AeroPAC's MudRoc 2004 launch meet, June 18-20, 2004

A rocket (the same one as the previous two pictures) descends under parachute.


A rocket (the same one as the previous three pictures) descends under parachute.


A rocket (the same one as the previous four pictures) descends under parachute.


Erik Ebert has an interesting quote on his t-shirt.


Paul Sutchek is doing his turn as Range Safety Officer, and inspecting a rocket.


A large rocket launches from one of the away pads.


A large rocket (same one as the previous frame) launches from one of the away pads.


Three seconds later the large rocket is out of sight. It was a straight climbout - but look how much the little bits of wind shear at different altitudes can tear up the contrail.


The large rocket's motor has finished burning. It continues coasting upward at this point. But it's much harder to see now.


The wind is picking up in the afternoon. And these people at the east end of the flight line have a wind sock which can prove it.


If you arrive in the afternoon, it may be too hot to do more than put up some shade. The rest can wait a while.


Many people put their rockets on display at their camp site like this. It starts conversations and gives people a lot to look at as they walk up and down the flight line.


This camp site is under construction at what is currently the far east end of the flight line. But as others arrive, the line will continue to grow on both ends.


This is my camp site. I didn't put up much because it would only be a short visit this time. But it was good to have a place where I could take a nap.


RVs work well at Black Rock because it's as flat as a highway. And then you have more than just a camp site.


At the center of the launch site, you have camps on the south side and the rope line barrier & PA system speakers on the right.


Lots of tents. Lots of rockets. We must be at Black Rock.


RVs park in a 2nd and 3rd row behind the camp sites on the flight line.


Yes, some people even fly here. Make sure to read your briefing and avoid times that the airspace is closed for the launches. If you're coming to a launch that is in progress, land away to the south and taxi up to the flight line, as this pilot did.


John Coker's RV.


Mercury Joe stars in his video's second season.


The Clay Brothers' workshop - here are many projects of Jamie and Peter Clay.


One of the video cameras which will capture in-flight video for Mercury Joe.


Jamie Clay readies a video camera assembly for flight.


Erik Ebert sets out some of his tools.


The Launch Control Officer calls "heads up" over the PA system speakers as a rocket descends under parachute behind the flight line.


Gabe Bilek at his camp site.


Dale Schornack smiles for the camera. We know each other from JP Aerospace, and also got our Level 2 high-power rocketry certifications on the same day a year and a half earlier.

Dale is from Sacramento - I hear that he's pretty well-known in the area. Though it was interesting that he was calling me a celebrity this time (after Stratofox's recovery of the CSXT/GoFast space rocket 5 weeks earlier, also at Black Rock.)


An impressive collection of rockets... One of them looks suspicously like it's about to be painted like a crayon.


Several people have taken the tops of their canopies due to the wind. But the flag stays up as long as possible.


In the hot afternoon sun, if you're not prepping a rocket for flight, it's common to sit in the shade and talk.


More rockets on display at this camp...


These dual canopies make enough shade for a whole family.


At the far west end of the flight line, these people brought a trailer for their camp.


A car stops and waits while a windsurfer crosses its path.


You can see from the flags that the wind is blowing. So no one is launching any rockets right now.


As soon as the wind calms down, the launches resume.


All the vendors at the launch are appreciated... whether they're selling rocket parts or food. They help make an event this large happen.


And of course the Pizza Shack guys brought rockets too.


The launch pads are quiet at sunset. The airspace waiver (closure) for our launches has ended for the day, until the night launch starts with a separate waiver.