Marfa Endorsement

I just got back from Dick Johnson's Wave and Thermal camp in Marfa, Texas.

Unlike the last 3 years (which were good ones), the weather was all over the
board...yet it made for some very enjoyable days of soaring. There were wave
flights, some long XC flights, some casual thermaling flights, and some
flights that gave a pilot multiple options (go high...go fast...run for home
in front of squall lines approaching from all quadrants). Throw in the 100
mile views of mountains and spectacular cloud formations...it was awesome.

But what added to this year's event was the presence of Burt Compton's
operation; Marfa Gliders.

Burt has an excellent new hangar, tow plane, and picnic area that upgrades
the soaring pilot's stay at MRF. He also did a splendid job running the
ground ops. The RV parking area has also been upgraded.

Another MRF value: new asphalt surfacing on the runways.

We all had a great time. Marfa offers dynamic soaring. With air temps below
70/F everyday we still enjoyed strong 4-8 knot thermals to 10K+, abundant
cloud streets, and some wave. Friday turned into a decent wave day with some
flights up to 20K.

I for one am looking forward to going back. Uvalde is nice for XC flying,
but for scenery, dynamic weather, and eclectic culture, Marfa is the crown
jewel of Texas soaring.

Bob de Leon