March 6 at Seminole – A Nugget’s View of the Seniors

Well, I said in my first blog, I came to learn.  Today was an experience.  I have heard it said, “experience is the best teacher”.  The problem with that view is that “experience” gives the test first.  Today’s lesson dealt with winds; may I say high winds?

Windy!

I launched without a hitch and as per my brief, got off at 2000 feet.  Since I could not connect with a thermal, I was back in 16 min and faced with some serious X winds.  I made a successful landing and according to one observer, it was a good one.  He said to me, “Speed is life on high wind days and you had some.   Still it was a handful.  I learned later the 2000’ release rule applied only to contest days.  A higher release would have given me more search time, and maybe I could have found a thermal.  Frank, TA, on the other hand, did connect with a 9kt thermal and spent the rest of the day flying streets.  I decided not to go again and instead, learned something about my neighbors.

DK, Don Kroesch was working on his Genesis II, installing a new tire.  Insert pic “getting ready” As he explained it, “some moron messed up the valve stem.”  It took him most of the morning but he flew in the afternoon.  Still, he took time to show me his ClearNav and told me how much he liked it.  In fact there are at least 3 gliders within 2 wingspans of mine with one installed.  They all talked so well of it, that I want one.

I want one

We accumulated a few more gliders today and more to come over the rest of the week.   Most of the gliders here now are locals but 60 contestants are coming, so I expect to have more neighbors on the east side of the runway.

More to come

I have found every one very helpful to others.  Ron Ridenour, CGC, came over to help me disassemble, BZ.  With BZ in the box, I left for the day and began this blog.  In fact, as I started writing this, I got the word that Frank and George Green (5) were out on a retrieve, gathering up Wilfried Krueger (K2) flying an ASH-26e.  With the exception of one grouch, every one here has been very nice.

Another thing that I have enjoyed is checking out the other gliders.  Two self-launching versions, a DG808 and an ASH29, are on my street.  The DuoDiscus has the most beautiful wing in my humble opinion.

John
BZ