ivan hoped I wasn't going to Mt. St. Helena, as he didn't want to either.

He called back later, and he'll also be going to Elk.

And Allan called earlier also. He's had a good week, making a lot of money, and having good flights at Fort Funston, and getting his Westlake sticker.

Monday, May 6, 1985 - 7:21 AM

Foggy this morning, after an exciting weekend at Elk, getting home late last night.

I went cross-country yesterday with Stretch and Allan, and while I got further than Stretch, almost to Lakeport, Allan made it all the way around the lake, up over Mt. Konocti, and landed on the south side of it, an incredible flight for his first cross-country.

I might have been able to stick with him if our radios had been working (he could hear me, but I couldn't hear him), as he'd gotten a good thermal just east of where I'd landed, and he'd tried to direct me there instead. But I was too concerned with finding a good field to land in.

Reviewing... Allan and I got off to a late start on Saturday, around 10, got to the campground to find Ivan, and soon Roy and Tom, as most of the other regulars had gone to fly Mt. St. Helena.

It was blowing over the back, so we set up and launched at the NW launch. There was ridge lift and broken up thermals, which took us up to 5000' max, and after an hour or so of going up and down, I headed out, looked for, but didn't find lift over Pitney, then landed, a good setup and a good landing, running, and not dropping the nose for a change, which made me feel good.

Ivan, Allan, and I went swimming after awhile, then Allan and I gathered some firewood and cooked our steaks.

Sat around the campfire 'til after 10, watched the full moon come up, and finally went to bed. I slept fairly well, I think.

On Sunday, Stretch and Anne, Denise and Mark, Tom and Lin, and Bill Vogel arrived, as well as a Sacramento hippie type named Dana, with an old Spirit, so we all loaded up on Roy's and Ivan's trucks, and headed up, setting up again at the competition slots.

Stretch launched first, and climbed way up, and soon the rest of us launched. It became more challenging, as flush cycles came through, and more than once I had to go out the west ridge to find a thermal and get back over, but not all that high.

Finally I left, and headed for Pitney, and Allan followed. Got into some smooth lift over Pitney, and Allan came in under me, and we both climbed to 6000' or so. We could see Mark much higher, and Stretch much lower.

Allan headed on over towards Rich's house, but I headed back towards Stretch, as I'd lost some altitude, and I found another thermal, and climbed above Stretch, until he headed for Mid Mountain, so I followed, above and behind him. Then we headed out over Bachelor Valley, where we saw Allan circling up above us to the SW.

6:38 PM

Continuing... Soon got into lift over Bachelor Valley, getting up to about 5400'. Allan left, heading south, so I followed, slightly lower. Stretch headed off towards Rich's house to the west. I headed on an angle towards the freeway (to Lakeport), whereas Allan was more to the west.

Soon I was sinking out, got over the Hospital at 2900', where I got some light lift from the parking lot. Lost track of Allan, as I wasn't receiving his transmissions, thought he'd headed on south.

Maintained for ten minutes, before moving NW and getting a better thermal, circled up at lakeside to 4500', so headed on down the freeway another couple of miles, but sinking fast, so started looking for landable fields. Only saw one good one, on the west side of the freeway.

But on the east side were some brown hills, which I later found out had produced good lift for Allan, who'd gotten high there. He tried to call me, but I didn't hear him, eventually set up my landing, and had a pretty good one in a grassy field.

Carried my glider to a spot where it could be seen from the freeway, and about 20 minutes later I was happy to see Anne in their green van coming down the freeway towards me, and Denise in her truck. They waved as they went by (looking for Mark, Stretch, and Allan), but I knew they'd stop for me on the way back.

Eventually Anne did come back, but disappeared again, coming back in about a half-hour with Stretch, who'd made it up to the Hospital area.

After I was picked up, we headed on down as far as Kelseyville, looking for Allan, but couldn't find him, so headed on back to the campground, where I expected him to be. But there was no sign of him, so I proceeded to fold up our tents and pack up our gear.

But soon a Sheriff's car pulled in, and he had a message from Allan, with a Kelseyville phone number to call. So, when I finished loading the Trooper, I said my goodbyes, drove to Upper Lake, where I stopped at the phone booth to call.

It turned out that Allan was south of Mt. Konocti, near the fork of route 175. So I headed down there, and found him at a ranch with a big field, at the base of Mt. Konocti. He was with some very nice older people (Bradley, 7640 Route 29), whom he'd charmed for the past few hours.

