Date: 7/31/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 2 mph, SSW
Weather: Sunny, 61º
It was a sunny sunrise for kite flying. And no wind, no problem. I flew my Echo with the usual 360s and up-and-overs. And videoed some of the flying with a Flip Cam. I think I got some good footage.
And I wore a hat. :^)
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Date: 7/30/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Sunny, 69º
I played some more "Fly the Kite ... and Stay Within in the Circle" and generally was able to keep the Echo in the air for longer before landing or crashing. It was nice that the grass wasn't too wet. I have some ideas for a video with flying the Echo.
Later in the day after work:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 3 - 7 mph, WNW
Weather: Sunny, 79º
It was very nice flying weather so I couldn't resist a 2nd fly today after work. It was also very nice to fly a full-size kite again. The wind was just about right for fades and flic-flacs, both which seemed easier to fly than usual. I flew a nice set of five flic-flacs in a row!
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Sunny, 69º
I played some more "Fly the Kite ... and Stay Within in the Circle" and generally was able to keep the Echo in the air for longer before landing or crashing. It was nice that the grass wasn't too wet. I have some ideas for a video with flying the Echo.
Later in the day after work:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 3 - 7 mph, WNW
Weather: Sunny, 79º
It was very nice flying weather so I couldn't resist a 2nd fly today after work. It was also very nice to fly a full-size kite again. The wind was just about right for fades and flic-flacs, both which seemed easier to fly than usual. I flew a nice set of five flic-flacs in a row!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
I Took a Trip
Date: 7/29/09
Place: Skye Wynd (back yard at my house), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Sunny, 70º
I flew a lot of 360s and up-and-overs. And due to the uneven lawn in my backyard and walking backwards to fly the kite, I tripped landing on my butt/back. The grass made for a soft landing. The kite crashed, too, but came out of the incident unscathed (like me).
I "discovered" that if the kite is flying fast enough during a 360, then the wind or a small gust of wind has less effect on the kite. Normally, a bit of wind blowing from the kite towards you will cause the kite to lose its lift and crash. How fast do you need to fly the kite? For lack of interest in doing the math and physics, experience will have to tell me the answer.
Place: Skye Wynd (back yard at my house), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Sunny, 70º
I flew a lot of 360s and up-and-overs. And due to the uneven lawn in my backyard and walking backwards to fly the kite, I tripped landing on my butt/back. The grass made for a soft landing. The kite crashed, too, but came out of the incident unscathed (like me).
I "discovered" that if the kite is flying fast enough during a 360, then the wind or a small gust of wind has less effect on the kite. Normally, a bit of wind blowing from the kite towards you will cause the kite to lose its lift and crash. How fast do you need to fly the kite? For lack of interest in doing the math and physics, experience will have to tell me the answer.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
No Morning Dew (Dry Grass)!
Date: 7/28/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Mostly sunny with a nice sunrise, 68º
This was the first morning in a long time that the grass at Cosmo Park was not wet with the morning dew! And there was a very nice sunrise.
There was a circle outlined at the center of the soccer field. So I played a game I call, "Fly the Kite as Long as Possible While Staying within the Circle." OK, I need to come up with a better name for this game. I was mostly successful which means I'm definitely getting better at flying the Echo with very little or no wind.
I had extra fun this morning! Maybe even more than my share of fun (someone else somewhere is not using all their fun, so I was able to have more of it!).
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Mostly sunny with a nice sunrise, 68º
This was the first morning in a long time that the grass at Cosmo Park was not wet with the morning dew! And there was a very nice sunrise.
There was a circle outlined at the center of the soccer field. So I played a game I call, "Fly the Kite as Long as Possible While Staying within the Circle." OK, I need to come up with a better name for this game. I was mostly successful which means I'm definitely getting better at flying the Echo with very little or no wind.
I had extra fun this morning! Maybe even more than my share of fun (someone else somewhere is not using all their fun, so I was able to have more of it!).
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Summer "Skating" with 50¢ and 0¢
Date: 7/26/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Skate on variable' with 50¢
Wind: 0 - 0.5 mph
Weather: Sunny, 68º
I flew my new Skate kite on its maiden flight(s). This is a single line no-wind/low-wind kite that can either fly as a kite or as a glider. To fly it as a glider, you put coins in the nose pocket of the kite. It came with 50¢ and at Cosmo Park it was fun to fly it as a glider with that amount of nose weight. The Skate is very graceful and easy to fly. It looks and swoops like a manta ray. Focus Designs Kites used the manta ray concept to design this kite. The kite took more energy than I expected to fly it, so I got a mini-workout.
