Yesterday was just too perfect not to go fly something, somewhere and somehow. So despite the fact that I'm recovering from bladder surgery and now the shingles, my buddy Nick (AKA "TALON") came up from Dallas and together we went over to the Gunter launch site to light the candle on a few of his favorite birds. We arrived about 4:00 pm and discovered a fairly large gathering of people assembled on the western shore of the lake near the damn. I approached this crowd and was informed that the gathering was in celebration of one fellow's 47th birthday. So I informed him of our intentions to fly a few rockets. He said he was fully aware of the rocket activity and said it wouldn't bother him or his well wishers in the least. (I think I've met this guy before over at the Martinek grain elevator) Anyway, they proceeded with their BBQ party while we moved about 100 yards to the west and set up our GSE.
First up was an Estes Ventris on an Aerotech G40-7. The flight was arrow straight and deployment was perfect using a Jolly Logic Chute Release. Even so she drifted a long way toward the southeast, landing south of the dam in some very tall grass.
Next was an Estes D-Region Tomahawk on an Aerotech E20-7. Once again the flight was seamless but with a much shorter walk. The only mishap was losing one of the fins in the grass upon touchdown.
Then came Nick's beautiful rendition of the Estes Big Bertha. I believe it was flown on an Estes C6-5 an recovered about 100 feet east/northeast of our location...much to the relief of Nick.
The final flight was of an unpainted, unnamed, minimum diameter special flown on a B6-2. Unfortunately it disappeared in flight and apparently fell into the lake.
The grass has been recently been cut for hay and laid in windrows ready for bailing, which will
surely be done this upcoming week. It should be in great shape for the scheduled launch on the 20th. All in all it was a great launch on a perfect day with a great friend, and good to be out of
the house despite my current aches and pains! :smile: