Re Soaring safari suggestions

Matt,
I would suggest entering a regional soaring contest.
I have never failed to have an enjoyable time at a
contest. You can fly in sports class to get your feet
wet, get plenty of help and support from the other
pilots, fly as long or short a task as you feel comfortable
(with all the circles about the turnpoints) and be
safe and learn a great deal. The rules are not that
tough to learn and who cares what your score is since
all you want to do is have fun. You and your buddy
will leave with 20 or 30 new buddies.
Also you can print up some of your fabulous maps and
distribute them as samples to the other pilots and
end up with some new customers as well.

John Dezzutti