Volume 29

Another new journal volume, this one blue, appropriately enough for my prevailing mood these days. I just finished writing my current thoughts in the last volume, will do my traditional general discourse on the state of my life to begin this volume.

Of course, the main thing that's been happening with me these past three or four weeks has been the unexpected and sudden loss of Meredith's love and relationship with me.

My intention all along was to let go as easily as possible, hopefully retaining a friendship, and I may have been successful in this, with a few desperate lapses of trying to lure her back.

But since then I've been feeling quite insecure even about this, find myself thinking of her all the time, fantasizing about winning her back, and longing for her lost love.

But I realize there's nothing to be done but to use my time productively, reading and thinking, learning from the experience, about myself and my unconscious fellow partners, which I have also been doing. The book, Relating, by Liz Greene, has been especially helpful, in giving greater understanding of Meredith and of myself.

Behind this foreground situation, everything else pales, even hang gliding, which has been at the center for so long.

I should comment on what a good friend Mary has been through all of this, letting me cry on her shoulder, calling me frequently to console and cheer, and I appreciate her friendship so much. She's a jewel of a person, very compassionate and wise in her own way.

Hang gliding is in the background now, especially with the rotten weather we're having. But I'm sure as Spring comes, this will move back to center stage.

I should talk about the changes in my life that Meredith has inspired. For one thing, I've cut out TV almost totally, and find that I have much more time for other things, mostly reading in the evenings. And I've been running, with serious purpose, keeping myself in good shape, a peak for many years. I ran 6 miles my last time out, up from five and regular four mile runs, and I intend to keep this up and stay in good shape.

My eating has been light, and I've been sticking to nourishing things, and I've cut down my coffee drinking at work to one cup per day, taking oranges or orange juice in for coffee break time. Now if I just had Meredith to share my time with, I'd be very happy, and she could be happy with me too. But such is the tragic nature of life.

More later.

Saturday, January 29, 1983 - 8:25 AM

Up early, feeling energetic, with a bunch of projects I want to work on.

Later I came home and went running. Ran ten miles, to and from the J.C., plus 36 laps, in one hour and 23 minutes! Just kept going. Came home feeling good, took a hot bath.

Friday, February 4, 1983 - 7:30 AM

Today's partly cloudy. A nice weekend is possible. Feel a bit more stable today.

5:52 PM

Came home after work. Went running. Did 21 laps or 6 miles again in 49 minutes, giving me a grand total of 27 miles for the week. Not a bad record, one which will be hard to exceed.

Saturday, February 5, 1983 - 8:40 AM

Sharol called last night about going to Elk today, but it was raining this morning, so I decided to pass, as did they, though James said he was going to go anyway. Hank was evidently coming up to go with Jon, but I don't know if that happened.

Tuesday, February 8, 1983 - 7:40 AM

Last night I went to the Sonoma Wings meeting at Ivan and Patti's house. There was quite a turnout for a rainy Monday night, including: Stretch, Anne, Roy, Joe, Sharol, Bones, Jon, Mike Mahoney, Dick Swenson, Gordon Stitt, Eric and Denise, Wayne and Bonnie, Steve Hawks, Ernie, Duane, Tom, and quite a few others.

Jon brought movies from New York (he has a camera now), as did Roy, and Joe. I signed up for a parachute clinic on the 5th of March in San Jose that Don Piercy is sponsoring, along with Bones, Sharol, Ivan and others.

My spirits were okay at the meeting, and I left at ten, came home to watch the last hour of The Winds of War, then went to bed.

Sunday, February 13, 1983 - 9 AM

Now I'll call in about going back in to work again. It's turning into a beautiful day out, more and more blue sky.

7:48 PM

Went to work this morning a little after ten, left around 12:40.

It had become a nice sunny day with NW winds, so I tried to call a few people about going to Goat Rock. But no one was home, so I loaded up my Comet and gear, and headed out there by myself.

When I got there, I found Mel, almost ready to launch, and Bones and Sharol, John Blacet, and Duane all set up. Later came Dave Thor and Rick Innocenti, with his girlfriend Helen. I took movies of Mel, who soared first for awhile, then others. Also set up my glider.

A pretty lady in a yellow Toyota pickup, with a man though, kept giving me friendly looks, and I returned them, but nothing ever came of it.

There were lots of people out there on a sunny day, lots of spectators. The whole parking lot was full. It was blowing 12 to 15 knots. Mel got flushed by a lull after 15 minutes or so. But others flew and got up after that.

And I was ready to launch around three after Duane. He soared about ten minutes, and Bones wanted me to wait, as it was his first soaring flight.

