Evenings at a large event like LDRS, AIRFest, etc. can always provide some interesting experiences.  BALLS did not disappoint.  A quick walk down the growing line of RVs, trailers and tents and we met the happy crew from San Jose, Cali.  I won't go into details but it ended up with cigars, whiskey, bonfires and experimental propellant...

And did I mention it get's cold here?  The low last night was 39 degrees.  Brrrr.  Just ask Randy who has spent the last several months in the frigid climates of Saudi Arabia.  

This morning, we all awoke to a beautiful, brisk sunshiny morning and a steady stream of vehicles arriving to launch.  The crowds mushroomed to about 250 attendees.  A quick breakfast at the onsite food vendor (who graciously parked almost right next to us) and we were able to quickly get back into the rocket prepping mode.  Chris entertained a constant flow of curious flyers wanting a tour of the LCC (Launch Command Center) trailer.  

Deb Kolloms, President of Tripoli, stopped by and one of her very first comments about Tripoli Houston was our amazing Facebook page. She says she avidly follows the updates and wishes all clubs would follow our lead.   EVERY CLUB NEEDS A JIMMY HIGHAM!   Kudos to Jimmy !!!!!

Dan and Linda DeHart arrived onsite at about 10am to do some spectating and helping others with their launches.  We're hoping Dan and Linda come back with us to launch rockets in the future.

The lower level winds were around 10mph for most of the day but the high altitude winds were terrible so most of the big projects delayed their launches till tomorrow.  I was able to fly my first BALLS flight with my wife's Pteradactly on a EX K560 Super Polish Rojo propellant.  Perfect flight to 3,900 ft and a great recovery using the Jolly Logic Chute Release. Recovery was half a mile downrange.  Hopped in Eric's awesome scooter and was back with the rocket in 5 minutes.  It's rough, I know...

Chris was ready to launch his minimum diameter 75mm M3700 but some low level clouds rolled in and they closed all flights above 7,500' until tomorrow.

Eric's preparation continued for his 80k' two-stage rocket. Randy, Chris and I are working to ensure the launch control systems and live video system is running smoothly in preparation for Eric's flight.  It is a wireless system that is 2,500' from the LCC trailer.  Chris' stuff is F(*&(^*&E AWESOME!!!

Dinner tonight is Randy's porkchops with a beer or six.  Weather tonight is warmer with winds calming.

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day with Chris' flight to 25k', my 2nd flight to 5k, Randy's flight to 25k' and possibly an attempt of Eric's flight to 80k'.  Not to mention the scores of HUGE projects from other groups.

Wish you were all here with us!

-Andy, Randy, Chris and Eric