Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

Hey guys, gals and others,

I've been away for over a year and a half due to a second bout with da cancer. I beat it's ass again, but missed flying a lot. Not flying was really bumming me out. Everyone here knows how much work it is to learn to fly and what an amazing gift that skill is once you have it. I was wondering if I had lost it, if I would have the courage to reclaim it after so long. It's like getting the feeling that the love of your life might be seeing someone else, and you might lose her forever. Of course that never happened to me, because lets face it no woman is that stupid.

Anyway, today I flew again at Kagel. It was terrifying after so long, but what a thrill. Just like my first solo over a decade ago. I intend to be around much more.

I want to thank everyone for keeping the place together and maintaining this great site. I can't imagine how sad it would be to come back and find it gone.

What is really impressive is what you all have done since I was last here. The place is looking great and clearly on the right track. Where there once was a postage stamp of an LZ that could be very unforgiving, we now have an expanse and length that makes things like switching winds or a crowded landing sequence completely workable. We have now, a putting green of a target LZ, but all kinds of room around it that inspires confidence. The overshoot looks impossible to overshoot, and even recoverable if you did. I could land a Cessna 172 here.

"Gazebo" is not an adequate term for what is taking shape there. It's gonna be beautiful. After hearing it talked and dreamed and argued about for years, you are actually making it happen right now. Fantastic!

Even the mountains, which were charcoal and mud when I was last here, are now green and blooming again.

Some people have been working long and hard, and everyone has been paying dues to get all this great stuff done. I'm very impressed. You may not be if you have been watching it slowly happen, but I was shocked at your progress when I saw it today.

All this verbiage is just to say a big THANK YOU to you all. I can't wait to see the future progress up close. Imagine a bunch of people (some who didn't even know each other before) doing all this without pay or glory. Flying is clearly an effective way to self select a great group of people.

Thanks,
Glenn

p.s: Get the hell out of the way if you see me - I'm trying to land here... plus or minus 80 feet.

Well said Glenn. For all of you who have contributed, a hearty 'Thank You' from another absentee.

Now who the heck is going to put back up my 'Jim's Recycling' when all is done?

jimshaw wrote:Now who the heck is going to put back up my 'Jim's Recycling' when all is done?

Jim, Erwin took everything to the recycling center and bought a palace in Brentwood. You will have to make another "donation".