I did for awhile, but eventually felt it was big enough for two gliders. So I launched, turned right, and got up, but turned back before getting to him, then made another turn at the point. I sort of forgot where he was, and as I headed north on the ridge, I saw him coming directly towards me. I started turning to the right, but he veered left toward me.

We were at the same level on a collision course, so I pulled in hard and dove below him, missing him by ten feet or so, to everyone's relief. I had the right of way, but should have kept a closer eye on him.

After that, I continued enjoying my flight, staying 20 to 50 feet over most of the time. Duane soon headed out, and I did also when Sharol was set to launch and I could only get 20 feet or so above the cliff.

There was no beach down to the end of the parking lot, from the recent storms, so I landed, as did everyone else, down past the end. Made a fine landing, was happy with my flight, and happy at avoiding a potentially fatal collision. I'd had about a 15 to 20 minute flight, and it felt nice to get some airtime.

Duane was very apologetic when I landed, felt he'd frozen, should have gone to the right, knew it afterwards, and was glad I'd reacted quickly and dove beneath him.

Headed on home after good-byes, and went shopping at Safeway.

Tuesday, February 15, 1983 - 7:35 AM

Felt pretty good and energetic yesterday, though a bit tired at work. It was nice out, so I rode my bike to work.

Ran five miles. My left lower leg was a bit sore afterwards. Took a bath then went to Safeway.

At home last evening, I did club business, called Hank about the Newsletter money I owe him (as treasurer). He was in better spirits, had a good flight at Elk on Sunday, got 1500 feet over, and stayed up over an hour. I told him about Goat Rock and about my near collision.

4:42 PM

Went to bed around midnight last night, and slept pretty well again, though awakening around six. Felt okay most of today.

Rode my bike this morning, but it had clouded over by noon, so I drove back in this afternoon, and it soon started raining as another storm comes in.

Talked to Jon James by phone, about flying, and about the Goat Rock use permit problems about the landing area. He'll work on modifying it.

Wednesday, February 16, 1983 - 10:05 AM

I forgot to record a tragic scenario I witnessed in the backyard a few days ago. Two butterflies, large and pretty, were fluttering around, one in hot pursuit of the other, about two or three feet behind it, about two to six feet off the ground. Two cats were watching intently, and making jumps at them when they came past, but usually missing. It was a mating dance and the butterflies were oblivious to the danger.

Finally, one was struck down by a cat. I ran out to try and save it, but it was too late. Then the other butterfly fluttered around bewilderedly, trying to find its lost mate. A sad scene. Nature so cruel sometimes. Like with Meredith and me. Apollo's trick taking her away from me.

10:05 PM

Feeling fairly mellow tonight.

Jon stopped by after work, to bring me my signoffs for FSL (flat slope launch), AWCL (advanced windy cliff launch), RLF (restricted landing field), and XC (cross country). It was the first time he'd been here. We also talked about Goat Rock. It's looking like it might be a decent three-day weekend. We'll see. That would be nice.

Friday, February 18, 1983 - 7:37 AM

Another windy storm came through last night, but it has stopped raining by now, or almost, anyway, still big dark clouds above, with gusty winds.

Saturday, February 19, 1983 - 7:45 AM

Up and ready to go to Usal today, and the sun is shining in a clear sky. Mel's going to take my glider, and I'm going to ride with Mary, who's going up for the day for a tandem flight. Mel and Lynne are also planning to go tandem.

Talked to a lot of people last night, including Anne and Stretch, Sharol, Ivan, Mike, Ernie, Mel, Hank, and Mary, and got excited by the prospects of a good flying weekend.

Stretch first suggested Usal, but just called and told me they're going to Elk instead. Hope the winds are strong enough for Usal, as it seems pretty still out now.

Sunday, February 20, 1983 - 2:24 PM

Got home from Usal a little while ago. We were disappointed as far as the flying went, but had a nice time anyway.

Got off by 8:30 yesterday morning, after loading up Mary's Mazda with our gear, then Mel's van with my glider, and heading on up. A nice drive on a pretty day, being glad for Mary's nice company. We stopped at O'Hara's at Leggett for coffee, and a cheeseburger for Mary. Then on to Usal.

It was not soarable, but blowing up from the ocean about five. We arrived first, so headed on down to check out the beach. Couldn't get down to it in the car, as the creek was high, but walked on out. Eventually we headed back up to launch to find Mel and Lynne, and Bones and Sharol, with Tri and the puppies.