We talked a little, said goodbyes, picked up his glider and gear in the field, and headed on home, and he told me of his amazing flight.

He'd gotten a good thermal off the brown hills to the east of where I landed, tried to call me to tell me to go there, then when he got high, he headed for Lakeport, and got a big thermal there. From there he cruised around the lake and then east to the base of Mt. Konocti, then scratched his way up the mountain, until he was even with the top. He went on around, but got drilled on the other side, so had to land on the south side.

I was thrilled for him, as well as somewhat envious, knowing how close I'd come.

We cruised on home via Middletown on route 175, then past Mt. St.Helena to Calistoga, and on home to Santa Rosa. Looped past Mary's house, but nobody was home, so I called her at the Hospital later.

Got home around 9:30. Allan left for San Francisco, and I unloaded my stuff, then went to bed.

I was pretty tired at work today.

Tuesday, May 7, 1985 - 7:20 AM

Sunny with high clouds today.

Last evening I did laundry, bought a new 40 channel handheld CB for my glider at Radio Shack (as the old one's been nothing but trouble), and got a haircut.

Came home, and worked on the radio (one of my nicad batteries is dead), and on my harness, putting small bungies on the back of my leg straps to hold them up during launch, so they don't hang down behind my knees, slowing me down. Tried it on, and it seemed to work well after a couple of adjustments.

Friday, May 10, 1985 - 7:29 AM

It must have rained a little last night, as a low pressure area came through, but the sun is breaking through again.

Called Denise. She's going to San Diego this weekend for a party before Mark and the other World Team members leave for the World Meet at Tegelberg. She was excited.

Called Anne. They might go to Hull or Elk this weekend. I thought it might be too windy for Hull still. But I want to try Elk again.

8:33 PM

This evening, as I was watching the news, up drove Allan with his glider on his car. He had a date with a girl named Ann in Sebastopol, whom he'd met on the Russian River several months ago, and she'd called him up, will go to Elk as a driver with us tomorrow.

Anyway, he'd missed the turn at Cotati, wanted to leave his glider here anyway.

Saturday, May 11, 1985 - 8:20 AM

Up on a sunny morning to go to Elk, when Allan and Ann arrive. Hoping for a good cross-country day.

Last night I watched Koyanisquatsi, a trippy film which I'd seen before, a Hopi word meaning "Life out of Balance."

Sunday, May 12, 1985 - 8:53 PM

Home from a very satisfying weekend of flying. When we (Allan, Ann (his friend), and I) got to Elk around 11:30, Rich, Stretch and Anne, Roy, and others had already gone to the top, and Jon and Tom (Roy's brother) were in the landing area, waiting for a ride up.

So we loaded them on, and headed on up. It turned out that Ann couldn't drive stick shift, so she stayed down with Kindy and others. Also on top were Larry Smith, Ernie, and others.

The competition launch set-up area was pretty full, so we went on out to the point, and set up there.

Rich, Stretch, Roy, and others were soon up, and left before we got launched. But eventually, I launched after Jon, at 1:35, and the two of us were soon high above launch. My new radio was working fine.

Allan didn't seem to be able to get up, had missed the cycle, so we left without him, and with Larry Smith, flying a Magic now, and we headed for Pitney with about 6000'. Jon cruised up the ridge ahead of me in light scattered lift, and I got a good thermal over the second highest peak, and climbed out. Jon and Larry came over and climbed under me.

I left first for Mid Mountain, made it okay with 4500' or so, headed on across out over Bachelor Valley. Saw Stretch on the ground at the intersection of route 20 and Bachelor Valley Road. Larry and Jon were getting some lift over Mid Mountain, so I headed back there.

Larry got to 6000'+ and headed south towards Lakeport. I followed, with perhaps 5000', but Jon stayed over Mid Mountain working for more, but didn't get it, and eventually had to land down below.

I got to the hills near the freeway, was down to 2900' or so, picked a landing field, but wanted to try the brown hills before giving up. Larry was high above, said he'd gotten up from over them.

So I did find marginal lift, stuck with it, and gradually worked it up and back across the freeway near the Hospital, and on up to 6000' or so. Headed south, over Rocky Point, and on over northern Lakeport, 'til I found some more lift there, and circled up in it.

