Halloween II

Aren't they a little too old for trick-or-treating?!


Our neighbor was feeling a bit "out of sorts"!


After it got dark, the boys took turns lying under the leaves in front of the headstone and scaring approaching trick-or-treaters by suddenly "coming to life"!


Clover entertained us when she went wild frantically "herding" this plastic jack-o-lantern in circles all around the back yard!


She would "chase" it back and forth...


...until she could get underneath it and "pop" it up in the air repeatedly.


Then she was puzzled by the sound-activated
"ghost on a wire" in the front yard. Her barking just perpetuated the ghostly moaning and movement!
We finally had to remove her from the front room as
she viewed every costume-clad kid as a major threat.


Fortunately, we all survived this Halloween without being scared to death, with a few too many treats,
and very few tricks - except maybe a tummy-ache!

Howl-O'Ween!

Late October can only mean ONE thing...

...Did someone say, "Chocolate?!!"...



...Actually, It's pumpkin-carvin' time! - Can you guess by whom each was created?


Heavy-duty excavating.


Yummy-Yummy!

Beeeeeeee Careful now!

Here's how it's done!

Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Now that's scary!

Family!

Fall can only mean One thing - Family Picture time!
*(Click on pic's to enlarge)

Landon, Tanner & Josh - so thrilled to have their pictures taken!


The 3 Amigos - slightly stoic.


Dozens of cousins!


With G'ma & G'pa.

Our fam!

That's all, folks!

Seaside Skimming

The video quality is not that great, but I couldn't resist this snippet! The movement is mesmerizing!

Pumpkin Walkin' in Memphis

The 24th annual community Pumpkin Walk began October 18th and is open to the public through the 23rd, 9 am to 10 pm.



The theme this year is "Those Were the Days".


The Elvises (or are they "Elvi"?) have left the building!


The Wild, Wild West.


Bonanza!


"Go ahead, make my day!" (PUNK!)


"Edith! Get in the kitchen an' make me a sammich!"


"Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!"

There's only one more day to join thousands of people in witnessing this display of creativity and goofiness in person! Due to increased popularity and minimal parking, surrounding streets are turned into one-way only, and shuttle bus use is encouraged.
For more info here's a link: http://www.pumpkinwalk.com/history.htm

Twilight

Here are a few images I captured last night. Although the sun was obscured, it splashed some beautiful colors across the newly snow-dusted mountains and lit up the clouds!

View to the East from the treehouse.

View to the West...

toward Short Divide.

Bar Stuffin'

Yesterday afternoon there was about a 6 hour window of fly-able weather between storms. I decided to make the best of it and headed out to Short Divide, even though winds in the valley were honkin' at 25-30+ mph. Upon arrival it was not blown out, but a launchable 20-25 mph. It was overcast, with some breaks in the high, wind-blown clouds, and a mild 65 degrees. I could see the very slow-moving frontal boundary about 20 miles to the north/northwest where a line of virga had set up, but it was not threatening.

I set up and launched at 16:39 into 23-26 mph winds,

and immediately began climbing with the bar pulled in to my waist. Within minutes I was high enough to drift over to the face of Clarkston Peak, but the westerly wind did not produce enough lift, so I headed back out in front of launch, losing all of my altitude in the stiff headwind. I patiently climbed higher this time, and then crabbed sideways over to the face, far enough west to catch lift off of a main spine/gully, without being "sucked" through the gap by the venturi. I noticed Cody arrive and setting up at launch.

By now my bi & triceps were burning from the bar pressure, but I found that if I locked my elbows straight - putting the bar somewhere between my waist and my knees, it relieved the "burn", and allowed me to ever so slowly climb and beat upwind, along the face. What I wouldn't give for a VG and a speed-bar! (maybe next year!)

About 25 minutes after launching I finally made it around the corner, and was able to ease the bar out to trim and relax as the wind direction straightened and turned vertical. I was careful to stay well in front of the mountain in the humongous, powerful lift band, but as I soon crested the summit ridge and climbed through 8,500', the wind turned very horizontal again.

I locked my elbows again and slowly headed west, away from the mountain, at about 1 mph groundspeed with the bar in the 40 mph position! My Sport tracked reasonably well, but occasionally the PIO's (pilot induced oscillations) would begin, reminding me to focus on the horizon and reduce my corrective control inputs. If that didn't work, I knew if I slowed and eased the bar out I could restore "wings level" orientation, but then I lost the ground I had just gained!

After nearly an hour of high-airspeed flying, I noticed the wind increase to the point that I could no longer make headway, even with the bar to my knees! It reminded me of a time that I was light-winded in my early flying years in central Washington, flying my trusty Pliable Moose!...