We waited for it to get soarable, but it never did, and after three it started getting even lighter. Mel set up his Raven for a tandem cruiser, and I decided to set up too.

Lynne was scared, and Mel a little uptight, so I decided to go first. Mary and I had decided not to go tandem, as it was a small landing area, and no wind there.

So I launched about 4 PM, found more lift than I expected from the SW bluff, but not enough to stay up. Headed on out, passed through one area of light lift, turned back, then on out over the campers at the north end of the beach, then back over the bushes to set up my landing.

Made a good setup over the bushes, turned into the slot low, dove over a big log, then up, slowing, trying to get to the downtubes, but couldn't flare hard enough, and landed on my belly, an okay landing though, nothing bent.

Then Mary and Sharol drove down, and I filmed Mel and Lynne as they came flying out and made their landing. They were both jazzed about their first tandem flight.

Back at camp, we set up the tent, got a fire going, and cooked our steak for dinner. We stayed up talking 'til after nine, then headed to bed.

I was glad for Mary's company, and we both slept pretty well, until a gopher began scratching under our tent around 7:30 AM.

We got home around 1:30 in the afternoon, both agreeing that it had been a pleasant time. She liked the place, will go back again when a soaring flight is more promising.

Friday, March 4, 1983 - 12:25 Noon

Today's sunny with large cumi clouds, but bright and nice, though more rain is expected tonight and tomorrow.

Sunday, March 6, 1983 - 8:11 AM

A sunny day so far. I'm waiting for Mel, with whom I'll ride up to Elk Mountain.

7:54 PM

Went to Elk Mountain today with Mel and Lynne. Left about 9 AM under sunny skies. But the further north we got, the cloudier it got, and as we approached Elk, a frontal system was crossing Mid-mountain covering the blue sky.

Gliders were up soaring at the top in a SW wind, including Stretch, Roy, Rich, James, and others. We got to the top after it had clouded over, and it was very cold, 40 or less, so we decided not to bother even setting up, but headed on home, getting here by about four.

Tuesday, March 15, 1983 - 7:30 AM

Yesterday was a sunny day, with big cumi's coming through, and one big downpour with some hail.

A bunch of people went to Goat Rock including Bones, Stretch, and Roy, and had good flights.

On Sunday Eric and Denise, and others, had good flights there too. I'd been so convinced by the weather report predicting rain on Sunday that I didn't bother even considering it.

Mel called last night and suggested I get the afternoon off and go out there today. It's clear and bright so far, so I may do it.

We had our Sonoma Wings meeting last evening at Ernie's house. It was dull and dragged out way too long. Mike, like Jon and me before him, just doesn't know how to move things along. It was agonizing. Jon had a movie, plus my two, and Gordon had one. But I was too busy signing up new members and collecting dues to see much of his.

I think Sharol left in a huff. She'd made a motion about making Jon Minnick a "life member" for his early contributions to the club. It was talked about to death. She tried to retract it. Anyway, she left without saying anything, but left her membership card (which I'd given her earlier).

Wednesday, March 16, 1983 - 7:04 AM

Yesterday, things were slow at work again, and Mel had suggested we go to Goat Rock, so I got permission from Paul before he left on a trip for the day. It was a sunny clear day, but the wind and cumi's had subsided.

We were ambivalent, but decided to chance it anyway around 1:30, so I picked up Mel and we went. In spite of a good wind in Duncans Mill, it was blowing only about 8 knots at Goat Rock.

I decided to set up, if only for a cruiser to the beach, which is what I had, down to the end of the parking lot. Fortunately, the tide was low. Mel didn't fly, nor did Doug Groenhut, who was there also.

Saturday, March 19, 1983 - 7:18 AM

A sunny morning with clear sky. I'm up and will be heading for Elk Mountain soon.

Now I think I'll call some people about flying plans. Talked to Anne yesterday. They're headed up early with James. Mel's going to Usal.

Sunday, March 20, 1983 - 9:50 AM

Had a wonderful flight yesterday at Elk Mountain, three hours and twelve minutes, was up longest and last, and perhaps highest at 7200', like old times, a good tonic for my spirit.

Called Jon yesterday morning, but they were moving to Sebastopol that day. Bones and Sharol went to Dunlap, Hank had already left.

So I headed up alone, and was content to be alone with my thoughts.

Stopped and talked to Stretch, Anne, and James outside of Cloverdale. James was having a slight problem with his car.

Stopped at a restaurant in Upper Lake for coffee. Was joined there by Rich Sauer and Eric, so stayed while they had breakfast, then we went to the mountain.

