Parowan Contest

Fellow soaring friends,

Kids will be kids and that's all I observed, I found they were
creative and generally entertaining to watch. Andy and Micki
appropriately pointed out the retrieve office noise issue but I don't
see how that was improper or legitimately offensive. I attended all
but one of the evening dinners and didn't hear or see the nasty stuff
reported above but I wasn't looking for it either. I did notice a few
moments when the parent(s) seemed a bit over taxed attempting to keep
tabs on the excited group of kids... that seems pretty normal to me
and perhaps a source of some self imposed and shared stress.

Yes, this certainly is a selfish and time consuming sport, we climb
into cockpits alone (usually) fly off on some amazing but hard to
describe adventure that no one can assist you with (unless you land
out) then return to the real world with a grin, by design it's very
one sided. For some of us it's a big part of the attraction.

I've noticed over the years some folks have a built in instant and
personal dislike for contest pilots, yes as in all walks of life
unlikable individuals can be easily found, the key word is
"individuals". My personal experience with my fellow contest friends
is, as a "group" they are passionate about life and engaged in living
a full life. I find them generous and very interesting folks from whom
I have personally benefited greatly in knowing and consider them life
long friends. Now, for me that's the kind of people I want to be
around. When ever I go to a soaring contest it reminds me of a family
reunion, every family has a curmudgeon or two but you still love
seeing your extended family and friends none the less.

My wife attended this contest, (her 2nd) enjoyed herself in spite of
the "record heat", made new friends and took quite a few pictures of
the kids, I'll post some of them on the SSA Parowan contest report
site soon. I think you'll see as did every one attending the joy in
the little ones faces so perhaps the one or two negative comments
noted above were a rarity not the norm.

BTW, this contest, Region 9 Parowan was an absolute blast, well run
and what a beautiful place to fly! I have nothing but praise for all
involved. Perhaps we should start a new thread of the positive side of
the 2007 R-9 experience!

Respectfully,
Rick - 21










On Jul 10, 9:14 am, Andy Blackburn
wrote:
I witnessed the pleas from the retrieve 'office' for
quiet. It was far more often directed at adults (pilots
actually) than kids. It was also generally justified
and not unduly harsh.

We attended nearly all the barbecue events and I missed
the chorus of 'grumpy old men' on Sunday. That one
I can't explain. We generally had a fine time and kids
were allowed to be kids - the fireworks on the 4th
in particular were of a far more enjoyable variety.

9B