It was a sunny morning and I flew early to avoid the heat and the Show-Me State Games. When the soccer players started arriving, packed up and drove to the field by the ARC.
Place: ARC field, Columbia, MO
Kites: Skate on variable' with 0¢
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Sunny, 72º
With no coins in the nose the Skate flew more like a kite. Though when the wind died down (from 2 mph) it was still able to glide around. I like flying this kite. I would like to try it with 35¢ (a quarter and a dime).
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Skate on variable' with 50¢
Wind: 0 - 0.5 mph
Weather: Sunny, 68º
I flew my new Skate kite on its maiden flight(s). This is a single line no-wind/low-wind kite that can either fly as a kite or as a glider. To fly it as a glider, you put coins in the nose pocket of the kite. It came with 50¢ and at Cosmo Park it was fun to fly it as a glider with that amount of nose weight. The Skate is very graceful and easy to fly. It looks and swoops like a manta ray. Focus Designs Kites used the manta ray concept to design this kite. The kite took more energy than I expected to fly it, so I got a mini-workout.
It was a sunny morning and I flew early to avoid the heat and the Show-Me State Games. When the soccer players started arriving, packed up and drove to the field by the ARC.
Place: ARC field, Columbia, MO
Kites: Skate on variable' with 0¢
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Sunny, 72º
With no coins in the nose the Skate flew more like a kite. Though when the wind died down (from 2 mph) it was still able to glide around. I like flying this kite. I would like to try it with 35¢ (a quarter and a dime).
Saturday, July 25, 2009
A Kite in My Own Back Yard
Date: 7/25/09
Place: Skye Wynd (back yard at my house), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12' and 6'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Cloudy, 68º
This was the first time I've flown a kite in my own backyard (except for the short fade practice once with my E2). I flew lots of 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. I had to pay extra attention that I didn't get too close to the trees, power line, or my house. It was a humid sweaty workout, but it was kind of nice not having to drive anywhere. It was also a good idea to fly on the 12' lines first when I had more energy, then fly on the short 6' lines when I was more tired.
Place: Skye Wynd (back yard at my house), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12' and 6'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Cloudy, 68º
This was the first time I've flown a kite in my own backyard (except for the short fade practice once with my E2). I flew lots of 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. I had to pay extra attention that I didn't get too close to the trees, power line, or my house. It was a humid sweaty workout, but it was kind of nice not having to drive anywhere. It was also a good idea to fly on the 12' lines first when I had more energy, then fly on the short 6' lines when I was more tired.
Friday, July 24, 2009
An Echo Sunrise
Date: 7/24/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 0.5 mph
Weather: Slightly cloudy sunrise with wet grass, 68º
A nice sunrise! I flew lots of 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. A typical very-low wind Echo day.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 0.5 mph
Weather: Slightly cloudy sunrise with wet grass, 68º
A nice sunrise! I flew lots of 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. A typical very-low wind Echo day.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
540 on the ground?!
Date: 7/23/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 7 mph, NE
Weather: Sunny, 84º
It was a nice after-work fly with a nice lower-speed wind. And it was nice to fly a full-sized kite again for a change. It was a bit warm so I didn't move too fast. It was great conditions for flico-flacs (I like the typo, "flico-flac" so I'll leave it in)! Once the kite ended up doing a 540 practically on the ground. In fact, at one point in the middle of the 540, it's wing tip did a gentle stab into the ground for a moment.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 7 mph, NE
Weather: Sunny, 84º
It was a nice after-work fly with a nice lower-speed wind. And it was nice to fly a full-sized kite again for a change. It was a bit warm so I didn't move too fast. It was great conditions for flico-flacs (I like the typo, "flico-flac" so I'll leave it in)! Once the kite ended up doing a 540 practically on the ground. In fact, at one point in the middle of the 540, it's wing tip did a gentle stab into the ground for a moment.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
3d 360s on 20' lines
Date: 7/22/09
1st:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 20'
Wind: 0.75 - 3.5 mph, NNW
Weather: Partly cloudy sunrise, 70º
Today had a sunrise with soft fuzzy clouds and some beautiful pastel colours -- very nice!
I was actually able to pull some 360s with 20' lines! I've done a lot of 360s on shorter lines, but I don't think I've done 360s with 20' lines before. I also did some nice axels and loops.
