Muscoda WI - April 20, 21 and 22 (Page Three)

In Wisconsin, it's very right to say "Wait 5 minutes and the weather will change" because it does and it will again. We had deliberately set this hover-in date one year and one month later than the Windy Cruise in March of 2000 (see Hoverins2000) to hopefully be free of the windy springs Wisconsin is known for--IN MARCH! Well, this is April and Saturday proved to be almost a repeat rendition.

However, for those of us who had experienced March's hover-in in 2000, we could relate to the rest of the nightmarish waves of 2 and 3 foot in height, and since we barely now were experiencing white caps and maybe 1 foot buffets, the ordeal didn't seem so bad.

Verdon and Vernon brave the elements and put their StarCruisers thru their paces, and it isn't long before most everyone present have their crafts in the water for at least a couple short cruises. I was out a few times in the Pl (couldn't stay on shore, you know how it is?) and there were actually a few times I felt the wind kind of lift the craft when I was doing about 35 to 40, so I slowed down. It was fun tho, determining what lift was best with what thrust speed.....I always encourage everyone get some experience in wind hovering, just as in ice hovering, too! These are two different elements a hovercrafer doesn't usually face, and if you want to really feel in control, put these experiences under your belt for future use.

In this pic, crowds are gathering around Mike Jacobson's reconstructed UH13. Carrying a beautiful paint job, his craft is flanked here by Ray Mathews' Prowler and Ben Tilson's SC25s. And in the next shot Vernon Weber heads into shore in the background, with John Lynch's SCAT 2 and Vince Dobeck's UH10.

I believe Stephanie told me that her brother John (Lynch) above sports a 277 Rotax in his SCAT while dad, Mike, carries a 453 Cayuna in his SCAT 2.

I think this picture says it all!! FUN, FUN, AND MORE FUN! If you are truly into hovercrafting, you don't come to the spring hover-ins expecting to stay dry! These guys just put their SCATs thru so many paces, it was fantastic. Like little bumblebees chasing each other thru the waves. Nothing seemed to phase them. Good showmanship Mike and John!

Truly it's a lot of body english.....I heard this said a few times every day at this hover-in. Wind can do some crazy things with a hovercraft, not the least of which is send you where you don't really want to go! But Dave LaCombe has his body english well finessed.....

As the general public drew closer to these windy machines, pilots were seen taking many out for a short cruise. And it seems that no matter how wet and windy it got, the passengers came back with this big grin that just couldn't and wouldn't fade away! Verdon and Vernon giving rides above.

John Lynch is purchasing this SCAT 2 from his dad. And Mike agrees that John appreciates the craft much more by purchasing it himself. He's proud of John and looking forward to the date he hands over the paid off receipt.

Every one in the hoverlovers yahoo group has heard about Peter Gungel and his UH6 challenge. Peter, father Glenn and mom Laurie brought the beautiful craft to our hoverin. I was so pleased to get a close up of this spectacular hovercraft.

Dennis Alm made us all laugh when he asked Peter where he got the giant popsicle sticks (see the duct). They actually were sanded and made from beautiful clear pine. Dave LaCombe gives the craft a very good close up as we all know Dave for his beautiful detailed work he does on his crafts.

You are never too young for your first hover ride (first photo) and Peter Gungel gets ready for his 1st StarCruiser ride (2nd photo)!

Ahhhh??????........Bill Zang (Universal Hovercrafts) flying the Pink Lady???

Well the weekend seems to be a great success now, and there's more! Turn to Page 4!