Rode up with Rich, along with Ivan, Hank, and Gordon, who'd arrived together in Ivan's truck, and Craig and Erin, with Lori for a driver. Everyone else had already gone up.

On top, people were getting 1000' or so over, and there were a bunch of gliders up, and more setting up on the south launch. I was ready to launch at 1 PM, after Gordon.

It was coming up lighter, and there had been some flush cycles, so I waited for a thermal.

Had a good launch, made some passes in front, getting 100' over or so, before heading for the point, where people seemed to be in a thermal. Got in it too, over the gully beyond the point, where there's a big rock formation.

Circled on up with the others, and was soon comfortably high at about 4800' to 5300'. The thermals were blowing back to the NE, and we spent much time back there.

Was high most of the day, with Rich, and some other Comets I didn't recognize, also James, and Anne for awhile. Later I got to 6600' in a good thermal, and by this time (after a couple of hours) was all alone, high above the remaining gliders still up.

Mel arrived, and eventually launched, spent a long time scratching low, and I was near him for a few minutes, but I kept going, got real high while he left, stayed low.

Finally, around 3:30, there were just three other gliders far below, heading out. A thick cloud layer was moving across the valley from the west, darkening it. I stayed high, back to the NE, where it was still sunny. Wanted to make a three hour flight.

Was heading back to the top from behind in sink, when I caught another thermal over the point, stayed with this one up to 7200', my highest of the day, even with cloudbase, was way back near Horse Mountain, looking down on Lake Pillsbury, feeling I could make it to the Hull landing area if I wanted to, as that was the wind direction.

I finally headed out to the creekbed from there, came over the Elk landing area with 5100', kept going over Mid-mountain, looking down into Potter Valley, but finally turned around to come back and land.

Practiced some flares at altitude. Did some wingovers. Then made my setup for a no-wind landing, heading south. Made 180s over the campground, but should have made a downwind approach, as Stretch and Anne did later. Came in a bit high, dove, got too much speed, kept going way past the spot, flared, but didn't stop and nosed in, but nothing bent.

I was very tired, could hardly carry my glider back. Knew I'd be very sore today, and I am.

We all went to the pizza place for dinner, about 15 of us. Then headed back to Santa Rosa, with Hank riding with me, so we could talk, mostly about Meredith. He didn't have much in the way of insights about the situation, so I did most of the talking, perhaps was less than discreet, but he said it would go no further.

He also related an incident where at one point Meredith had told him that our relationship was a possible lasting one, but later, after the breakup, she had forgotten this, seemed to be a different person, which is what I've felt also.

Anyway, it was nice to talk some of that stuff out to a friend, but he kept cautioning me against trying to get her to see any of my insights, as he feels she's not at all psychologically inclined. I recognize the caution, but must try in my own way anyway.

Got home, took a bath, went to bed.

Saturday, March 26, 1983 - 9:06 AM

A grey morning, fog for now in Santa Rosa, but a rain storm predicted for this afternoon. So I'd given up any hang gliding plans. Mel said last evening that there was snow on Elk Mountain and Pitney Ridge anyway. He'd gone up there to look at some land, a disappointment.

I took off at 1:30 PM yesterday to go out to Goat Rock, as it was a sunny day with NW winds. Got out there to find it blowing 40 to 50 however.

Sunday, March 27, 1983 - 10:20 AM

Ivan just called, wants to go out to Goat Rock. I called the Coast Guard, and it looks okay, NW 10, 10-20 expected.

6:18 PM

Got home a little while ago from a very nice day at Goat Rock. Had a nice drive out with Ivan. We had a good talk about ourselves. My spirits were lifted just heading out there.

At Goat Rock, we found it eminently soarable, with Bones by himself, soaring high above. We soon launched Duane, then started setting up, with lots of spectators. Launched Ivan at 12:30.

I'd been waiting for Mary to show up, as she said she might, but she didn't, so I launched at 12:40.

We all soared the bowl for a long time, with Bones above everyone on a Duck 160, then me, then Duane, then Ivan, lowest on his small Harrier. I went out over Goat Rock a number of times, but no one else did.

Then Gordon and Eric launched from the South parking lot, and Gordon was able to make it upwind to our end, so after awhile I headed down to the south end also, where it's more fun to fly.

There I could soar the peaked hill and get to 5 and 600 feet, later over 700 feet, whereas at the north end, my maximum altitude was about 350 feet. Made it back at least four times, once with 500 feet after leaving with 740 feet.

Ivan eventually came down too, but he couldn't make it back, had to land on the beach.

