If it wasn't for the wind it would have been a perfect day to fly in Acton. The sky was clear and the field was impressively dry considering the rain we had on Friday. Even with the wind, skillful flying kept just about everything out of the trees. The total flight count for the day was around 185. Since nobody else will write these articles you get to read about my granson's first rocket launch. He's a little over 2 1/2 years old and this was his first rocket launch. My whole family except Zack's infant brother showed up. His first couple of launches went well (one is in the video section). Then I flew one of mine and landed it in the power lines. Clearly in doubt of my flying skills he wouldn't let his be flown until I flew mine again (the wind had blown it down) to prove they didn't all land in the wires. He got to witness his first cato when an E12 let go in John B.s Super Big Bertha. He spent some time hiding behing his father after that (Zack not John). Claude's streamer rockets were a big hit with my family. Once again, thanks to those who signed up for and performed range duty. If you haven't helped out in the past be sure to grab a slot at the next launch.There are photos in the gallery and most of them are not of my grandson.
I guess our July launch in Amesbury could best be described as nominal. It was hot but not too hot. There was a light wind but just about everything stayed on the field. We did have to get a little creative setting up the range as there was some uncut hay where Pad C normally goes. It did illustrate how useless the field would be if it wasn't hayed. There were 296 flights covering 1/8A to K with what seemed to be fewer than usual motor failures (or maybe it's just that it was fewer than the last launch). We had one large rocket land across the power lines but that was removed the next day by the power company. It seems to have vanished from where they left it but for now let's think positive and assume that someone is holding it for its owner until our next Amesbury launch. * BREAKING NEWS-The rocket was returned to the Amesbury PD. My faith in humanity has been restored.* Alan's Launch Duty Signup was a big success with enough people volunteering that the regulars had time to do other things. The are some photos in the gallery.