2nd:
Place: ? Park (bordered by Stewart and Garth and Broadway), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 1 - 3 mph
Weather: Sunny, 80º in the shade
I flew my Echo for only about 15 minutes because it was so warm. Also, I had come to the park directly after work so I had jeans on -- too hot for exercising today. The wind was a little gusty and very squirrely due to being too close to trees. But I was able to do some up-and-overs, as well as, the usual loops and axels.
1st:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 20'
Wind: 0.75 - 3.5 mph, NNW
Weather: Partly cloudy sunrise, 70º
Today had a sunrise with soft fuzzy clouds and some beautiful pastel colours -- very nice!
I was actually able to pull some 360s with 20' lines! I've done a lot of 360s on shorter lines, but I don't think I've done 360s with 20' lines before. I also did some nice axels and loops.
2nd:
Place: ? Park (bordered by Stewart and Garth and Broadway), Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 1 - 3 mph
Weather: Sunny, 80º in the shade
I flew my Echo for only about 15 minutes because it was so warm. Also, I had come to the park directly after work so I had jeans on -- too hot for exercising today. The wind was a little gusty and very squirrely due to being too close to trees. But I was able to do some up-and-overs, as well as, the usual loops and axels.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Flying Out of the Sunrise
Date: 7/20/09
Place: Field at ARC, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 4 mph, E
Weather: Sunny sunrise, 67º
I flew my Echo before work with the sunrise at my back. It was a beautiful morning!
At the start of this session there was very little wind so I could fly 360s easily. The wind picked up and by the time I left for home the wind was stronger than I really prefer and it was not possible to fly a 360. Still it was a fun morning and I'm learning more about the way the Echo flys in different conditions.
Place: Field at ARC, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 4 mph, E
Weather: Sunny sunrise, 67º
I flew my Echo before work with the sunrise at my back. It was a beautiful morning!
At the start of this session there was very little wind so I could fly 360s easily. The wind picked up and by the time I left for home the wind was stronger than I really prefer and it was not possible to fly a 360. Still it was a fun morning and I'm learning more about the way the Echo flys in different conditions.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tree almost ate my Echo
Date: 7/19/09
Place: Again Street Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 3 mph
Weather: Sunny, 67º
It was a nice morning, sunny, with a lite breeze. But I discovered some things that make for a poor place to fly a kite: long grass, very wet grass, trees too close causing squirrely winds/breezes, not enough space, having to have a constant vigilance of where you are in relation to trees and other obstacles. Not paying attention enough, I fly my kite too close to a tree and it was momentarily caught in a tree branch. Luckily it came down without any damage. Whew!
The Echo flew some nice 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. This kite is very fun to fly!
Place: Again Street Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 3 mph
Weather: Sunny, 67º
It was a nice morning, sunny, with a lite breeze. But I discovered some things that make for a poor place to fly a kite: long grass, very wet grass, trees too close causing squirrely winds/breezes, not enough space, having to have a constant vigilance of where you are in relation to trees and other obstacles. Not paying attention enough, I fly my kite too close to a tree and it was momentarily caught in a tree branch. Luckily it came down without any damage. Whew!
The Echo flew some nice 360s, up-and-overs, and slow axels. This kite is very fun to fly!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Echo...Echo...Echo...!
Date: 7/18/09
Place: Lawn next to Shelter Gardens, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Mostly sunny, 67º
Today was my new Echo's first flight! It flys great!
360s are easy. And up-and-overs work great as long as there is no or very little wind. It is much more floaty than my 3d. It helicopters down very nicely! Axels are not very snappy, but I think that's because this kite is designed to be floaty. I would like to fly this kite inside in true no-wind conditions.
Its colors are a less bright than I imagined they would be. But the colors do seem to fit very well with the dreamy, floaty style of this kite.
I like this kite already!
Place: Lawn next to Shelter Gardens, Columbia, MO
Kites: Echo on 12'
Wind: 0 - 2 mph
Weather: Mostly sunny, 67º
Today was my new Echo's first flight! It flys great!
360s are easy. And up-and-overs work great as long as there is no or very little wind. It is much more floaty than my 3d. It helicopters down very nicely! Axels are not very snappy, but I think that's because this kite is designed to be floaty. I would like to fly this kite inside in true no-wind conditions.
Its colors are a less bright than I imagined they would be. But the colors do seem to fit very well with the dreamy, floaty style of this kite.
I like this kite already!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Bethel Park - Echo and Skate Kites Arrived!
