It didn't start out that way. Several days ago, the weather was looking bleak. The forecast said there was an 80 percent chance of rain for the entire event. But maybe the spirit of Gordon Clement had some pull in the heavens because not a drop of rain fell from the sky the entire weekend.
First to arrive to the event was Jim and Kathy White in their Jungmann with Pete Cafarelli following behind. The two Buckers travelled all the way from Phoenix to Georgia where they now permanently reside.
Friday saw the arrival of Greg Stringer and Joe Vasile in their Jungmanns as well as Steve Hawley in his Jungmann and Tom Muller in his Jungmeister. The arrival of John Downing's and his Jungmann increased the number of Buckers on the field to 8. The lasagne for dinner was delicious especially when eaten in a reclining yard chair while watching aerobatics.
Other Bucker owners came to the event - Doedo and Gail Shipper from Colorado, Ed and Kyle Campbell from Pittsburgh, Jerry Wells from Pennsylvania and the author and his son from Peachtree City, GA.
Saturday began with a high overcast sky, calm winds and pleasant temperatures. Robert Johnston and his wife Bea landed in their Jungmann from Sylvania, GA which made 9 Buckers on the field!
By noon, there were Buckers in the sky. Mark Fullerton gave an impromptu aerobatic routine with his Stephens Akro monoplane. Lunch was served. At 3PM, a missing man formation was flown by 4 Buckers remembering Gordon Clement and Len Elmendorf. The flight consisted of Joe Vasile in the lead, Jim White and Greg Stringer on the wing and Greg Koontz/Zak Clement in the fourth ship.
Following dinner, blue skies and calm winds prevailed. The sound of Bucker engines was soon heard as Greg Stringer flew a beautiful solo aerobatic display including a rolling circle. Steve Hawley vowed to fly the same next year.
At dusk, the planes were put away and the campfire was lit. It was a wonderful event. Next stop - the 2015 West Coast Bucker Fly -in. Hope to see you there.
Brian
