Pope Valley Report

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Thanks to Jude Potter, who took time to recap our recent trip to Pope Valley:

MDPA joined with EAA on a warm sunny Saturday for a flight over Napa Valley's beautiful terrain to Pope Valley. It was good to see Pap and Lois Phelps who came in their Mooney flown by son John. Stu and Joyce Bowers joined the event before leaving to celebrate their son's graduation in Utah. Richard and Pat Rihn took a welcomed break from consolidating three places to one - two homes and an office. John and Jude Potter enjoyed the airtime with George Ann Garms. Bob Belshe piloted Ken Mattson who flew P-38s in WWII. Dave Evans brought Bill Seemans and his niece and nephew (from Fiji! John Potter tried to talk to them in Spanish, OOPS!) who in Bill's words have made his life the happiest since 1988. Dave and Mary Ovenden arrived with Dave sporting his 'fly Africa' shirt. Harvard Holms, EAA chapter president, with wife Sara, and Guy Jones, EAA VP, shared a story on jet altered light aircraft now in development.

After we landed on the private runway in the middle of the vineyard, Norm Alumbaugh taxied guests to the Eagle and Rose winery where he and wife Evonne welcomed the group into the tasting room and caves. A hot afternoon drew the bouquet of juices out of the grape crush as well as bees - many pesky bees. Snuggled safely out of reach in the cool corner of a tunnel, everyone gathered around four tables to share potluck and bar-b-que; the grill was covered with chicken, steaks, salmon and lasagna. We entertained ourselves with 'full-bodied' pilot adventures and enjoyed (non-pilot sampling) several of their award winning wines.

Appreciation was up and sale prices were down - tempting a few people to load cases of wine for the return trip home - but everyone lifted off in high spirits. Thank you, John.