Chris,

I can't really explain the turnout either. Aside from Tak, we didn't haven't anybody from SoCal, likely due to the Hemet contest being the weekend before. Norcal had a lot of absences that hurt as well, I can think of 5 regulars off the top of my head, and a couple more I'm sure that I'm not thinking of... The logic with the one day contest was the idea that more people would be willing to make a day trip than a weekend long commitment... Guess that was not the case. I know a lot of people had important events that they had to attend to, and let's face it... the hobby events go down to the bottom of most "lists of things to do". And that is fine and appropriate, but year after year we see people skipping the Fresno contest. Okay, next year we'll just make it easier. THERE WON'T BE ONE!

Nope, not flying Pattern much anymore. Think I have taken the plane out three times since September, and I can't say I miss it. I don't think I will ever just flat out quit, but I'm just not interested enough to practice and practice. And honestly, what is the point if A) Nobody shows up for contests and B) I'm not going to the Nats ? We still might make Oakdale (wife likes it as a campsite as well as the dog), and if so I'll let you know my other reasons...

T