The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martias) is the name of the date 15 March in the Roman calendar. The term ides was used for the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of the other eight months.[1] In Roman times, the Ides of March was a festive day dedicated to the god Mars.
Mars was with us today:
It was the best Ides of March ever for those of us that went to the field today. Almost no wind, thermals all over the place, sun, sweatshirt temperatures, new planes to test, and new members to meet. It was the best ‘first’ day of the season ever; it was perfect.
Rogus, Kozak and I hit the field first, Ken with a rebuilt electric sailplane, Dennis with a brand new Fling/Sergio mashup and I with tried and true ships. Barney came in a little later with a brand new MPX foam hotliner as well as his DHL Blaster.
Doug Hoffman stopped by to say hello and tell us about his full-scale sailplane that he is flying and walk his new puppy around the field. I don’t know if Doug will be back to models or not, but we sure would welcome him.
About 11:00 Ken put up a 30 min plus thermal flight while I flew my Trex Heli and 3D Yak 54 while Dennis buzzed the field with the Zaggi. A little later, Ken was doing the 3D thing with his Bulldog while I did a 30 min thermal flight with the Electron. Dennis put up his new bird and did about 30 minutes on the first flight, needless to say he was very happy with the way the plane flew. The three of us were just smiling and hollering about the great day. The lift was fantastic.
Barnster then tried his new hotliner and it went very smoothly for a first flight, he did not give it max g’s or anything but one can tell is will go like stink when he pushes that left stick up all the way. Only problem of the day was Barney trying to stop the prop with his finger, lots of blood for a while but it was not on his throwing hand so he flew the Blaster for awhile until he got tired of specking out. Too easy he said!
A young gentleman named Nicolas Orand showed up with a scratch design and built E-sailplane that he flew very well. He was a Skymaster member but they have a 400-foot limit at their field so he needed to join a sailplane club so his ships could stretch their legs. A native of France and sloper in the Alps, he will be a nice addition to the club so when you see him, give him a big welcome.
BTW if you have not paid your dues for the year yet , this new web site has an application form that you submit electronically by hitting the “Submit” button (what did you think I would call it?).
Jack Iafret
One happy GDSHS member
AND HIKING SOCIETY 