Date: 7/17/09
Place: Bethel Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, ENE
Weather: Sunny, 82º
I got off of work a little early and the weather was great for flying a kite. My usual place to fly is being used by the Show-Me Games. So I flew at Bethel Park for a change. The wind was very squirrely down low and a bit gusty up high, but still decent for some fun tricks. I did some fades (but no flic-flacs), axels, 540s and got one triple backspin.
Today, my new Echo and Skate kites arrived from Focus Designs! They look very nice. I think I chose some good colors. Can't wait to try them! I didn't fly them today because I went straight to flying after work instead of going home first. Anyway, there was too much wind today for these light/no-wind kites.
Place: Bethel Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, ENE
Weather: Sunny, 82º
I got off of work a little early and the weather was great for flying a kite. My usual place to fly is being used by the Show-Me Games. So I flew at Bethel Park for a change. The wind was very squirrely down low and a bit gusty up high, but still decent for some fun tricks. I did some fades (but no flic-flacs), axels, 540s and got one triple backspin.
Today, my new Echo and Skate kites arrived from Focus Designs! They look very nice. I think I chose some good colors. Can't wait to try them! I didn't fly them today because I went straight to flying after work instead of going home first. Anyway, there was too much wind today for these light/no-wind kites.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Slipped a Croc
Date: 7/16/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Partly cloudy sunrise, 71º
The grass was very wet and the air humid. My foot even slipped out of one of my Crocs once. The Crocs have been working very well though for traction on wet grass. The kite got very wet (and heavy). I wish I could find a great dry place to fly sometime (inside or during a different season). I flew the usual 360s and axels.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Partly cloudy sunrise, 71º
The grass was very wet and the air humid. My foot even slipped out of one of my Crocs once. The Crocs have been working very well though for traction on wet grass. The kite got very wet (and heavy). I wish I could find a great dry place to fly sometime (inside or during a different season). I flew the usual 360s and axels.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
No Sweat!
Date: 7/14/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, ESE
Weather: Cloudy, 71º
I'm still tired, but woke up early enough for a short kite fly before work. It was a kite fly with "no sweat" because there was enough wind to fly a full-size kite and not have to run around to keep it flying.
The usual tricks. Additionally, and this is not something I hope to practice nor get good at, at the right side of the wind window I wrapped one line (but not the other) around an 8' tall sign pole.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, ESE
Weather: Cloudy, 71º
I'm still tired, but woke up early enough for a short kite fly before work. It was a kite fly with "no sweat" because there was enough wind to fly a full-size kite and not have to run around to keep it flying.
The usual tricks. Additionally, and this is not something I hope to practice nor get good at, at the right side of the wind window I wrapped one line (but not the other) around an 8' tall sign pole.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Still Jet-lagged (me, not the kites)
Date: 7/13/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Zephyr on 90'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, E
Weather: Partly sunny, 85º
I was looking into the sun for this fly. This was the first day of work after a week off and I'm a bit tired and still jet-lagged after the traveling. Enough with the excuses.
I did some great fades. Some 540s, but no backspins. Backflips and lazy susans, but no yo-yos. I did more lawn darts (diving into the ground) than usual (not a good thing to do).
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Zephyr on 90'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, E
Weather: Partly sunny, 85º
I was looking into the sun for this fly. This was the first day of work after a week off and I'm a bit tired and still jet-lagged after the traveling. Enough with the excuses.
I did some great fades. Some 540s, but no backspins. Backflips and lazy susans, but no yo-yos. I did more lawn darts (diving into the ground) than usual (not a good thing to do).
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Back in Columbia (after Bozeman vacation)
Date: 7/12/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Zephyr on 90'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, E
Weather: Cloudy, 72º
We're back from our vacation in Montana. I'm being lazy and haven't unpacked my kites so I'm flying my Zephyr which was still put together at home in Columbia. I'm flying the Zephyr with its tail-weight. This makes it fly with more precision than the E2. I got some good fades and one double-yo-yo. Also, a few flic-flacs, though no backspins nor 540s.
I packed up the kite and got into my van exactly two minutes before the rain started -- great timing!
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: Zephyr on 90'
Wind: 4 - 9 mph, E
Weather: Cloudy, 72º
We're back from our vacation in Montana. I'm being lazy and haven't unpacked my kites so I'm flying my Zephyr which was still put together at home in Columbia. I'm flying the Zephyr with its tail-weight. This makes it fly with more precision than the E2. I got some good fades and one double-yo-yo. Also, a few flic-flacs, though no backspins nor 540s.
