Good on Nenad – congratulations!

Two weeks ago I was fortunate to do a wonderful flight with Tony
Sabino and crew at Soar Minden. It took only 58 minutes to go from
take-off to 27,331 feet (8,330 m) to landing on an overcast, rainy
day. Release occurred at 7,510 feet, for an altitude gain of 19,820
feet (6,041 m). The SSA awarded me a Diamond badge, a Gold badge, and
a single Lennie for the flight.

Minden truly is a diamond mine, a magical place. I am very lucky to
have had the privilege to have flown there. That’s why it’s especially
sad for me to report that the Douglas County commissioners decided to
shut Soar Minden down, for what appear to be contrived reasons. I wish
the very best of luck to those who remain at this soaring mecca.

-John