Easter at the Paeroas, UPDATE.

Keep praying to those weather gods because so far, it seems to be working. It looks like we have reasonable weather pattern that will allow us to fly SOMEWHERE this Easter holiday!
On that happy note I'd like to mention a number of things that will help everyone have a good time.
Camping: If you are camping at the Squash club grounds what I said before still applies but also:

• There is no one to "house clean" so please make sure that you clean up after yourself (and anyone else that has forgoten to) and make sure there is no rubbish left lying around before you go flying for the day. We want to use the site again next year.
• There is no lighting other than some street lighting so if you want to have a yarn in the evening some gas lighting will be very handy.
• Tent space can still be at a premium. Even though there seems to be stacks of space a lot of it is very lumpy. Please park on the gravel until everyone has found their spot.
• The squash club will still be in use so be considerate to the squashies.

Travel to take off:

• If you want to take your vehicle to the top it must be 4wd. If you have room please offer to take people/gear up. We need to minimise the number of vehicles going up to keep track damage down and ensure there is enough room to park. We won't be the only ones there.
• If you can, offer/organise to have your vehicle at the bombout paddock. The more vehicles there the more chance there is of getting back up to the top sooner for another flight. (Assuming you haven't gone on some epic xc flight that is!).
• Offer to pay for your ride even if it is your buddy. Nobody wants to ask, and the fuel bill can knock the edge off an otherwise perfect day. The standard rate is $5.00 but use your judgement.

Fun comp:

• If you want to join in the Funcomp please register with Xen Zambas, Evan Lamberton or Jeff Ripley on the morning you get there. We just need your name and NZHGPA pin number.
• The Funcomp is open to HG and PG. There are no classes for different types of wings but there is a handicapping system for lower airtime pilots.
• This is NOT a full on organised competition. There are no retrieves (other than what you can organise yourselves) and there is NO checking to see if you are overdue/lost/stuck in some bush.
• Each day's flights will be scored at the end of the day and the winner for that day for PG and HG will be announced. There will be daily prizes.
• If you want your tracklog downloaded you will need an approved GPS (doesn't need to be 3D) with a download cable.
• The task format is as follows: A list of waypoints will be available with each waypoint being allocated points. MOST of these waypoints can be downloaded from the Airspace Project page, but some will need to be manualy entered. Coordinates will be given.
• A map with the location of these waypoints will be available so you can plan your flight. It's worthwhile having your own map to makr these on.
• Fly to any number and combination of waypoints YOU WANT, as many times as you want to collect  points.  
• When you get back to base at the end of the day see Evan or Xen to register your flight.
• The day's results will be posted in the kitchen at the Waikite campsite.

Friday:

• Looks like the weather might be good for flying at the Kaimais on Friday morning. If you have not already made plans to be at the Paeroas Thursday night it may be worthwhile leaving Auckland early Friday morning to be going past the Kaimais about 9ish. You can call the weather station 0211554731, to see if it's on before you drive past. There is a good chance others will be going there if it is looking good so don't worry if it is your first time there.
• If you will be at the Paeroas already chances are someone (me!) will be driving up so there is a chance to share a ride.

Keep praying,
Xen,
El Presidente.