I stayed up over three hours, finally made a good landing on the beach. Felt very good after a fine day.

Folded up my glider with Gordon. Soon Ivan came with the truck, and we had beer and peanuts. So a nice day, and more good relating on the way home with Ivan too, but less personal, more about the truck, tires, hang gliding, etc.

Thursday, March 31, 1983 - 7:05 PM

Today was nice and sunny with NW winds, so I took off and went to Goat Rock with Mel this afternoon, leaving at 12:40.

It was soarable, blowing over 20, but very northy. Roy was at the south end when we arrived, but he couldn't make it back to the north end, though Stretch said he had earlier.

James, Bones, and Steve Hawks were setting up. Art Philbrook was up in his new Duck with Stretch and others.

So we set up too, and I launched last, at three, with four or five other gliders up soaring the bowl, but pretty high, so there was no problem with crowding. Went out to the rock a couple of times and just flew around, until the wind got stronger, 30+, and it became hard to penetrate.

Mel headed out, had a hard time, so as it picked up more, I decided it would be a good idea to land before not being able to. So I pulled in the bar and headed out, as did Bones and Art. It was hard getting down on the beach because it was blowing so strong, but I landed okay, for a half hour flight.

Talked with Stretch, James, Art, and Roy as I folded up my glider. Then went up to get Mel's truck, and talked with Mel, Steve, and Bones at the grassy breakdown area before heading home. It was a pretty nice afternoon, though not as nice as Sunday.

Friday, April 1, 1983 - 9:58 PM

I'm tired, ready to go to bed. Heading for Usal in the morning. Mel and Lynne, as well as Hank, will go too. Mary may come too, but doubtful.

Saturday, April 2, 1983 - 7:02 AM

Looks like a nice day. The tail of the front has passed through, and we're going to Usal. Just hope the wind is strong enough. Mary decided to go, and Hank also. Called Ivan but talked to Patti. He's been sick, and was asleep.

9:55 PM

Ready to go to bed after a long wild goose chase of a day to Usal and back. Mary, Hank, and I rode up there together, on a promising day with strong NW winds, arrived to find Mel and Lynne on the road in. They told us they couldn't get in. The road was too muddy.

So we drove up to see if the Scout could get through. We built a rough bridge of logs over the first bad mudhole, but after exploring further came to a worse one that I didn't even dare attempt with the Scout.

It was a 30 to 40 foot mudhole, churned up by previous 4WD trucks, so we couldn't even get to launch, much less the landing area, and it was beautifully soarable too.

So we headed down the coast looking for other possibilities, eventually getting to the little park at Alder Creek, north of Point Arena by 5:30, but it was blowing about 35 by then, and the beach below was littered with logs, not a good place to land even if it were flyable.

We headed on home to Santa Rosa, having to take a windy detour around the part of Route 1 that's closed from a recent slide.

Finally got home around eight. I cooked up our steak and some green beans for Mary, Hank, and me, then Mary headed home and we've been relaxing quietly after unloading the Scout.

We're planning to go to Goat Rock tomorrow morning.

Sunday, April 3, 1983 - 6:54 AM

It's a sunny morning, clear sky. Hank stayed overnight on the couch. We have plans to go to Goat Rock. Mary wants to go to do tandem, but I'm having second thoughts about the propriety of doing that there.

Monday, April 4, 1983 - 6:55 AM

Yesterday it got quite windy very early, so I made the assumption that it would probably be blown out at Goat Rock. Hank, after some breakfast, headed over to visit Jon James.

Today's sunny and clear, also chilly from the North winds.

Tuesday, April 5, 1983 - 6:22 AM

Yesterday was quite windy. Last night Mike Mahoney called, said it had been blown out on Sunday, as I expected, blowing about 50, he said.

7:36 AM

Today I took my Scout in for a brake job. Needed a new brake drum, as the front pads were down to the metal. Cost me $158 altogether, but now it's in good shape again. I'll keep a close eye on them this time.

Sunday, April 10, 1983 - 4:52 PM

Today's been a nice sunny day, though windy, would have been good to go to Elk. But instead, after breakfast I called the Coast Guard, and they said 10 to 20 knot NW forecast winds, so Mel, Lynne, and I went out there around eleven. But it was blown out. Only Jon James had flown, having gotten there by 9:30 AM.

So we went to see Jon's new country home outside of Sebastopol, a big old house with four bedrooms, lots of land and a big orchard behind for walking in. He gave us the tour, then we drank beer in the backyard for awhile, and took a walk back through the orchard, before leaving around two.

