What Happened Last Night?

For those of you who did not attend the CUFC dinner, I am not sure that we can describe what you missed. All I know is that, in a roundabout way, we were able to do some good while abandoning our inhibitions. The Between Friends Club was able to send a couple of kids to a camp as a result of your generosity.

I am really thrilled to be a part of this fundraiser, since we can send a needy child to a camp, allowing them to see another part of their world and, in some small way, give a break to some deserving parents. Bob is a true gentleman for his efforts and his partnership with us. There are a few people to thank; they include Dave Procyshen, whose hosting and planning of the event was above standard. To Louise Nesterenko (Wow, don’t know what to say!) and Barb Forman, whose proficiency made the auction a very endearing event. Without their participation, this dinner would have been less than memorable. Thank you to all of you who purchased items during the auction. I believe that we will need a bigger venue next year. Again, thank you all.

I had the chance to take off and land the RV-9… what a rush. I didn’t cause any structural damage, and the plane is still an exciting aircraft to fly, and thousands agree with me. Dan and I had the airport to ourselves this last weekend, and we used every single runway available at Indus two mornings in a row. We also had the chance to do a flyby for some RC pilots at the field just NW of Indus. We also had the chance with IDGG to do a three-plane formation for a bunch of folks getting a balloon ride out by Langdon.

There are few things as heartwarming as seeing a crowd waving enthusiastically as you fly by. We don’t go out of our area that often, but that does not deter us. We are satisfied to be where we are. Guy Murchie in 1954 said it well:

‘Sometimes I feel a strange exhilaration up here which seems to come from something beyond the mere stimulus of flying. It is a feeling of belonging to the sky, of owning and being owned – if only for a moment – by the air I breathe. It is akin to the well-known claim of the swallow: each bird staking out his personal bug-strewn slice of heaven, his inviolate property of blue.’

We are a fortunate few. Wishing you tailwinds and no bumps.