Meanwhile, Larry was further south getting good lift, and Rich was already over Mt. Konocti. I was up to 5500' or so, then headed further south over Lakeport, and got some lift under some forming clouds, circled up to over 7000', got to cloudbase at 7100', watching the shadows of more clouds forming to the east as I got into the cloud mist. So I began heading over the SW corner of the lake towards Mt. Konocti. Larry was further SE, also heading toward Konocti.

There's a huge expanse of orchards south of the lake. I saw new clouds forming ahead of me, so kept on cruising across. Eventually, I outran the clouds and began hitting sink, so decided to turn back and get back under the clouds, which I did, finding the lift when I was down to 5500' or so, and climbing back to 7500', quite cold at that altitude.

Meanwhile, Rich wasn't finding much lift over Konocti, so left, heading SE along route 29. Larry reached Konocti, and was soaring around the top, also not finding much, around 4300' high.

I stayed at 7500', drifting with the clouds, 'til I was over the foothills. Rich advised passing Konocti if I had over 6000', so I did, coming on over the south end high above Larry.

Meanwhile, Rich had to land, in the furthest field on route 29 you could see, about 4 miles SE of Mt. Konocti.

I was getting heavy sink as I cruised out towards him, wasn't sure I'd make it that far, but did get some light lift over some brown hills with trees on them, and another small hill. Was down below 4000' by then.

I glided on out to Rich's field with Larry following, expecting to land there. But just before I got there, I flew into some lift, which got better as I climbed.

Larry came in under me, and we climbed out above Rich. I topped out at 7900', then headed SE towards Middletown, cutting across towards route 29 after it turns south, bypassing the intersection for Lower Lake, but my sink alarm was sounding for much of the time.

Larry didn't get as high, but soon followed me on a SE course. There was a long stretch before Hidden Valley where there were no landing areas, but I thought I had enough altitude to cross it, and did, coming out over Hidden Valley with 3000' or so, but still experiencing sink. Made it just past the town and over some hills, but still sinking fast.

I didn't realize it until I set up my landing, but now the wind was coming from the south, and I was on the wrong side of the valley to get up. So I set up my landing on the south side of route 29, and landed just south of the Lion's Club Trap Shooting Range.

I heard Larry say that he couldn't make Hidden Valley, had to land in a small field in the canyon, but put it down okay. He was about 3 miles behind me, and it turned out that I had 40 miles, had just about equaled Jon James's flight of 1982.

Was very happy to see Jon drive up before too long, as I was folding up my glider and drinking my beer. A fitting turnabout, since I'd picked him up after his flight three years ago. After we loaded the glider on his car, we drove down the road to see how far it was to where he'd landed. And it was just about a mile, on a section of road that was almost perpendicular to Elk Mountain. He thought I'd "tied" his flight, but I wasn't sure, until I got home and saw the map. Anyway, I was feeling very high.

We picked up Larry and Rich on the way back, and headed on back to camp, which was 50+ road miles away, and I received great congratulations when we got there.

Monday, May 13, 1985 - 7:28 AM

Another clear sunny day. Continuing with my weekend story, we had dinner and sat around the fire, Ernie, Kindy, his two sons, Ernie and Andy, and new daughter, Maya, and Kindy's sister, Laura, who is a nice younger woman, with a nice body, but a sad face, lined with an expression of worry or sadness. Also, Ann, Allan, Roy, Stretch and Anne, when they got back from town eating, and possibly others.

Finally went to bed. Slept fairly well, but was tired in the morning. Lay in bed 'til after 8, when my tent got too hot. Got up and cooked breakfast with Allan, Ernie, and his group.

Finally up to fly again, loading 13 gliders onto 2 trucks (Rich's and Erin's). We unloaded at the south launch, but the wind was crossing, and soon everybody walked down to the competition slots, except me. I'd seen launchable cycles, couldn't see carrying down to be in line behind 10 other gliders. So when I was ready, I suited up to launch.

Stretch and Rich were already up high, with others following. I got a good cycle, and had a good launch into a backside thermal which picked me up. But I'd launched with my cocoon harness still clipped up to my chest, had to fly around with my legs dangling 'til I could release it and prone out. But I got turned back into a 360 behind the hill, came out lower, but still with enough to cross above the others launching below, and climb on out.

But I found my radio was almost dead, and after 15 minutes it was dead. Anyway, I saw Rich and Stretch over Mid Mountain, getting high, so when I got to 6400', I headed over there, and Allan followed me. I cleared Mid Mountain at about 4500' and got light lift over the bowl on the other side. Rich and Stretch were high above, across the valley to the west.