Thursday, April 14, 1983 - 5:30 PM

Today's been a nice sunny day. Mel's been using my backyard to work on his Fledgling, which I'd given him permission to do, and he was here when I got home for lunch.

Friday, April 15, 1983 - 5:43 PM

A nice sunny day. Mel was over again working on his Fledge at lunchtime.

We may get some rain Saturday night. Too bad, because I'm planning on camping at Elk. Stretch will be getting the hot tub and we'll have our meeting there Saturday evening.

Tonight is Bright Star's open house at Bones' new shop.

Saturday, April 16, 1983 - 7:06 AM

Getting up to go to Elk today. James, and possibly Jon, will be coming over to ride up with me around eight. The sun's out, but there are some high cirrus clouds. It may rain by tomorrow, they say. But we're having our "meeting" up there, and Stretch got the hot tub.

Last night I had a pretty nice time at Bones and Sharol's new shop, which is very nice. I shouldn't have eaten dinner, as there was plenty to eat there, and beer and wine to drink. I drank quite a few glasses of Anchor Steam Beer.

Dick Boone and Denny Pimental were there with some ProStar2 gliders, also Jon Minnick with his wife of ten years ago, with whom he may be getting back together. Also Don Krell and his wife were there. And Hank, Jon, James, Art, his son Jim, and Jim's pretty wife, Linda, Steve Hawks, Brian, John Blacet, Rick Innocenti and Helen, Curt, Duane, Dick Fugett, Don and Marty, Ernie, Mel, Rick Kannisto, Tom Denny, Lyn, and others were there.

I ate and drank too much, but had a good time. Came home around eleven, after watching a good film on the Owens Valley flying. Now to get ready to go.

Sunday, April 17, 1983 - 4:15 PM

Got home from Elk a few minutes ago after a very nice weekend, a good time.

Jon called, decided not to go, had a hangover, but James came and we got off at eight, had a nice drive up. James told me of some of his inventions, for which he's trying to get a patent and hopes to produce and get rich. He's tired of doing construction work. I told him some of my plans too.

There were lots of people at Elk, a whole bunch from Chandelle. Stretch was landing as we were about to head up. He said it was rowdy. Mike Mahoney came up to drive for us.

On top it was blowing hard, 20 to 30 from the SE, and Anne and Roy were folding up their gliders. None of the Chandelle people were setting up either.

I didn't think it looked all that bad, so I set up, and Anne decided to set up again. But when we were ready, the wind picked up to 30 and she folded up again. But a few people were flying and not doing badly, so I decided to go for it.

Launched at 1 PM and soared the top for awhile. A few others launched and some were thermalling out over the NW valley. After an hour or so, I headed out there too, caught a good one to 5800' with Rich and me sharing it.

Then I left and headed towards the landing area as we were getting blown far up the valley to the North. But Rich kept going downwind and ended up flying to Redwood Valley.

I headed upwind with the bar stuffed but still gaining altitude, passed over the landing area at 6300', then headed on upwind over Pitney getting as high as 7200', and over the peak at 6600'. Kept going to Young's Peak, then started losing altitude fast. Decided not to land out there but to head back downwind to the campground, getting there with 4300'.

Spiraled down and did some wingovers, but then found another thermal, which took me back up to 4800' again, so I left and headed back up Elk Mountain, making a pass over the top. Then I headed out again, and over the landing area I found another thermal, so I flew back to the top of Elk again.

Everyone else had long since landed, even by the time I got back from Pitney. So I came out over the campground once more. This time I got a thermal from 3000' to 4800' and headed up Pitney, gaining altitude all the way, reaching the top with 5800', then headed straight for the top of Elk again, made a pass across the ridge, then out to the landing area again. This time I found only light thermals, went part way back up Pitney, and finally came on down and landed after three hours and eleven minutes.

My landing wasn't good, as I dropped out the last 50 feet in a severe gradient, just barely pulled out, skidded in on a base tube, pushed out, but nothing was bent or broken.

In the meantime a few truckloads of gliders had headed back up. I folded up my Comet, then got in the hot tub with Anne, Patti, Rick Kannisto, and another guy. Was pretty tired.

Had dinner at Stretch and Anne's campfire with them. Rick Kannisto talked about his job as a fireman, which he loves. He works 2 24 hour shifts per week, has lots of free time.

I was tired, went to bed around nine. Slept pretty well, got up around 6:30.

More later, going to take a bath.

8 PM

Continuing...

Today was more overcast so people went up the hill earlier. James and I rode up with Dick Cassetta around ten. It was colder on top. I helped a few people launch, then set up.

