The
winter of 2013 had been brutal. Snow, sleet, freezing rain,
frigid winds, and muddy fields made for unpleasant rocket
flying. This weekend promised temperatures in the 50s. Ben and I
tossed some rockets into the Highlander and made our way to
Higgs Farm in Price Maryland. We arrived at the field to the
typical blustery winds, cloudy skies, and not so cold
temperatures. We made quick work setting up the field in the
rising sun and dissipating clouds.
All rocketeers understand that in order to fly, you cannot be
afraid of the strength of the winds. You only have to be afraid
of the direction of the winds. Although the winds were strong,
the direction of the wind would allow safe recovery away from
the spectators and the trees.
Shaken, Not Stirred
was prepared with a CTI H120 Red motor, taken to the pad, and
armed.
Shaken, Not Stirred slightly arced into
the wind as expected during ascent and deployed her drogue at
1,314 feet.
Shaken, Not Stirred danced in the
blustery breeze until deploying her mains at 300 feet.
Shaken,
Not Stirred came to rest close to the pads despite
the strong winds. Unfortunately, the strong winds kept the mains
from deflating which dragged
Shaken, Not Stirred
across the field and towards a raging creek. I chased
Shaken,
Not Stirred and finally caught up with the rocket
just before it was dragged into the water.
Shaken, Not
Stirred’s paint was chipped and scratched from the
drag but otherwise she will live to fly another day.
Shaken, Not Stirred was our only flight of the
day. Ben and I basked in the “not so cold” temperatures for the
remainder of the day before leaving for home in the setting sun.
We enjoyed some sushi at Ichiban before arriving home.
Sunday, Toni and I leisurely made our way back to Maryland’s
Eastern Shore to enjoy some more outdoor weather. Unfortunately,
the clouds rolled in and the temperatures returned to the high
30s. We closed the field and met everyone at Ichiban again for
dinner. Our journey home was hampered with snow that would later
accumulate to 6 inches.
Next month is Red Glare 16 and expectations are hopeful for some
nice weather.
Other
MDRA March rocket flights can be seen here. Until the next
launch . . .