The winter of 2013 had been brutal. Snow, sleet, freezing rain, frigid winds, and muddy fields made for unpleasant rocket flying. This weekend promised temperatures in the 50s. Ben and I tossed some rockets into the Highlander and made our way to Higgs Farm in Price Maryland. We arrived at the field to the typical blustery winds, cloudy skies, and not so cold temperatures. We made quick work setting up the field in the rising sun and dissipating clouds.

All rocketeers understand that in order to fly, you cannot be afraid of the strength of the winds. You only have to be afraid of the direction of the winds. Although the winds were strong, the direction of the wind would allow safe recovery away from the spectators and the trees. Shaken, Not Stirred was prepared with a CTI H120 Red motor, taken to the pad, and armed. Shaken, Not Stirred slightly arced into the wind as expected during ascent and deployed her drogue at 1,314 feet. Shaken, Not Stirred danced in the blustery breeze until deploying her mains at 300 feet. Shaken, Not Stirred came to rest close to the pads despite the strong winds. Unfortunately, the strong winds kept the mains from deflating which dragged Shaken, Not Stirred across the field and towards a raging creek. I chased Shaken, Not Stirred and finally caught up with the rocket just before it was dragged into the water. Shaken, Not Stirred’s paint was chipped and scratched from the drag but otherwise she will live to fly another day.

Shaken, Not Stirred was our only flight of the day. Ben and I basked in the “not so cold” temperatures for the remainder of the day before leaving for home in the setting sun. We enjoyed some sushi at Ichiban before arriving home.

Sunday, Toni and I leisurely made our way back to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to enjoy some more outdoor weather. Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in and the temperatures returned to the high 30s. We closed the field and met everyone at Ichiban again for dinner. Our journey home was hampered with snow that would later accumulate to 6 inches.

Next month is Red Glare 16 and expectations are hopeful for some nice weather. Other MDRA March rocket flights can be seen here. Until the next launch . . .