I packed up the kite and got into my van exactly two minutes before the rain started -- great timing!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Demos and Photographs x3
Date: 7/9/09
First:
Place: Intersection of 5th and Curtiss, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Sunny/shady, 72º
I flew in the intersection of 5th and Curtiss, where I grew up in Bozeman -- no, I didn't grow up in the intersection, but in a house at that intersection :^) This was a demo of no-wind flying for my parents and my friend Gary Guest. I took it easy due to flying over hard asphalt. But I did get some 360s, an up-and-over, and a helicopter! All this in between the cars passing by. Of course, no cars were using the street until I started flying my kite.
Second:
Place: Fields near MSU Fieldhouse, Bozeman, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 8 mph, W, N-NW, NE
Weather: Sunny, 78º
My mom took photos (my camera and hers) and dad watched. This was some very nice flying wind even though it switched directions several times. Mom got some good photos (and some of the sky). I'll add a link to some photos, hopefully soon.
I flew some very nice flic-flacs, fades, and backspins. Also some good 540s, backflips and lazy susans, and, of course, some axels and 1/2-axels. This was a very fun fly with gorgeous weather and lots views of mountains in the distance!
Third:
Place: Intersection of 5th and Curtiss, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Shady, 78º
This ten-minute fly was a demo for my friend Gerry Bishop (also a kite flyer and muscian). Again, some 360s, an up-and-over, and a helicopter.
First:
Place: Intersection of 5th and Curtiss, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Sunny/shady, 72º
I flew in the intersection of 5th and Curtiss, where I grew up in Bozeman -- no, I didn't grow up in the intersection, but in a house at that intersection :^) This was a demo of no-wind flying for my parents and my friend Gary Guest. I took it easy due to flying over hard asphalt. But I did get some 360s, an up-and-over, and a helicopter! All this in between the cars passing by. Of course, no cars were using the street until I started flying my kite.
Second:
Place: Fields near MSU Fieldhouse, Bozeman, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 8 mph, W, N-NW, NE
Weather: Sunny, 78º
My mom took photos (my camera and hers) and dad watched. This was some very nice flying wind even though it switched directions several times. Mom got some good photos (and some of the sky). I'll add a link to some photos, hopefully soon.
I flew some very nice flic-flacs, fades, and backspins. Also some good 540s, backflips and lazy susans, and, of course, some axels and 1/2-axels. This was a very fun fly with gorgeous weather and lots views of mountains in the distance!
Third:
Place: Intersection of 5th and Curtiss, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Shady, 78º
This ten-minute fly was a demo for my friend Gerry Bishop (also a kite flyer and muscian). Again, some 360s, an up-and-over, and a helicopter.
Monday, July 6, 2009
White Sulphur Springs, MT
Date: 7/6/09
Place: School Track Field, White Sulphur Springs, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 2 - 7 mph, SE
Weather: Sunny, Dry! 85º
I tried to show my sister, Carol, and my nephew, Jacob (who didn't invent the Jacob's Ladder Combo) some of my kite tricks. The wind didn't cooperate. It was very squirrely and mostly died down, so it was not a very good demo, and a rather short fly.
I think Jacob liked the kite and I think I will buy him a good beginner dual-line kite (probably a Beetle) for a birthday present.
Place: School Track Field, White Sulphur Springs, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 2 - 7 mph, SE
Weather: Sunny, Dry! 85º
I tried to show my sister, Carol, and my nephew, Jacob (who didn't invent the Jacob's Ladder Combo) some of my kite tricks. The wind didn't cooperate. It was very squirrely and mostly died down, so it was not a very good demo, and a rather short fly.
I think Jacob liked the kite and I think I will buy him a good beginner dual-line kite (probably a Beetle) for a birthday present.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
3d in Cooper (Pooper) Park
Date: 7/5/09
Place: Cooper Park, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Sunny, 60º
I flew at 8:00 in the morning and although it had not rained and there was no dew, the grass was still wet because the city had their sprinkler system going during the night, a smart idea, but not ideal for me to fly my kite. I had been looking forward to morning flying on dry grass. Oh, well.
Cooper Park is nicknamed locally as "Cooper Pooper Park," due to lots of dog owners frequenting the park with their dogs) And several dogs did stop by this morning. You could tell that the dogs hadn't seen kites before and that they didn't know whether to chase the kite or run away from it.
I flew some nice 360s and axels and got a good workout.
Place: Cooper Park, Bozeman, MT
Kites: 3d on 12'
Wind: 0 mph
Weather: Sunny, 60º
I flew at 8:00 in the morning and although it had not rained and there was no dew, the grass was still wet because the city had their sprinkler system going during the night, a smart idea, but not ideal for me to fly my kite. I had been looking forward to morning flying on dry grass. Oh, well.
