Executive Committee Meeting

The quarterly Executive Committee Meeting was held prior to the social time and general meeting. Officers present were Jeff Wishnie, Ann Sasaki, Rolf Bienert, Chip Sheppard, Raquel Lopes, Rich Leggett, Wally Anderson, Tom Moock, Julie Spiegler and Pete Norlander.

President Jeff Wishnie discussed the cancellation of the Mussel Rock Summer Celebration event scheduled for August 27-28. Jeff explained that there was a misconception that the event might be a commercial event rather than a fundraiser for the Fire Authority.

The city of Daly City requested that Jeff Wishnie and Dave Sondergeld meet with them to discuss the future of paragliding at Mussel Rock. The first meeting will likely take place in mid to late October, 2005.

General Members Meeting

The September meeting was called to order by President Jeff Wishnie. The same officers that attended the Executive Committee Meeting as noted above were present for the general meeting. A total of 17 members and guests were present. The meeting was held at the Summit Pointe Country Club in Milpitas.

New Members/Visitors

Guests, and soon to be new members, Terry Kowing and Sherry Brown joined us for the evening. Terry and Sherry are recently from the Seattle area. The have been married about 7 months. Terry has been a pilot for about 10 years. Sherry has been a pilot for a year.

Officers’ Report

Jeff Wishnie reported to the general membership on the cancellation of the Mussel Rock Summer Event. Earlier this summer a pilot was blown back at the Dump and damaged the garage door of a resident on the bluff above the Dump. There was a shortage of $230.00 to cover the costs of repairs. Jeff passed the hat to cover the short fall. $238.00 was raised by the members present.

Rich Leggett reported on upcoming events. An XC Social League competition is planned for October 8-9 in the Owens Valley. Tom Moock informed the members that a new LZ, campground and chalet is available at Dunlap. Russ and Connie can be contacted for details. Discussion followed on Wild Ass, a site in the San Benito Mountains on the Western side of the Central Valley. Tom described it as a good summer site. The site should probably be rated as P4. The challenge is not landing in the bail out LZ. Otherwise the site is probably suitable for a P3. A fence in the LZ at Potato Hill is schedule to be removed. A line of Railroad ties will be installed to define the property line.

Ann Sasaki reminded us of the danger of blow back when flying at the Dump/Mussel Rock area. Ann cited the case of the pilot that damaged a home owner’s garage door. Ground launched parachuting has been observed when fog is covering the top of the Westlake cliffs. Paragliders should not be flying in the fog. If you are flying below the cloud ceiling when it is below the top of the ridge, beware that ground launchers may unexpectedly emerge from the clouds immediately above you. A paraglider pilot landed with his wing falling into the water. Fatalities have occurred as a result of water landings at the Dump due to drowning. Avoid water landings! Use extreme care if going to the aid of someone that landed in the ocean. Water engulfed wings and entangled lines can be lethal.

Treasurer Raquel Lopes reported $3,200.00 in the club account. Two new members joined the club in August. Current membership is 140.

Old Business

Minutes From Past Meeting - A motion was made to approve the August Minutes. The motion was carried and approved.

New Business

A BAPA calendar for 2006 is being planned. BAPA members are encouraged to submit their favorite paragliding photo that they have taken. All persons whose photo is selected for the calendar will receive a free calendar. Additionally, a committee will select and award first, second and third place prizes. The prizes will be, respectively, $50.00, $25.00 and $10.00

A motion was introduced and approved to allocate $150.00 for site insurance for the Stables flying site.

The Holiday Party this year will include, in addition to the regular XC League awards, a ‘silly categories.’ Examples might be best color coordinated gear or most unique helmet. See Jug Aggarwal with your suggestions.

A request has been put out to all pilots that may be flying at Woodrat, Oregon. Please lock the gates so that the cows can’t open them. Apparently the woodrat cows are a little smarter than the average cow and have learned how to open gates that are not properly secured.

Richie and Annie of Vuelo Libre will be conducting guided paragliding tours in Richie’s native Columbia this November, January, February and March. For those that may not have enjoyed one Richie and Annie’s domestic tours, you can count on having a great time with the fun loving Richie and Annie. If you are considering an overseas flying adventure, contact Vuelo Libre. Richie and Annie also announced their plans to get married! Congratulations Richie and Annie.

Jug aggarwal reported on the statistics so far this year for the XC League; 42 Pilots have participated, 155 tracks have been logged. The site of the final competition for the season will be the Owens Valley in October.

Entertainment

Jug Aggarwal presented a slide show of his paragliding trip to India. Jug flew at Billing Bir and Himachel Pradish. Flying along the base of the Himalaya Mountains, Jug flew over 800 Kilometers in 16 flying days. Jug timed his trip to follow the Monsoon season and before the winter shut down. From mid September to mid October, the conditions are so consistent that Jug was able to fly nearly consecutive days, taking only one day off to rest midway in his trip. Thank you Jug for sharing your adventure and the beauty of the Himalaya Mountains with us.