Frost Your Buns

If you believe in the Mayan calendar predictions of the end of the world in December of 2012, we just had our last Frost Your Buns fly. If that is the case, the traditional South Dakota winds made a great last statement.

The temperature was 35 degrees which left a few degrees before freezing, so what the heck. Leaving Rapid, the wind did not seem that strong. Arriving at the field, I found the flag standing straight out -- and then some. Zac Roller and Neal Lutke were already there and had the event underway in the new shed. The grill was fired up and the chili was warming on the fire.

Within a half an hour we had a shed full of Propbusters looking out at the howling northwest winds and wondering when the chili would be hot.

Included in this line up were Darrell Cassidy, Doc McGuigan, Jim Kammert, John Pondish, Trever Rittberger (John Pondish’s grandson), Ken Corrin and guest Josh Franke.

By about 10:30, no one could wait any longer and the bowls and spoons were broken out. After bowls of both the Lutke and the Roller chili, the conversation came quickly to the perennial vote for which was the better offering. Today, I can announce the winner. After careful counting of the 50 votes cast, the total was tied at 64-62, My congratulations (and thanks) to both Zac and Neal for providing such a great feast.

Thanks also to Ken Corrin and Jim Kammert for the great muffins and the others who added goodies to the repast.

After the chili, most got ready to head for the roost, but not wanting the inaugural day to go for nought, Zac got out this 30 cc Sbach, fueled up and headed for the runway. With Doc holding, he fired it up and rolled out into the teeth of the wind. Spitting in the weather god’s face, he held knife edge on the climb out. He proceeded to make quite a few circuits of the field including some streaks of black and red on the downwind passes. After about 6 or 8 minutes, his fingers could take no more cold and he came around for a great landing.

With that one flight in the books, most decided the event was concluded. With full bellies and only a few ounces of fuel burned, we all headed home, comfortable in the fact that we had at least made the pilgrimage.

This may not be much of a success, but if you remember back a year ago, we couldn’t even get to field, let alone fly. So, count your blessings and wait until next year -- or don’t if you believe the gloom and doom predictions.