Crestline Soaring Society

Sunday 1/17/10. I got a ride from Rod and Gwen to Crestline in their new van which they call the “Space Shuttle.” It’s a very nice VW. I launched at 1:00 in 20 mph wind and went straight up which is what everybody said happened Saturday too. Good lift everywhere and cold enough to cause the hands to smart from time to time. I saw as low as 42 degrees, pretty cold for a sissy like me. Never got above 5600 but with the lift it was enough to got Pine and back easily.

It became more and more overcast and around 2:00 I flew out to Marshall. Lots of PGs and a few HGs boated around in semi buoyant air with light thermals making it possible to stay up without much effort. Wayne landed his PG on the new Emery Launch, I was wondering who would be the first to do that. Then it started to feel like it might rain so I landed about 3:00 and just as I was finishing folding my wing it began to sprinkle. I got the bag on it about a minute later.

Rod and Gwen are raising their sons to be scholars and model citizens. They are at the age where they ask questions followed by an inquisitive “Why?” to every answer. On the road Gwen mentioned that it might rain and that was good. “Why?” Because it helps the flowers grow. “Why?” Because they need water to grow. “Why?” Unless it snows, then the flowers will wait awhile. “Why?” Because its too cold. “Why?” We arrived at launch before she had gotten all the way down to molecular biology. I was impressed by her indefatigable teaching and cheerful interaction.

After Rod helped Gwen launch he told the boys they would hang around a little while. “Why?” To help the other pilots launch. “Why?” Because pilots help each other.

Thanks Rod and Gwen for being tireless and caring parents. The future is in good hands.

Mike Z