Allan came over the top and passed under me, headed along the ridge to the south, sinking. I worked a little cliff, but wasn't gaining, so headed out towards the SW. There was a long slope down before landable fields in Bachelor Valley. Headed out over the fields, hoping for lift.

Allan was below, sticking to the lower ridges of the mountain, didn't find anything, and soon landed in a field near the road into the valley. I glided out, seeing that I probably wouldn't make Rich's, looking for lift and landable fields.

Got down to 2900' near some brown plowed fields, saw some buzzards circling over there, so followed over, and found some light lift, enough to maintain, then gradually climb, finding it and losing it, but gaining slowly and steadily to 4000' and on up, as it got stronger and smoother.

Meanwhile, Stretch and Rich had crossed to the next valley over Blue Lakes, but were losing altitude, and soon I was higher, as I kept climbing in smooth lift to 6800'. Saw them head down Scotts Valley, far to the SW and well below me.

Since I didn't have a working radio, and Allan was on the ground, I decided to see if I could get back to the Elk landing area at the campground.

12:19 Noon

Still jazzed by my weekend flying, told people at the office, also called Mel, and Eric and Bones at the shop.

Continuing with my narrative on Sunday, at 6800' over Rich's house, I decided to try to get back to the Elk Mountain landing area, so crossed Mid Mountain, and headed upwind up the valley, and made it easily.

Circling over at 2400', I got some light lift, so circled in it, gradually climbing back up Pitney Ridge to 4600', before trying to get back over to Elk Mountain, but only made it to the lower slopes on the downwind side, so turned around, came back to set up a landing, and made a pretty good one, without dropping the nose, but had to run it out, didn't do the kind of flare I'd have liked. But felt very good, having made it back from over Rich's house.

Went swimming with Anne, Laura, and Ann, after folding up all our gear, which was refreshing, then said goodbyes, and Ann and I headed out to pick up Allan and go home.

Fortunately, I had the CB on in the Trooper, as Allan went by the other way in a car, used his CB to call me to stop, which I did. He was with a guy named Doug, who'd given him a ride, taken his glider up to Rich's house, then he was headed back to camp to get the Trooper and look for me, not knowing I'd made it back there.

So we got his glider, then headed home via Scotts Valley, then Route 29, to show him my route on Saturday. Got home at 6:45, in time for 60 Minutes, and Allan left to take Ann home.

Relaxed, watched some TV. Called Mary, also called Jon, after looking at the map.

Tuesday, May 14, 1985 - 7:29 AM

Another nice day today. It got up to 80 yesterday.

Last evening, I did laundry, also bought an extra set of nicad batteries for my new radio, and went shopping at Safeway.

Came home and called a bunch of people. Ivan and I talked about the weekend awhile. Denise wasn't home, but called back later.

She'd had a good time in San Diego, met all the World Team members, and partied with them. She's expecting a call from Mark when he gets to Germany.

I told her all about my flight, and she was excited for me.

Earlier in the day, I'd called Bright Star, talked to Eric, then to Bones for awhile, mostly about my flight.

Thursday, May 16, 1985 - 7:24 AM

Foggy and cool this morning. Last night I went to the meeting at Bill Vogel's apartment in Petaluma. Only a few of us showed up: Bill, Tom and Lin Denny, Jon James, Brian, Eric Beckman, Duane, and a couple of younger guys whose names I don't recall. I got lots of congratulations on my flight. Otherwise, we didn't accomplish much.

Jon brought some movies that we showed. Eric and I talked about our Regionals plans. If the Yosemite weekend doesn't happen, we may fly at Slide Mountain the weekend before.

Left at 9:45, came home, and went to bed.

Saturday, May 18, 1985 - 7:34 AM

A foggy Saturday morning, somewhat chilly. I'll be heading for Berkeley soon, and Cici's graduation ceremony.

Today's also the anniversary of my first flight off of Hull Mountain in 1979, and my first flight above the top in 1980 (as well as the day Mt. St. Helens blew its top).

Friday, May 24, 1985 - 7:12 AM

After work, I telephoned various people, and decided to leave for Hull Mountain this evening after work. Allan will go earlier today, and get a camping spot, we hope. Also talked to Ivan, who'll go up this evening, Bill Vogel likewise, and Jon, who'll come up tomorrow. Looking forward to a nice weekend.

