Highland : Party Sat Oct 25 & Seminar Spring 2015

[Ward Odenwald]

To enhance towing safety, Highland will present a seminar that covers the science and art of staying on tow in both smooth and thermic air at the beginning of the 2015 season (3rd or 4th Saturday of March). This learning event should be considered a “must attend” for all who fly at Highland or tow elsewhere!

Plus, in recognition of Highland’s efforts to keep us safe and celebrate their Long-Standing support of Region 9 hang gliding, the MHGA invites everyone to a Highland PARTY on the afternoon/evening of Saturday October 18th (rain date Oct 25th). MHGA will provide the basics so if you’re not accustomed to pedestrian gruel or cheap suds, please bring food/drink and then some for those who appreciate the difference.

Ward
odenwaldward@gmail.com

[markc]

I have a few sparklers that are burning a hole in my basement, which I would happily contribute to the cause.... Will be watching the forecasts with anticipation!

MarkC

[Ward Odenwald]

Great suggestion Mark! Also hoping the weather agrees. If it does, starting around 3pm this Saturday, MHGA will be serving up food and drinks for all pilots, their friends and everyone else that wants to join in. Our current menu could be described as “food-line grub” and the beer and wine list is – just as pedestrian so if you want to bring something to “spruce it up” that will certainly help! We should have a better read on the weather by Thursday evening.

Ward

Rain/Blown-out date is the following Saturday

[Ward Odenwald]

As of now, it’s looking blown-out at Ridgely on Saturday (mid-day Saturday predictions are suggesting 15 surface and 20-25+ at 2K). Not sure what tomorrow’s casts will say but after talking with Adam this afternoon, if there’s no significant change in the predictions, we will move our party to the following Saturday (Oct 25th). I’ll repost late afternoon/early evening tomorrow.

Ward

[krryerson]

Hoping it is not blowing-out at Ridgely tomorrow, Saturday... Will wait till Saturday morning, to make the call.
Unfortunately, I can only fly this weekend and on Sat. Will be traveling next weekend/week.
Though, might go to Woodstock if it is flyable there tomorrow, Sat, if it is too strong for Ridgely.
Knut

[Ward Odenwald]

Tomorrow’s forecasts are now calling for higher wind speeds (both surface and aloft) compared to yesterday’s predictions so we are moving the Highland Recognition Party to next Saturday, the 25th. Sorry Knut. I hope others won't have similar issues.

Ward

[Lostgriz]

I am sorry I will miss this, taking the boys to Ohio for a few days of intense training.

Matt

[markc]

Ward, can we assume that at least the party on Sat night is a 'go' at this point, regardless of the flying prospects for the day? If so, that would simplify my planning, perhaps others too...

MarkC

[Danny Brotto]

Upcoming both Saturday and Sunday are both shaping up to be decent, NW days.

Danny Brotto

[Ward Odenwald]

Yeah Mark, I share your concerns. Been juggling different scenarios and not sure what plan is best 5 days out. As Danny indicated, conditions look good for flying at Highland this weekend and I’d jump at committing to Saturday but concerned that flying at our mountain sites may also be ideal or better. Given the uncertainty of long-range forecasts, several scenarios are possible - the extremes: conditions are best for Highland and all is good, or its 10-15 STFI at the Pulpit and I’m flipping burgers for a few, possibly just Frank (Sunny’s puppy).

Many of the pilots that want to participate in this party and acknowledge Highland's efforts visit this forum (daily) so I’m open to doing what everyone else (the consensus) wants to do. Whatever date we decide on (this Saturday, Sunday or the following weekend), I’ll do the shopping that morning and we’ll have a really good time!

What’s best?? The more feedback (via posting), the better our chances are for an event that will be remembered.

Ward

[markc]

Well, if you're hoping for that perfect flight park day (or mountain day, for that matter)... You can chase the weather forever, ya know?

Sometimes it's simpler to limit the options : "It's either A or B, and if conditions still suck for B, tough, that's when the party is going to be, come on out anyway!" .

If you luck into that perfect day, then sure, the turn-out might be better. But OTOH, if the date keeps changing, some of the pilots who'd like to go will have to bail (commitments, family, travel, etc).

For myself: If it looked like an awesome mtn day on Sat, and blown-out at Highland, I'd plan to get out there *WAY* earlier than usual, and then head to the party after flying. Worst case: Pulpit to Highland at about 3 hours... But what the heck, just camp that night and have a great, fun-filled day+ !

Course, this is all easy for me to say, I don't envy you the planning process. But if there's a party to be had at Highland this weekend, I for one will be there, and will fight Frank for the burgers!!!!

MarkC

PS: And I would bring along a few items to light up the sky, if that would help with the turn-out on Sat or Sun. Been working on the timings... It's amazing what you can find on YouTube and such.

[Ward Odenwald]

Current forecasts are looking good for Saturday’s Highland Appreciation Party!! Clear skies, a high of 65F and 10-15 mph surface winds. We’ll start offering food and drinks around 3:30 for everyone so please come earlier for flying or post just for the party. Plus, any additional food and drink that you bring will certainly enhance the evening.

Ward

[markc]

Woo-hoo! (close to) An end-of-season party at Highland, can't wait, it'll be awesome!!

Will bring along a pasta salad.

[silverwings]

So what happened??? I could not attend because I was teaching but hope to fly there on Monday.

[thermalup]

Does anyone know whether or not the aero-towing seminar at Highland Aerosports is officially happening? I have sent an e-mail to Highland but have not received a response as yet. I am aware that they are not open for business until mid-March so I thought I would check here with the CHGPA to see if anyone has any updated information.
Thx Much ..::JG

[Ward Odenwald]

If all goes according to plan, Highland's towing seminar will be held on the third or forth weekend of March (weather depending). Adam or Sunny will most likely post details when they announce their opening day.

Ward

[thermalup]

Greetings Ward,
Thank you for your response. I'll keep an eye on the Highland website for an update.
..::JG

[krryerson]

It seems like Highland will re-open April 4, 2015.
http://www.aerosports.net/