After a long break in New Zealand, mostly enjoying the hospitality and the soaring at Omarama, I am back! Many challenges were to face me in the upcoming weeks. I would have to kick to life the tow-plane, which was pickled last fall, rig and prepare all the gl;iders for the season, and plan and execute all the improvements for the 2005 season.
One of these improvements was an upgrade on the power supply. In previous years we all relied on a single 50 amp circuit. This being quite inadequate, last fall I had my own power line buried. All that was needed now was to connect the office and clubhouse to those mains. With the help of Ray Perino we looked after that chore in good fashion.
The next planned improvement was a new toilet facility. It had always been a tense issue if someone tied up the washroom with a long shower; causing a line of cross-legged pilots to line up outside. Mike, tow-pilot from New Zealand, worked very hard on this project, taking much pride in making this a first class facility. Sanding and painting like a pro, he had the washroom finished in time for the May long week-end....what a relief!
On the flying side of things; April produced some fine weather, very convective and very cold up high. Unfortunately the middle two weeks of May have had some traditional spring wet weather; The grass is growing well. We hope that the early conditions are over now and it is time to get to some proper mountain cross-country soaring.
Many visitors have planned to spend time here this year; among them, Justin, who makes an anual pilgrimage here will compete in the Canadian Nationals. He will make a breif stop to pick up Mel's Discus 2 which Mel very generously supplied for Justin to fly then he is off to Claresholm. Karl Stiedeck will arrive late June with John Good and a group of US pilots with them. Brad Edwards, Austrailian 15 meter champion will also come and sample the mountains here late June. Again there will be a host of musicians which Bryan Deans has encouraged to come and play for everyone. This has become a very popular tradition, listening to these young talented players is truly awesome.
I have to get flying now, and will try to up-date my site a little more regular than I have...If I don't it only means the flying has been so good there is no more time left in the day. Good luck with all your goals this season, hope you can make it to Invermere, cheers, Trevor