Read, watched TV, and got my gear together last evening. Went to bed after 20/20. Slept pretty well.

Tuesday, May 28, 1985 - 7:40 AM

Home from a very nice three day weekend (Memorial Day) at Hull Mountain. Left after work on Friday evening, around 5:15. Got there to find Allan, who'd secured the campsite next to the one we normally use (which was already taken). That was good, as the campground was already quite crowded.

Soon Ivan arrived, as did Bill Vogel, and it was nice being there, even with the crowd, some of which were quite obnoxious.

On a walk to the main campground later, a nice couple arriving after dark, and having never having been there before, were trying to find a place to camp. They stopped to ask me if it was okay to just pull over and make camp.

I said, yes, but that there might be better places further up.

Anyway, on my way back, I found them in a crowded area, getting out their tent by headlight. Further up, I found a nice spot with fire pit, quite free of other campers, so I ran back to tell them. The woman followed me to it, while the man put the gear in the car. It was a much better spot, and they liked it, and appreciated my help, so I felt good about that.

On Saturday, we rode up on Ivan's and Mike Kunitani's vehicles. Fortunately, Mike had an extra driver. After we'd launched (by 1:30 or 2), we saw that Jon James arrived, also Larry, and Everett, and some others.

I launched from the Rockpile, cut across to the SW ridge, found some lift, and circled up over the top. Clouds were forming there, and we were flying up the sides of them, Ivan and I, for awhile, getting to 8700' max.

Went out Windy Gap, but couldn't find anything much. Eventually left the mountain high, and headed out to the lake, coming out with plenty of altitude, and flying over the crowded campgrounds before getting ready to land.

With the high lake level, there was only a small area in front of the camp, surrounded by swamp, so I decided to play it safe and land in the flat area closer to the road. But this turned out to be a bad decision, and I was disappointed with myself for avoiding a challenge and taking what seemed like the easier way.

As it was, the air was a lot smoother out front, and in the back area it was gusting from the SW and the NW and as I made my final, I seemed to be downwind, or crosswind, flared, ran, but nosed in hard, hurting my leg and hand, but no damage to the glider.

I vowed to not avoid the challenges I could handle in the future, would land in front on subsequent flights.

Later, after folding up our gliders, Allan and I rode with the dogs in the back of Ivan's truck to Sunset Campground, with Ivan and Bill for some swimming. Had good fun with Allan, climbing on the logs, trying to roll each other off.

Hank had arrived after everyone had gone up the hill, so it was good to see him again.

5:58 PM

Continuing... I forgot to mention that Allan and I went to the Saloon at Soda Creek on Friday night, to check out the action. Had a few beers and talked to the old owner, a woman involved with the new owners, and some others. But nothing much was happening there, so we came back to camp after 11, and went to bed. We'd thought of going back on Saturday night, but were too tired and wasted by then.

Also, earlier on Saturday, Everett had made the most entertaining landing, as he came in low over the swamp, actually skimmed the water with his harness, then popped up again to land on the island there.

There was loud music in a neighboring camp area for most of the night, which was annoying, had everyone thinking of revenge fantasies.

Sunday was clouding up early, so we headed up around 10:30, in my Trooper and Bill's Toyota truck. Charlie Warren had arrived, and had two pilot friends visiting him, who agreed to be drivers for us. Charlie looked a lot different, had shaved his beard, had short hair, a new wife and baby, and now works for Optical Coating in Santa Rosa.

So we headed up on a clear day with cumulus clouds forming. We set up on top, and I launched from the propane tank launch to the south, a good launch. Headed out the ridge, then circled up in lift over the ridge, soon climbing above launch, getting to over 8000'. Got to 8500' or so and headed out Windy gap, where I found light thermals.

Ivan came out with me, but headed back toward the top just before I found a big thermal, which took me on up to over 9000' and cloudbase.

Ivan had sunk out, took awhile to get back up again, so I was alone out there, heading further out Windy ridge, much higher than the people over the mountain.

Out at the end, I got another good thermal, this time up to 9300', so headed on across to Sanhedrin, where I arrived with 8300' at cloudbase. For some reason cloudbase was lower over there.

Spent awhile flying among the "visible thermals" of forming clouds, at times getting surrounded by clouds. Eventually, Ivan came over, but lower, and as I met him, I lost the lift, and we both flew around looking for some, but sinking out, so headed out towards the lake.

