It was a great weekend for those that attended the Dixon White Memorial Fly In. Under a blue Northern Arizona sky people from all over the country got to see what this place can give. We started out with a great morning session. Many pilots had light thermal flights and others ridge soaring on Sheba's east side. Every one got a couple flights and was OK to take a break in some windy midday conditions. We met back up in the early afternoon to get some of the best soaring conditions I have seen in a while. The typical soaring on the east side of Sheba most times scratchy and has a small lift band that is not suitable for a large group of pilots. We were bless by the gods and the lift band was huge and smooth. I don't know how many toplandings I managed or any of the other pilots that where comfortable with it but then again you never had to land it was a magical time that everyone got to share. Dixon's wife Debra was there to watch the show and saw as many as 18 pilots in the air at once all flying, laughing and smiling as they passed through the sky in front and above her. At sunset the show wasn't over as the sun painted the high desert sky with oranges and blues that had many pilots raving for hours. We wrapped up with a BBQ at the shop that lasted well into the night with beverages, movies and live music. A windy forcast sent many home early but as I read all your emails telling me what a magical experience it was even if only for a day I'm reminded of how important it is to dwell only on the good as there will alway be bad and if we let that bring us down then we are wasting precious time. I have been inspired by everyone who came. We closed with a feast on Saturday that again lasted into the late hours of the night. My fingers are still sore from all the music we played. Good food, good people, good times.
Thank you all for sharing a really special event with the Crater Locals!
See you next year!