...It was my first soaring flight ever,

and after about 20 minutes of flying back and forth about 200' over the ridge, helmetless and belted into my swing-seat "harness", I found myself drifting back behind launch.

I didn't know much back then, but I figured that this was "not good". My survival instincts kicked in, and I knew enough to not turn downwind.

As I "flew" (read: was blown) backwards along the plateau behind launch, the lift decreased enough to allow me to slowly elevator straight down until I gently lit on terra-firma,

and my "ground crew" quickly grabbed my nose and side wires!... *Thanks for the pic's, Mom!

Today, as the winds aloft apparently increased, I found myself flying backwards again. I was far enough above and in front of the mountain that I was not too concerned, but I decided it would be prudent to call it a day. So I turned-tail and shot through the gap at about 70 mph as I watched Cody launch below.

As I gradually descended on the lee side, I watched Cody quickly climb out along the front side, no doubt utilizing his VG and speed bar! Just as he climbed through my altitude, my field of view from a half mile away framed an incredible image of his glider's silhouette against a blanket of clouds with a background of sun-rays extending to the valley floor through a break in the clouds. I wished I had my camera for that shot, but I'm sure it would not have done it justice!

There was quite an unexpected wind gradient on my final upwind leg, but a gentle upslope helped me pull off a nice no-step landing in almost no wind. I broke down as Cody made the most of his airtime, and eventually followed suit, landing next to me. As we loaded up and headed for home, the window closed as cloudbase lowered, and it started to sprinkle a little.

I felt very fortunate to have squeezed in some much needed

bar-stuffin' airtime!

Airtime: 1 hour 3 min!

Eagle Projects!

This past Friday and Saturday...

Josh & ...

Tanner ...

(and Super-Clover)

spearheaded each of their Eagle service projects in our community. This is the last major task on the "trail to Eagle", Scouting's highest rank and award. The project requires planning, developing, and organizing a service project to benefit the community, environment, or worthy group. The proposal must be written and approved by at least three local, district, and council leaders before beginning. Other scouts and community volunteers must be utilized, with at least sixty combined hours of contributed service.

Josh's project on Friday involved cutting down over 1,500 dry cornstalks, tying them into bundles of three,

loading them into a large enclosed trailer, and hauling them to a local neighborhood park...

where they would be utilized in the 24th annual traditional Fall "Pumpkin Walk". This is a seasonal week-long community event, filled with artistic and creative displays, and is enjoyed by thousands of people from school, church, & community groups of all ages.

Everyone wanted a turn at the machete!

The Grim Reaper?

Tanner's project on Saturday included pounding in T-posts,

stringing barbed-wire,

unloading,

and tying the cornstalk bundles along the temporary fence to serve as a decorative border along the pathway.

There was a great turnout of volunteers for both projects - about 27 on Friday and 25 on Saturday. Tanner and Josh each ended up with over seventy total service hours! The weather, for the most part cooperated - with some light rain on Saturday - better than the rain & snowstorm of last weekend! The doughnuts and hot cocoa helped keep everyone working until the project was complete. There were no injuries to speak of - and everyone left with all fingers intact!

We did have to spend some time afterward plucking sticker weeds out of clothing and hands - There was some kind of weed mixed in with the cornstalks, which was just evil! It looked innocuous enough, with a fuzzy looking head, but it had sliver-like pieces with microscopic barbs which instantly stuck and burrowed into everything they touched. We are still finding slivers in our hands two days later!

Now Josh and Tanner have to finish the rest of their required merit badges, and pass an Eagle Board of Review prior to receiving the actual award. Although the end result is something to be proud of, the Eagle Project is more about the process, as it teaches planning, organization, leadership, delegation, communication, Scouting values & ideals - as well as the value of community service!

A big THANK YOU to all who participated!

SKY-View Marching Mania!

Our oldest son, Josh, is currently in the high school marching band. He plays the Contra Tuba, which is like a shortened Sousaphone, designed to be "snapped" on and off the shoulder in a rhythmic fashion.

It weighs 32 lbs., so the wrists, forearms, and shoulders get quite a workout during the ten-minute program! The marching band has been practicing ninety formations since this spring, have performed in numerous parades, and now travel twice a week to perform at competitions.



It amazes me that they can march in time, keep all of their lines straight as they move from formation to formation, and play their program music from memory, in unison - all at the same time! All of this while under the pressure of competition, and in less than ideal conditions of heat, cold, rain, or snow in their formal uniforms. Last Tuesday they went to BYU where they performed exceptionally well, but did not place against the larger 5A powerhouse schools.