Ivan found some lift, got above me, and I couldn't seem to find any. Also, Jon and Larry passed above me, not far away.

Headed on across to the lower knoll, but didn't find lift, so headed on out towards the LZ. Came over with extra altitude, determined to land in the small zone in front.

Made my downwind leg but almost went too far, sunk out fast, thought I might not clear the swamp, but barely did, pushing out just past it and landing on my harness, but didn't drop the nose. So felt okay about it, and about the flight.

9:28 PM

Now, continuing with the weekend, after Sunday's flight, we went swimming again, briefly, which was refreshing, then came back and cooked dinner. Another involuntary concert was thrust upon us by our neighbors, but we were used to it by then. Finally went to bed.

On Monday morning it was cloudy. On Sunday, the huge overdevelopment had eventually overshadowed the whole mountain, and now on Monday morning, it started with the mountain top covered by clouds. But by 10 the top was showing occasionally, so I got us organized to go up, in the Trooper, and Ivan's truck. And Mike arrived shortly as well, with his big old Land Cruiser. Charlie's friends drove for us again.

On the way up, my rear rack came loose and was damaged, and on top, I found that the other one had broken a bolt. So I took it off.

Also I found that on the previous day, my magnetic mount antenna, which I'd left hanging beside the Trooper as we'd unloaded gliders, had been lost, as Mark hadn't noticed it when he drove down. Not his fault, but my own carelessness. So I experienced some equipment problems.

On top, we could see out from under the cloud cover most of the time. We set up at the Rockpile, and I set up quickly, as getting a chance to launch wasn't a certainty. I was ready first, so I became the wind dummy.

Had a good launch, and flew out under the cloud, making passes in front, and eventually getting over the top, playing in the clouds.

But soon it became crowded, so most of us flew out in front of the clouds, more of which were forming over Red Spot. Never got very high, but had fun. Flew with Allan awhile near the top.

Finally headed out high, arriving over the lower ridge above Ivan and Jon thermaling there, and both of them got to my level and higher. But eventually, Ivan headed out and landed, while Jon flew across the valley, after we flew down the ridge together.

I watched them both land, barely making it across the swamp, then I went over the campground, made a downwind leg and set up my landing. This time I thought I'd cut myself short again, but made it over, flared nicely, and landed on my feet, a perfect landing, which left me feeling very good.

Mike didn't make the LZ, nor did Allan, and Kelly chose to land in the back field also.

Eventually, I got loaded up, and said my goodbyes. Stopped for a refreshing dip in the Eel River on my way out. Then on towards home, cruising along nicely 'til just past Hopland, where it became stop and go slow traffic, all the way to Cloverdale.

Was behind Ivan, and at the passing zone, I pulled over beside him, after a trend was starting for people to pass the line of stopped cars on the right. Kept anyone else from doing this, which may have annoyed some of the inconsiderate renegades, but kept them from butting in ahead.

Finally got home, relaxed and went to bed.

Wednesday, May 29, 1985 - 7:21 AM

It's sunny this morning after yesterday's clouds and near rain. My thoughts these days are on the Regionals, coming in a week and a half.

Thursday, May 30, 1985 - 7:26 AM

Sunny again today. Last evening I shopped for things to repair my rack and install my new antenna. Then I went and did my laundry. Got home and worked on those projects 'til I got stalled. I need a new drill bit for the 5/16 bolts I got for the rack, and I need to finish the antenna installation too.

Denise called me earlier. They'd had a good time at Indian Valley, though it had been windy, and a bunch from Sacramento were also there. And she'd heard from Mark, who's been doing well in the competition.

Friday, May 31, 1985 - 7:27 AM

Cloudy again as another disturbance comes through. Hope it clears by tomorrow.

After work yesterday, I went shopping (got a drill bit at Handyman), then came home to finish my equipment repair projects. Redrilled the holes in my racks to 5/16, and put the heavier bolts in. Now they should be strong enough. Then I finished installing the new antenna on the Trooper. So I'm ready to go again.

Called Anne last evening. They'd had a nice time at Indian Valley, but hadn't flown every day. I told her about Hull. They'll probably be there this weekend, unless the winds look bad.

