This year was really mild for the month of January and we ORF’s took advantage of any day that allowed us to fly and have fun. Most of the flying was electric sailplanes (F5J) but some were brave enough to string winch lines and fly conventional sailplanes.

These photos were taken over several outings by Ken Rogus and Jack Iafret.

Flying was always better than being at home or work. Some of the days saw almost no lift where others saw nice steady lift that allowed 30 minute flights on one launch. The strange thing is that some of the better soaring came during the days that were windy with solid cloud cover. Ya never know!

I think we were out four days in January, which is not bad for Michigan in the middle of winter.

Click on Image for Larger View	Who & What
	Well it is not a sailplane but Ray is just so cute I had to put the photo in the group.
	The Prez. in his favorite stance.
	Getting in has not been a problem so far as the snow is not very deep and the ground is frozen
	The winch team. Dick has taken some of the winch equipment home to rebuild it for the summer. Nothing really wrong but maintenance is important for our superior standing in winch technology.
	The one and only "Hutch". He did not do sailplanes this day but you can see his new Stryker a little further down.
	Dick the winch launched guy. He has been flying the "Duck" a lot this winter.
	Stringing line
	The Poly Pulsar is up and out. Ray has found his love in this plane.
	Do you wonder how Barney makes it in with his overpowered street racer.
	Getting ready to hit the thermals
	Two Short Italian Super Stars
	Ray being coached by Jack on how to fly the Pulsar
	No one there would be seen with Hutch's paint job. Rumor has it the guys in Florida have made him fly at the far end of the field.
	Lunch break
	Getting ready for the "Blaster". Barney does a lot of practice throwing.