Another summer launch was here. Toni and I threw a rocket into the Highlander and made our way over to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to meet fellow members at Holly’s and sneak ahead of the Bay Bridge traffic that was destined for Maryland’s beaches. After a healthy breakfast we piddled the time away until it was time to arrive at the sod farm.

The weather was uncharacteristically cool with passing clouds and small breezes. The sod was green and lush and slightly damp due to the morning dew burning off late. We made quick work of setting up the field with the help of other members.

Shaken, Not Stirred was already prepared and I had her on the first rack of the day. Shaken, Not Stirred has become a familiar rocket at MDRA and remains my “goto” rocket. At the end of the countdown, Shaken, Not Stirred ascended on her CTI H120 Red propellant to 1,277 feet where she arced over and deployed her main. The mains were deployed on schedule at 300 feet where Shaken, Not Stirred gently touched down in the soft sod in front of the LCO station. Click the video to see Shaken, Not Stirred take to the skies once again.

Shaken, Not Stirred was my last flight for the day as I was enlisted for LCO duties for the remainder of the day. I managed not to mis-launch any rockets and kept the launches moving safely. In the setting sun, Toni and I met some other members for a nice dinner in Centreville before returning home.

Sunday, Ben and I made our way back to the field and had the field ready to fly before anyone arrived. Ben performed the LCO duties so I could film some flights. The weather remained nice and the breezes remain low or non-existent. It seemed the day flew by quick as flyers began to leave the field and start their journey home. We closed the field down and packed up the equipment. We hung about enjoying everyone’s company before it was time to follow the setting sun home. Until the next launch . . .