Santa Cruz Flats (Day 7)

Work on the launch line went smoothly on the last day of the Santa Cruz Flats meet; the runway AND the launch line was watered before towing started so the dust manageable, pilots and crew slipped into a well-rehearsed routine, and mother nature helped by providing reasonably consistent wind speed and direction. It was non-stop action for an hour or so and then surprising silence. It was all over.

The pilots raced downwind while Amy and I showered and raced to the local Dairy Queen! A lot of pilots made goal so spirits were high at the dinner and awards ceremony that evening. I really enjoyed talking with Daniel and Derek as they described their very tight race into goal. It was during that conversation, out of many that week, I missed being a competitor the most. Daniel and Derek gave it their all to beat the other into goal but were enjoying the other pilot's view and the other pilot's company. It reminded me how much fun it is to race hard against friends and enjoy the competition; win or lose.

Amy and I had an extra day before we flew home, so on Trish's advice we headed north west of Phoenix to Sedona, through Oak Creek Canyon up to Flagstaff. Entering Sedona from the southwest was unbelievable. The natural setting for that town easy ranks in my top 5 worldwide (so far). We spent the day doing some short hikes, some brief shopping, and a lot of standing along various roads gaping at the multi-colored mountains and impressive valleys.