Here are two videos of them performing there, as recorded by one of the parents: The resolution is not quite professional quality, but you get the general idea and can see how well they do with the formations. You can also clearly hear Josh and the three other Contras!


The first video is the "opener" or first "movement"...




The second video is the "ballad" and the "closer".




The Contras wear a beret, instead of the Sheko hat with the "Chicken" (feather) sticking up, because it would interfere with the large bell of their instrument.

Tanner also serves as a "Youngling" at their competitions, helping keep uniforms looking extra-spiffy for the performances.

This past Saturday they competed at Pocatello and did very well, placing 2nd overall! Keri is very involved as a "Band Mom" and travels as a volunteer to many of the events. Until you get involved with something like this as a parent, you don't fully comprehend how much time, effort, practice, conditioning, energy, resources, volunteers, money (fundraising!), sweat, and tears go into training, outfitting, and supporting a marching band. The lessons learned, such as teamwork, discipline, and perserverence, along with the camaraderie, friendships, memories, satisfaction, pride, and sense of accomplishment make it all worth it!
Way to go, Team!!

Box Elder Bugs

Since I've been airtime-less for the last 2 weeks, Landon and I headed out to Short Divide this afternoon. The forecast was not exceptional, but it looked like there was a better than 50/50 chance of some soaring flight, and I knew this might be my only chance for air this week.

Upon arrival the Box Elder Bugs surrounded us as I began setting up. They must have had a big hatch recently, because they have been all over the place the past two weeks. Box Elder Bugs, AKA "Boisea Trivittata" don't bite, sting or spit - they are just kind of annoying. They particularly liked my white leading edge, so I hoped they wouldn't affect my CG :-}

Conditions on launch were marginal - but better than last time. There was a light sw breeze, with cycles up to 10 mph. I knew it would be an extended sled ride, but I decided to fly anyway.

I picked a good cycle, but still had to run harder than I have on launch all summer, holding the glider down until it lifted me off, and avoiding the temptation to "jump" into it. I hugged the ridge and worked a few areas of zero sink, but soon found myself setting up my final approach in the bailout LZ.

Airtime: 9 Minutes - But it's Better than Nothin'!!!

(Sorry No other Pic's! - Keri took the camera to the Marching Band competition!)

Commandered Commode

Follow-up on 'blog from October 1, 2007:

Apparently, one of the most popular entries of last Saturday's Red Bull SoapBox Derby ExtravaganzaPaloozaRama was inadvertently pilfered some time during the early morning hours of October 1st, just two days after Seattle's Fremont street race!

The hilarious 7 foot-tall soapbox racer, fondly dubbed the "Crapster" by owner Tom Valentine, was in a U-Haul truck awaiting the crew's return to Colorado Springs, CO, where they work together at Hewlett Packard. The truck was stolen right off the street where it was parked in front of their hotel.

The portable-potty, which was "piloted" from "inside the bowl," reached a top speed of 30 mph on the half mile course, as it was cheered on by thousands of onlookers. Seattle's "finest" broadcast an Attempt to Locate for the four-wheeled transient toilet and truck, but have not yet found either one!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003926867_crapster05m.html

Absconding Avian

I know that most of you have already seen this seagull on the Oz Report or on YouTube. For those of you who have not, here it is again!

A seagull in Scotland has developed the habit of stealing chips from a neighborhood shop. The seagull waits until the shopkeeper isn't looking, and then walks into the store and grabs a snack-size bag of cheese Doritos. Once outside, the bag gets ripped open and shared by other birds. The seagull's shoplifting started early this month when he first swooped into the store in Aberdeen, Scotland, and helped himself to a bag of chips. Since then, he's become a regular. He always takes the same type of chips. Customers have begun paying for the seagull's stolen bags of chips because they think it's so funny.

A Wet Weekend

As forecast, the early October Winter-like storm came through Friday & Saturday, and lingered on Sunday. The snow level was just above the valley floor, although it was sleeting at times, with rain mixed with snow. We definitely need the moisture, after a long, dry summer. It is supposed to clear out and warm up just in time for the work week.

This image shows Short Divide and Clarkston Peak as seen from our back yard. When the cold and snow really comes and stays, the road to launch will eventually be un-driveable from the east side. The road up the west side often stays open well into winter because of its southern exposure. Approaching from that side will add 20 minutes to my drive, but it will be worth it for some smooth winter air time. So even when Winter officially arrives, as long as I can get to launch I'll bundle up and be flyin'! (Hand warmers will be required =-])

Hang Waiting

This 'blog is entitled "Matt's BASIC life..." - so some entries may be much less exciting or entertaining than my "Occasional Adventure". This entry is probably one of them! But, as promised, I have added a few pic's to make it seem less boring!

