Twas
the week before Christmas and all throughout the launch field,
there was not one flyer, not even a spectator. The frigid winds
kept those flyers smart enough home. It was cold and very
blustery on this December morning. I layer up clothing and made
my customary solo trek to Higgs Farm while wondering who else
would be dedicated enough to show up. There is that fine line
between dedication and stupidity and I wonder which side I was
on.
I was first to arrive at the field and patiently waited to
verify if other flyers would show up. Soon a flyer was spotted
coming around the corner so I unlocked the trailer and we set up
the field in the cold wind. The wind was cold and strong but at
least it was blowing from a good direction. I waited for other
flyers to fly but there were not many takers. Finally I made the
decision.
Shaken, Not Stirred was taken to the pad with an
H225 for propulsion and made ready for launch. I waited an
eternity for the button to be pushed that sent Shaken,
Not Stirred to 1,280 feet where the drogue chute was
deployed. Shaken, Not Stirred tumbled in the wind
during its descent before ejecting the main parachute at 300
feet. However, the main parachute did not inflate until about
100 feet. Luckily Shaken, Not Stirred landed
without damage close by. Unfortunately the strong winds
continued to carry Shaken, Not Stirred another
half mile along the ground before I could catch up and deflate
the main parachute. It was a long walk back.
Shaken, Not Stirred was my only flight and only
one of ten total flights of the day. I would not return on
Sunday as I had to get ready for Christmas. I join everyone and
celebrated the Holidays in AMW’s camper before starting my
lonely journey home. In hindsight, Sunday was the day to fly. I
wish everyone a happy and safe holiday with good health for the
New Year. Until the next launch . . .