TW Endorsement Completed

After about eight hours I completed the tailwheel endorsement today in
the SD. But it certainly wasn't routine as the wind was coming out of
the North at about 15kts gusting to about 20kts, and we were using
Runway 7. I noticed a strong weathervaning tendency while taxiing,
which required a lot more rudder than usual. But it was especially
strong once the wheels were off the ground and I had to work hard and
fast to counteract it and stay on the extended centerline. This would
have certainly been easier with a DG, but hey, who needs a DG or AI?

The trips around the pattern required every bit of concentration I
could muster due not only to an appreciable amount of turbulence due to
the ridges, but there were also a number of gliders and slower planes
in the pattern as well. In fact my first landing resulted in a go
around due to a glider that had yet to be removed from the runway.
Today also tested my crosswind abilities on approach and while the
landings weren't all pretty, they weren't too bad given the conditions.
Plus my girlfriend was watching from the ground so I'm sure that added
to the pressure. After about six trips around the pattern I was
completely exhausted. Earlier this week we did pattern work for two
hours and I walked away feeling a lot less whipped than I did today.

But my instructor told me that there was little more he could teach me
and that next time I could take it up solo. We'll probably resume acro
next lesson and maybe I'll take it up afterwards. Thanks to everyone in
the groups who provided encouragement and advice. I feel like a
post-solo private student again, and realize that I still have a lot to
learn.

Dave