Have you ever called in some favors, taken time off of work, begged and even groveled for your spouse or significant other's "blessing", made numerous promises, deals, or trades and maybe even felt like you sold your soul - all for the opportunity to go hang gliding on a day forecast to be great flyin' weather...only to end up with a big ZERO air time?...Well, that was sort of what happened to me a few days ago on Wednesday...

It has been a long time since I have been wrong about the weather and flyability at the Short Divide, mostly because it is only a 25 minute drive away. I can usually look at 3 or 4 different forecasts and indices on the internet, compare those with the hourly updated current conditions, and then go outside and look to the west/northwest and stick a moistened index finger in the air and know if it is going to be any good. If I watch the weather patterns I may even be able to predict a few days in advance!




Wednesday was supposed to have steady pre-frontal sw winds of 15-20 mph - straight into launch! Although I knew the thermals would not be very spectacular, I still wanted to get one more extended flight before the weekend storm - which would bring rain and snow to the valley floor.




So I headed out at about 3:30, even with overcast high clouds, and not a puff of wind in town. Upon arrival at launch there was NO wind, with the mountain and entire valley below blanketed with a widespread shadow cast by sun-obscuring high clouds. I could see breaks in the clouds to the sw, so I decided I might as well hang-wait and see.

I passed the time taking some pictures around launch, including some macro shots of the colorful leaves. My Mom can spend hours in "macro-mode" taking super-close-up pictures of everything from flowers & fungi to beetles & bottlecaps. She obviously passed some of her love of photography on to me - thanks Mom!




The breaks in the clouds finally arrived at 4:30, and a 6-8 mph uphill breeze began teasing me. So I bit, and went with the theory of "...If I build it (my hang glider) they will come (the thermals!)" As I finished my pre-flight, the excitement and anticipation began to build, as I saw the junipers near launch moving, and heard some of the wind whooshing through the trees.

I walked out to launch before hooking in to check the conditions, only to have the minor cycle die down to almost nothing again. So I sat on the hillside and looked for indicators in the valley below. Before long I noticed a plume of smoke from a burning stubble field across the valley to the sw indicating a strong south wind. Then I saw the dust from a farmer plowing a field across the valley to the se, indicating an obvious east wind. Finally I also saw a trail of dust to the west near Nucor, describing a stiff north breeze coming down the freeway corridor!



As a pilot, I have generally leaned on the more cautious and conservative side in my 25 years of off and on hang gliding experience. If I can't make sense of the wind and weather indicators I observe from launch, I will either wait until I can, or pack it in so there will be a next time! A wise instructor once taught me, that hang gliding is not only about knowing when to fly, but also deciding when not to fly.

By now the wind on launch was back to zipp-0, and the daylight was waning, so I got more practice breaking down my glider, loaded it up, and headed for home. I later realized, after watching the weather channel and evening news, that the slowly moving storm front was probably actually stationary and stalled right over Short Divide, causing the wind to blow everywhich-way throughout the valley below!

In many cases when I "sell my soul" for the opportunity to do something that, at the moment, seems all-important, I end up with nothing to show for all of my bargaining. On this outing, although I did not get any airtime, I did learn more about the weather, and enjoyed some of the beauty of nature - and, I made it home early enough to spend an enjoyable evening with my wife and boys! Perhaps I needed a gentle reminder that some things are just as - or even more important than more and more airtime. As I learn this lesson, I come to appreciate each future flight even more!

Airtime: 0 ...(but that's OK!)

Autumn Air

Ready or not, Fall is here! Although Summer's heat and promise of big air can make me a bit giddy, the Autumn season is tough to beat! The mild, buoyant lift and smooth, soft-edged thermals are a nice change from July and August's sometimes unnerving rodeo-air. I love the chill in the air, the cool crisp nights, the excitement of college football, leaves crunching under my feet, the multi-colored mountains and hillsides, and the anticipation of the holidays.

Wellsville Canyon, 2004 - pic. by Keri.

Blacksmith Fork Canyon, 2003.

Wellsville Canyon.

Blacksmith Fork

Yeeeeeeeee-Haaaaaaaaaaaww!

Did Someone say "Wings"?!!

* This past Saturday my sisters, along with


about 50,000 other people attended a soapbox derby in Seattle sponsored by a well-known energy beverage.


For the event, they closed off streets in the Fremont District


to allow for the race course and throngs of spectators.


Apparently there was an emphasis on creativity...



and wackiness...


and even a political statement?



It looks like a fun time was had by young and old alike!

My favorite!

For complete results go to: http://www.redbullsoapboxusa.com/
*Images courtesy of Gilbert W. Arias - Seattle PI Photographer

Thanks Mindy!