1. CONGRATULATIONS TO CHRIS KARAPOSTOLES. He earned his Commercial Glider Rating today. For him that makes so many different aircraft and helicopter ratings that the FAA is probably going to have to issue him two separate plastic licenses just to list all the ratings he's amassed in his short flying career. Darn good pilot, too.

2. It was one of those unusual days when the soaring was excellent all up and down the Temblor range but few pilots showed up. Not sure why. They certainly would have enjoyed the soaring up in the cool air and probably higher than they are used to flying. Maybe they'll start coming out in the ensuing weekends. Hope so.

3. Mario and Bart were out today, both flying in the mountains and getting lift everywhere. Too bad they weren't joined by more club members. Steve Schery towed, then had time to fly his Discus.

4. Jeff Lowe also had a great flight, long and high and he was all smiles when he returned. Jerry Badal came out late in the day and hesitated about launching so late. But we convinced him and up he went in the 1-26. Yes, he had a great flight, too, and anyone who flew today had fun for hours.

5. Julie and Morgan assembled the Duo Discus and headed for the mountains. As usual they were still aloft when I left for home. Waiting for them is a long affair. They always seem to find lift, even where one would expect none to be found. But today, like others, they had no trouble remaining aloft for whatever time they chose. See the photos they took from the cockpit of the Duo Discus.