Issue #12 Fort Bragg, California June, 2005
June 2nd the Fort Bragg Fog Busters
traveled over the coastal range to inland Lake Mendocino for our first
float fly of the season.
Dick Lucas had his RotoPlane on floats and by golly, after a damp
start, he got in a couple of flights.
Steve Kooyers brought his fishing boat to the lake for salvage duty.
Ron Cowan successfully flew his Alpha and his Laker. I flew my
LazyBee SchoolBus on floats a couple of times.
Some folks camping at the lake noticed us flying and their son showed
interest. Soon Dick Lucas had him flying Cowan's Alpha using the
buddy box!
And, it is always nice to have a groupie, someone who shows a real
interest in our hobby, in this case, Doris Lucas!
June 9
I packed up and headed for Seattle for vacation and visiting but I took my time and spent two weeks getting there!!
First stop, the three day
Red Bluff float fly on the Sacramento River June 9th, 10th and 11th.
There was a big turn-out and good weather. Dick and Doris Lucas
was there and flew Dick's C.A.M.S., Big Stinson, the Rotoplane and the
Great White Shark.
Steve Kooyer entertained the crowed with his gas powered "Beast". Brother Ron Kooyer assisting. Keith from Willits was also there.
After the float fly I camped and flew at the Corning, California Flying Field, June 12th, 13th, and 14th.
Here's Pete and Stick on the Corning Runway, my camper in the background. Jim Hand and some of the other Corning flyers came out and joined me various days. Great bunch of guys. Thanks!
June 15th I camped and flew at the Ash Creek flying field near Redding, California.
Here is Pete and my Stick at the Ash Creek strip with Mt, Lassen in the background. Mike Brown joined me and we got in some great flying.
Then it was time for the Plat I Float Fly near Sutherlin, Oregon. The forecast for the weekend was not good and the turnout was nowhere near what it had been the previous 21 YEARS this event had been held but still, the hard core crew showed up and great flying was achieved between rain and wind squalls. Another great bunch of folks. I camped and flew June 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th!!
Finally, June 20th, I arrived in Washington State and flew with my two sons at their club field near Sumner, Washington. In the left photo my grandsons Kian and Lane watch grandpaw get Pete ready for flight. In the right photo my son Ross flies his Hog Bibe with Mt. Rainier in the background.
And that's about it. Time to be social and visit my relatives! I plan to return to California sometime after July 17th and will probably visit some flying fields on the way back south.
Arriving in Seattle I checked my e-mail and discovered Dick Lucas and Neil VanderVende had visited hospitals since I left town. Dick with a mild stroke and Neil with two heart valve replacements!! I hear they are now on the mend and doing well.
And finally, I assume the Father's Day Combat event happened while I was gone. Steve Dunlap will most likely send out a newsletter about that.
Bye for now from Seattle. Happy flying!
Your editor, Ron Bloomquist