Launched at 11:22, immediately going up a few hundred feet over the South launch, where people were parking and soaring the strong winds. Then we'd head out looking for thermals, but there weren't many.

Occasional flush cycles came through, and some people had to head out. I was the last one on top, and was there when Ernie, Eric, and Denise came back up.

After a last pass, I too was flushed slowly down the hill with Rich Sauer and Dick Cassetta. Down past the south end of the ridge, they were finding a thermal, so I got into it too, climbing from 2400' back to 2800' or so.

They hung out there awhile longer, but I headed out over the campground and set up my landing, had over an hour and was somewhat sore from the long flight of the day before.

Made a good setup over the hot tub, then over a trailer toward the big tree, then turned toward the spot. Came right in toward it, flared over it, and landed on my feet just a couple of feet past it, my best landing in quite awhile.

Folded up soon, as dark rain clouds were headed up the valley, and it did start raining before I'd finished.

Said good-bye around 1:30, and Tom rode with James and me home. A nice weekend, but I'm pretty tired tonight. It's Sandra's birthday, so James cut some roses for her from the backyard with my permission.

Felt a bit lonely on getting home to my empty house.

Monday, April 18, 1983 - 6:55 AM

Forgot to mention that Ron (from Virginia) was up at Elk too, and he asked where "my wife" was, and was sorry to hear we'd split up. He had a pretty lady named Alice now, who's a Hang-3 pilot.

Today's a pretty, sunny day, though it rained a little bit last night.

Thursday, April 21, 1983 - 6:47 AM

A sunny morning. Talked to Mel awhile before going to bed around ten. Told him about the weekend.

Friday, April 22, 1983 - 6:50 AM

Yesterday started off sunny but got more cloudy throughout the day. Rain is threatened for the weekend. It's overcast today.

Sunday, April 24, 1983 - 9:56 AM

Today's cloudy and rainy, but the sun breaks through every once in awhile.

Wednesday, April 27, 1983 - 7 AM

A grey wet morning. The beginning of a big spiral system came in last night, and we may have rain for a few days. It's already been the rainiest year of the century.

After work, Stretch and Tom came over to bring me the "chirper" for the vario, as he had an extra one and mine had quit working. We tried it but it only clicked, and we broke it trying to open it. So he gave it to me.

But after he left I removed the wires from my base, and soldered them to his disc. To my surprise it worked after I got them attached to the right spots. So I'll tell Stretch, and give him the $5 for the unit after all.

Mike and Tricia came by later, told me about their trip down to Elsinore last weekend. I'd offered him the use of my Raven, but with the rainy weather he decided to delay a decision, said he'd see if he could fly Dick Fugett's Gemini first.

Went to bed at ten. Rick Kannisto woke me with a call around eleven to give me Jon Minnick's address. He hadn't heard about the Mt. St. Helena day on May 1st, was a bit annoyed.

8:57 PM

I went running this evening. I'm planning to enter the Annual Run for the Roses, a 10K race in Santa Rosa on May 21st. So I decided to start training seriously. Ran six miles, walking a half lap after ten, or three miles, then ten more laps and home. Have to build my stamina and speed over the next four weeks.

Saturday, April 30, 1983 - 9:13 AM

It's raining again this morning.

Talked to James, Mel, and Mike about Sunday's Mt. St. Helena plans, which aren't too promising now. Evidently the Peregrine Falcons haven't laid their eggs yet, may be aggressive, and the weather looks like it may be poor. Also there's been a mix-up on vehicle planning. Ernie just called, said I was supposed to be riding with him and Jon, which was the first I'd heard of it.

Sunday, May 1, 1983 - 7:40 AM

Waiting for James to arrive, then we'll head for Mt. St. Helena. The weather looks better with fog clearing, and sun beginning to show. Talked with various people last night; Mike, Sharol, about plans, which weren't too together.

Monday, May 2, 1983 - 7:05 AM

Yesterday we headed for Mt. St. Helena in clearing sky with low fog clouds. We made a wrong turn but made it to the landing area by 8:30 where we met Mike Mahoney.

He headed up and we waited for Ivan or Don, both of whom arrived, put our gliders on Ivan's truck and left the Scout at the LZ. At the gate we waited around for the Ranger, whom Mike had to call, then combined all 17 gliders on three vehicles and headed up.

To make a long story short, the wind was from the wrong direction, cloudbase was below the top of the mountain, and it wasn't flyable. Stretch, Anne, James, and I took a walk to the North ridge (about two miles) for some good exercise. Finally around 1 PM we all headed down.

