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Twenty-two DAFers in nine aircraft and one Lexus eventually made it up to Gold Country's Columbia Airport for a fun weekend. Because of weather in the LA basin and over Gorman, two aircraft were delayed until Saturday morning. Ten participants camped at the airport's campground, with the remaining 12 staying at a hotel in nearby Sonora.

Larry and Jodie hosted a BBQ at the airport's campground pavilion on Friday night with a Happy Hour followed by BBQ chicken and beef shortribs. A second Happy hour followed.

Saturday involved a little shopping, sightseeing and bar hopping in Sonora and the winery town of Murphys. Those camping started the day with a great group breakfast in the pavilion. The highlight on Saturday was dinner at the historical City Hotel in Columbia, which is located in a horse-drawn vehicle only area. Although we had a private dining room, DAFers were able to roam back and forth to the bar and occasionally outside. A talented street musician playing outside the hotel was convinced to setup just outside our dining room, where he serenaded us throughout the evening.

Sunday arrived with low IFR weather in Columbia which cleared by early afternoon. Many flew back IFR in order to get into the LA Basin. The VFR pilots had stories to tell.

Many thanks to Larry and Jodie for a really well organized and fun event and to those pilots who didn't give up getting to the destination.

The October 21 dinner meeting's presentation was by Mr. G. Pat Macha, historian, teacher, researcher, and explorer as he spoke on Mysteries Mitigated, stories of missing aircraft in California both on land and off shore. His in-depth look at local aviation wrecks gave insight into how these tragedies led to mandatory safety enhancements in aviation instrumentation and FAA procedures. We also saw how his research into missing aircraft brought closure and peace to the families.

Due to a lot of scheduling conflicts, turnout for our September dinner meeting was the lowest in recent memory. But we still managed to have the meeting and attendees enjoyed a video on the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) presented by Larry Chapman.

Wine Drawing winners were Patti Lagrelius and Craig Narr. The photo shows them holding up their vouchers for their free bottle of wine (somebody forgot to bring the bottles). They are free to redeem their wine by coming to the DAF headquarters building between 6:35 and 6:41AM of the first Monday of the month (three forms of ID will be required).

Thanks to all those who were able to come - your attendance prevented us from having to cancel the meeting.

Twenty-eight DAFers braved the hectic skies over Camarillo for a lunch fly-in at the Waypoint Cafe. The airport was incredibly busy that day (who knew?), and a few DAFers were given the opportunity to fly over (and over and over) Ventura, Point Mugu, Fillmore and points-in-between as they waited for a landing slot.

For those who were able to make it, we were treated to an excellent lunch by the very patient and accommodating staff at the cafe.

This year's DAF Hangar Party was a resounding success, with over one hundred people showing up to kick up their heels. The hangar was tricked out with Pancho's bar, a dance floor, palm trees, and a fleet of balsa airplanes. A potential crisis when the rented grill failed was averted by Curtis Hahn's quick repair work, and Curtis, Larry and Mitch went on to grill up chicken and Santa Maria tri-tip for the crowd.

After dinner, the dancing got started, and went on until the band had to leave at 10. Later, a quieter group was left to contemplate the evening with a few choice beverages out on the ramp.

Many thanks to all the folks that showed up to help set up for the party, then came back afterward to clean up. The Hangar Party Comittee's efforts in planning and making all the arrangements deserve special mention, as well as Al Gibbs, who as usual went above and beyond with his palm trees, the Happy Bottom Riding Club sign, and the fantastic barbed wire enclosure for the photo area.

Once again, the Flaming Brisket Fly-in had a good turnout, with 40 DAFers in 17 aircraft (and one car) arriving at Agua Dulce Airpark for a BBQ brisket lunch. The weather was perfect (for a change), not too hot but clear and sunny, and there was plenty of room at the tables in the shade. There was lots of brisket for everyone, and a large assortment of sides to go with it.

A few people needed a little push to get off the grass parking (Iguess there isn't a water shortae at Agua Dulce), but there were enough volunteers to help them out. THe flight back was smooth, although the tower at Torrance was caught a little bit off guard by the sudden influx out of the corridor.

Good times, good company, good food; what more can you ask for!