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The Pat Hagan Memorial
Land of the Sky SPA Meet Remember our previous post saying “just beneath Heaven”…that’s where this weekend took place, in the huge Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Mother Nature exposed us to both cold and warm temperatures, both sunshine and “popup” thunderstorms, neither of which interrupted the camaraderie and enjoyment enjoyed from Alpha to Omega. Friday afternoon during what CD Will Hicks described as “a last minute whetting of the skills”, John Wolfe fed his Phoenix to the cables supporting the huge tower almost the length of two football fields off the far end of the runway. The same set of support cables must have been hungry for they did the same on Saturday to Russ Chiles’ Atlas. Both were excellent “sports” as we relived the events at the Saturday night party. Friday night was “low country shrimp broil” night at the Wilsons beautiful home. (See Photo)….Pilots, Guests and wives were treated to fancy foods, drinks, etc. topped with the Asheville Contest Marquee cake. This gathering is a “tradition” with Duane and Penny rolling out the red carpet. The ladies names were put in a hat and drawings for three , “available only in Asheville” gifts. Bonnie Singleton won a jar of Asheville Apple Butter, Joyce Knotts a double-breast fragrance soap sculpture, and Carolyn Spelt a jar of Asheville’s exclusive Bar-B-Q sauce. Several ladies planned their shopping tour for the next day. Penny brought Neopolitan Ice Cream Sandwiches for all to the field about midway into the rounds, when temps were warm, Delicious!
Perfect weather on Saturday morning allowed an “on-time” start with B Novice, Novice, and Sportsman on line A, Expert and Senior Expert on line B. Two thunderstorms gave reason for much “fellowshipping” under tents, etc. about an hour in duration each time. Two B Novice pilots participated, Doyle Blevins and Larry Hill. Great flying in every class with Greg Kieliszek and Carter Pounders each K’ing two rounds and Joe Grant winning one on Novice. Dennis Sams won 4 rounds in Sportsman and Duane Wilson one. The Expert class was a typical “stem-winder” as Eric Nessler and Jerry Black each K’d two rounds, the winner determined by the 3rd score, the final a 5” normalized” point win by Nessler. In Senior Expert, the President was upended by the Veep by 2 points (best 3 of 4 rounds) with that newly repaired thumb thrusting Jeff to the finest performance of his career. See photo of Jeff with that enhanced thumb and his blueplated 1stplace award.
Sportsmanship was evidenced by members helping members, non
judges covering gear belonging to folks judging as sudden
thunderstorms evolved, loaning of engines, glow plugs,
starting batteries, fuel, tent erection, bringing of food,
etc. Typical SPA conduct. What a JOY to have the Texas folks driving all the miles to participate, for we Southern and Eastern guys and gals have longed to see and meet ya’ll, you’re even better in person than we had imagined via computer messages. Steve Vergamini back on the circuit after a long “hiatus”….Greg K met in person, the Warner Robins wives, Mrs. Garry Singleton, a GREAT group….yes we dined together, we flew together, we visited and swapped stories about family, etc…we grieved for John and Russ’s misfortune, we looked at each others’ family photos all the while sustaining a “dread” for the weekend’s ending. But, like fate and country music singers sing of “good things have to end”, but it didn’t end without a giant circle of all present, holding hands for the BENEDICTION thanks to Him for the blessings and a safe journey home. Will and Duane, families, ABA clubbers, “it was one more wonderful weekend for an SPA event just beneath Heaven”. Bruce Underwood, PIO |
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Senior Pattern Association |
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| Dedicated to the Building, Flying and Competition of Vintage Pattern Model Aircraft | ||
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