When James and I got to my house, I called the Coast Guard, they said it was west to NW, 20 knots, which led me to believe it would be blown out. And I was very tired and had a headache, so laid down and tried to nap for most of the afternoon.

Today is sunny and clear, the day we needed yesterday.

Thursday, May 5, 1983 - 7:06 AM

I showered and went to James and Sandra's for dinner. Tera had an abandoned kitten about a week old she was "mothering." We had a delicious dinner, and I got a bit drunk from the wine.

We talked about lots of things, from cars (James had owned Porsches in earlier days), to careers, lifestyles, part of my life story, Florida, how Sandra and James met by a slim chance on the road to Morocco, and the coincidence that Sandra had been at James' apartment in Atlanta before without meeting him, but seeing him. James grew up in the Atlanta area, which I hadn't realized.

It was a very pleasant evening, 'til I finally had to leave after ten. It rained last night (while still at James') and is overcast today.

Friday, May 6, 1983 - 8:10 PM

It was a nice sunny day. I took off work at two to go out to Goat Rock. It was perfectly soarable with no one else there, so I set up with some help holding the glider from a nice and friendly family with a little girl around eleven, and I launched at 3:43.

Soared the north end, about 100' over most of the time, in a NW breeze.

Gordon arrived and set up after I'd been flying for a half hour or so. He launched and headed to the south end, making it back okay. The wind was as strong as it had been then. I didn't head down that way as I had to land soon.

I landed at 4:53, an okay landing, which I nearly blew on my last downwind turn too low, skimmed the sand, got up high enough to get my legs under me and land on my feet okay.

Saturday, May 7, 1983 - 7:15 AM

Surprisingly, it's a sunny morning, as rain was forecast, and we'll be heading over to Mt. St. Helena for another try at that mountain.

Last night I talked to Mel and Mike. Went to bed a little after nine. Didn't sleep terribly well, but got a few hours I think.

Sunday, May 8, 1983 - 7:34 AM

Well, it looks like I'll be wrapping up this blue volume on an "up" note. It started out deep in the blues over Meredith, which I'm not yet out of, and will end in the blue sky of a very nice flight over Mt. St. Helena yesterday.

Today's another clear blue sky day, in spite of all the rain predictions, but I won't be going flying today, as I got a call yesterday morning from Alice, my stepmother, who will be passing through today, on her way north.

She and Jim, her professor friend, are looking for a place to build a house. It's Mothers' Day, so that's an interesting coincidence, since I haven't seen her for 12 years. I expect her to call any time now.

Yesterday morning by 8:15, James and Gordon arrived to ride over with me to Mt. St. Helena. We met Jon James and Mike at the LZ, loaded Jon's glider, and the five of us headed to the gate after getting some gas.

We met Don and Marty at Susie's Restaurant on the way up the hill, and Ken Lloyd with his big truck at the gate. So we loaded everything onto Ken's truck and headed up, just six pilots, as Mike didn't have a glider again.

On top, the direction was wrong, and clouds were forming around us. But after awhile, cloudbase was lifting, and we began looking for an alternative launch.

After checking the next ridge, but deciding we shouldn't drive down there, we decided to clear a launch on the west face of the south launch, which we did, pulling up bushes with our bare hands.

Then we set up our gliders, though I was having doubts about making it to the LZ with the NW wind.

James launched first, got flushed out of the canyon, squeaked around to the next ridge, then got up, and eventually made it to the north point. Ken went next, also made it over there okay. So I got ready to launch next.

Had a good strong launch, made a couple of soaring passes in front, then found a thermal over some rocky outcroppings to the south, taking it high above launch. Then I was able to cross the canyon to the next ridge, where I found more thermals.

Soon I headed to the next ridge, which leads up to the north peak. Circled in some light ones there, eventually finding a strong one to take me up over the top with James and Ken, where I stayed and played for the next hour, and watched Gordon, Don, and Jon launch and work their way over. No one else got the good thermal near launch that I had, to help them across.

We were at cloudbase and in the clouds much of the time, and some sailplanes came over and flew with us from time to time. We were able to climb faster in the small thermals than they could. Also, there was heavy sink at times when not in a thermal.

I finally headed out at cloudbase, after Don, and followed by James, went pretty far before sinking out. Got a thermal over the landing area from 1100' to 1400' agl, finally set up a pretty good landing. My maximum altitude had been 7500' msl, and I was up for an hour and 55 minutes, and was pretty tired. It was a fine day for all of us, and my best at Mt. St. Helena by far.

End of Volume 29