Cooper Park is nicknamed locally as "Cooper Pooper Park," due to lots of dog owners frequenting the park with their dogs) And several dogs did stop by this morning. You could tell that the dogs hadn't seen kites before and that they didn't know whether to chase the kite or run away from it.
I flew some nice 360s and axels and got a good workout.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Flying in the Mountains on Montana! Happy July 4th!
Date: 7/4/09
Place: MSU Fieldhouse, Bozeman, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 6 - 14 mph
Weather: Sunny, Dry! 80º
It is the 4th of July and a beautiful sunny day. (I didn't eat any watermelon today and so missed my chance to eat it for this year -- a personal rule: I only eat watermelon on the 4th of July.) I flew at the football practice fields near the MSU Fieldhouse in Bozeman, MT. I demonstrated my kite flying skills and tricks for my parents (and Annett, my spouse). My parents had seen me fly a dual-line kite 15 years ago, but did not know all the new tricks that are possible and that I can do now. Back then I could only do loops, spins, and dives.
Today I was able to show them: 540s, backflips and lazy susans, axels, 1/2-axels, backspins (only once), one really good fade, a side slide, and a rather poor flic-flac. The wind was a little stronger than I really like it, but overall my demonstration was a success. And all this with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains of the Gallatin Valley! I'll post some photos when I get the time. Both Annett and my mom took lots of photos and some turned out really good.
Place: MSU Fieldhouse, Bozeman, MT
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 6 - 14 mph
Weather: Sunny, Dry! 80º
It is the 4th of July and a beautiful sunny day. (I didn't eat any watermelon today and so missed my chance to eat it for this year -- a personal rule: I only eat watermelon on the 4th of July.) I flew at the football practice fields near the MSU Fieldhouse in Bozeman, MT. I demonstrated my kite flying skills and tricks for my parents (and Annett, my spouse). My parents had seen me fly a dual-line kite 15 years ago, but did not know all the new tricks that are possible and that I can do now. Back then I could only do loops, spins, and dives.
Today I was able to show them: 540s, backflips and lazy susans, axels, 1/2-axels, backspins (only once), one really good fade, a side slide, and a rather poor flic-flac. The wind was a little stronger than I really like it, but overall my demonstration was a success. And all this with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains of the Gallatin Valley! I'll post some photos when I get the time. Both Annett and my mom took lots of photos and some turned out really good.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Downwind Gliding
Date: 7/2/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 5 - 9 mph
Weather: Sunny, 85º
I had some good fades and a few flic-flacs. And I flew some great downwind glides! My kites axels are OK, but the cascade definitely needs some work.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 5 - 9 mph
Weather: Sunny, 85º
I had some good fades and a few flic-flacs. And I flew some great downwind glides! My kites axels are OK, but the cascade definitely needs some work.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Twice in one day
Date: 7/1/09
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 12' and 6'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Sunny Sunrise, 68º
With the 3d on 12' I flew the usual tricks. With 6' lines I was able to fly some up-and-overs. 360s were much easier with the very short lines.
2nd Fly of the day - after work:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 8 mph
Weather: Sunny, 80º
With very nice weather conditions I couldn't resist a 2nd kite flying session today (and with a full-sized kite)! I did lots of fades, backspins, backflips/lazy susans, flic-flacs, axels; the usual lower wind tricks. I almost flew a Jacob's Ladder rung.
I'm flying (not a kite, but in an airplane) to Bozeman on Friday, 7/3, and plan on taking the 3d and the E2 in order to show my family and friends there what I've been up to.
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: 3d on 12' and 6'
Wind: 0 - 1 mph
Weather: Sunny Sunrise, 68º
With the 3d on 12' I flew the usual tricks. With 6' lines I was able to fly some up-and-overs. 360s were much easier with the very short lines.
2nd Fly of the day - after work:
Place: Cosmo Park, Columbia, MO
Kites: E2 on 85'
Wind: 4 - 8 mph
Weather: Sunny, 80º
With very nice weather conditions I couldn't resist a 2nd kite flying session today (and with a full-sized kite)! I did lots of fades, backspins, backflips/lazy susans, flic-flacs, axels; the usual lower wind tricks. I almost flew a Jacob's Ladder rung.
I'm flying (not a kite, but in an airplane) to Bozeman on Friday, 7/3, and plan on taking the 3d and the E2 in order to show my family and friends there what I've been up to.
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