Nice Pic

I thought this was a nice picture of the pond and barn behind my house. Nice time of year here in Georgia.

Grateful Dad

Last summer my friend Scott said his father had a sailboat he would like to get out of his yard. I goofed around and never went to get it. 6 months later he called and said that for $66 bucks he would put new tires and bearings on the trailer and bring it to me. How could I say no!

So it began in early September. I wanted to try and restore the boat before winter, but I ran out of time. All of the wood was rotten, and I decided a fresh coat of paint couldn't hurt. I bought a bunch of Mahogany from a local supplier and went to town in my new woodshop. I spent hours sanding and painting on the hull, finding a new respect for people who do this professionally. Of course, it took longer than expected.

Now, the first day of Spring, I am FINISHED! Well, almost, maybe,... I don't think it will ever be perfect, but it is going to sail soon. This weekend I hope.

Sunset - Moonrise

I'm ready for Spring!

I noticed these Crocus(spelling?) yesterday as we worked in the garden getting ready for Spring. So, this morning I put up the tripod and set the picture interval at 5:00 minutes. Makes me happy because for some reason this winter has seemed so long.

I also found this tucked away in my computer. Winter really isn't great for flying so we must amuse and challenge ourselves in different ways. My buddy Ron said a skim over the long puddle wasn't possible, but I felt it was and gave it a try. Glad I didn't splash down cause the temp. was a bit chilly.("Nobody.....calls me chicken....") (Back to the Future...remember?)

Down under-the influence

I helped a friend cut down a tree and found this nice curved branch. After some shaping and sanding, I used my soldering iron to burn some designs on it. A bit of stain then made it darker and I was finished. I don't know if it will fly, may try later. Goodaye-mate.

Escape into the "loony bin"

Yesterday I had a fun flight. I made yet another camera mount and wanted to try it out. The wind was straight in at 10mph or so, and I decided to go down the ridge toward Chattanooga. Just when I had reached the city the weather changed and I lost all lift. Looking for a place to land, I found a huge field across the river at the Mental Health Hospital (loony bin). I made a good landing and was greeted by security. They thought I should be admitted. A fun little adventure to start the week.

There is the hospital.
Talking to the "man".

More pics

Well I made some adjustments and it allowed more scenery to go into the shot. The top one is of the launch ramp at Lookout Mountain Flight Park. The bottom is of my home town, Chattanooga, TN.

Snapshot

I've been experimenting with a new camera mount. I think it is nice but needs some tweeking. Maybe a fisheye lense.

Pigging-out

My wife took these pics. A couple of visitors stopped by to munch on our pecans on Valentine's Day. We didn't mind sharing. They ate for a while and then moved on. I don't know where they came from.

Wood and Glass

I have been blowing glass for about 5 years now. I have no formal training, just a lot of "trial and error". The best part about glass is the endless possibilities. I have only dusted the surface and look forward to unlocking more and better effects.

Last fall I built an addition onto my studio and turned it into a wood-working shop. Over the winter I have accumulated more and more tools to use. I hope to put glass and wood together to make unique and interesting pieces of art. Check out a few of the pieces here.

Looping cause I'm 30

The weather was perfect on my birthday so I decided to go for a flight. I launched off of the mountain first, and then towed back up to about 6,500 ft. I did some nice wingovers and felt like I could take it over the top. I guess it was a little off, maybe 178-179 degrees? Whatever, I'll take it! After landing we had our annual chili cook-off. Cold brew and friends finished the night and made a great birthday to remember.

Hello there?

Hi, my name is Eric Donaldson. I thought I should try to create a blog and here it is. I am an artist with a passion for hang-gliding. Maybe a post or two will be interesting. Thanks.