Saturday, June 1, 1985 - 7:38 AM

Up and getting ready to go to Hull Mountain. Ivan called last evening, and he and Patti were going to head up there then. The weather is a little iffy, with a disturbance passing through and some clouds, with windy conditions predicted, which might make Elk more promising. Wasn't able to reach Allan yesterday, but we'd talked on Thursday, planning tentatively to go to Hull.

Last evening I went to Handyman, where I bought that fold-up picnic table and an umbrella that goes with it. Another piece of gear for my camping lifestyle.

Here's Allan.

Sunday, June 2, 1985 - 5:23 PM

Allan arrived as I was writing on Saturday morning, and we headed north on an increasingly cloudy day.

We decided that Hull Mountain was probably in the clouds, so we'd check out Elk. In Upper Lake, we saw Stretch and Anne's van, so stopped and went in the restaurant to join them.

Monday, June 3, 1985 - 7:29 AM

A sunny morning, but chilly. Beginning the last week before the Regionals.

Back to the weekend... At Elk, we loaded up our gliders on Rich's truck, and headed up the mountain, setting up at the NW launch.

I launched after Stretch, Anne, and Rich, and soon got up in small thermals blowing back to the SE. Cloudbase was at about 5500', and when I got there, I headed to Horse Mountain, where Rich was, and found a small thermal there, enough to stay over for awhile.

Stretch came over too, but passed the lift and was sinking out, but he and Rich got up over the ridge. Soon Stretch headed back, and Rich headed further west on Horse. I stayed over the point, barely maintaining.

Anne had headed SE to Pitney, and Stretch was heading over there too. So I tried to get up high enough for a flight back to Elk, but instead I got flushed, and had to leave Horse with only 4200', and arrived at Elk far down the lower west ridges, where I scratched as best I could, only maintaining at 3300'.

Went over to the next ridges to the south by the rocks, still barely maintaining. Saw a bald eagle sitting on a rock below. He took off and headed west. I followed a little ways, eventually worked my way back to the west ridge, where I scratched some more, and finally began to climb back up the mountain in a thermal that gradually became stronger, and which eventually took me up over the north bowl almost to cloudbase again.

Allan was below, working to get up, so I told him I was heading for Pitney where Stretch was, and did. Got there with around 3500', and headed up the ridge, finding a thermal, which took me up to 4800' or so, then I headed on up the ridge towards Stretch, who'd gotten to cloudbase, and was heading across to Mid Mountain. I climbed to 5300' or so, before I lost the lift, so headed on across myself.

Cleared Mid Mountain with a few hundred feet at about 4000'. Got a little lift over the peak, so circled in it. Thought I'd get up with Stretch, but lost the lift, and couldn't find much more, so headed SW towards Bachelor Valley.

Thought I'd have to land at the base, but came out with enough altitude to head on over toward Rich's house, which I did, making the far end of the field, then turning back over the trees to land, an okay landing, ran it out, didn't drop the nose.

Soon Stretch landed there also, and finally Rich appeared, and also landed there. Anne had gone back to the Elk LZ, and soon she appeared with their van, and Allan appeared with the Trooper. A good flight for a marginal day. Also my best save at Elk, getting back up after being so low.

We all went up to Rich's house to relax and have a hot tub, which was nice. Also watched Breaking Away on TV, a great movie.

Stayed there overnight, in the partially completed "condo" attached to the barn. Allan woke me a few times with his middle of the night panic attacks, but I got a good rest.

Anne checks out my new picnic table next to Rich's condo as Allan and I have breakfast

Sunday clouded up pretty fast also, so we got loaded up and headed to Elk soon after breakfast around 9:45, were up on top before 11.

More later.

Tuesday, June 4, 1985 - 7:36 AM

Running a little late today.

On Sunday, we headed up Elk early in Rich's truck, set up on the south face, as it was dead. Stretch launched first, and got up to cloudbase.

I launched after Anne, who was getting up over the point. I headed over there, made some passes in light lift, but somehow blew it, and found myself slipping inexorably down the mountain. No miraculous saves that day, and I was on the ground at 12:03.

Rich and Allan had to carry their gliders down to the NW launch and wait, but Rich eventually got up, and Allan eventually got flushed. Stretch landed near Rich's house. Rich and Anne made it to somewhere near Lakeport, I heard.

I drove Stretch and Anne's van to Rich's, and Allan drove the Trooper. Eventually Allan and I left for home before they got back.

Yesterday was productive at work, as I have three projects I have to finish before going to the Regionals.

End of Volume 35