New Years Day Fly 2004
 San Diego, California
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The advantage of working in public education is the perk of a long vacation break at Christmas. But it takes the gift of friendship to have someplace fun to run away to during that long break. Thanks Brian. For the third consecutive year, I was able to head to California for sunshine, kites and friendships. The San Diego Kite Club does a fantastic two day event around the New Year celebration. The 31st is a fighter kite competition at Mission Bay State Park (static single line fliers are welcomed to decorate the sky around them) and the 1st is the kite festival at Mariner's Point. It was a grand time once again and the warm memories take some of the edge off the white world I returned to. I owe special thank-yous to Ron Despojado and Susan Shampo for inviting me to the party once again. Other tales from my week in California and Mexico are available on Deb's Journal. Here are the photos from the 12th Annual San Diego Fighter Kite Competition and the New Year's Day Fly.

Brian Champie's flying saucer entertaining the visitors.

Saucer sighting at 100 feet.

"Beam me up, Scottie"

Brian, Al Stroh, and Susan Shampo enjoying the great day.

Prairie kites in San Diego.

Yes, that really is GREEN GRASS that we were flying on!!

Al Stroh, computer guru and really nice guy! Heck of a kite flyer too!!!

John Gabby and Ron & Sandy Gibian

Mary Gabby and her beautiful cellular creation

Gomberg crowns and one blue meanie

Beautiful sunset...but wait, it gets better.

And incase this shot isn't enough...

Red sunset at night, kitefliers delight.

Brian, the master chef, preparing his famous cabbage salad for the pot luck lunch on New Years Day.

Jose Sainz and the kite that beat me at Dayton. Duh, no wonder, it was beautiful before the extra border was added.

"Cool Thunder" flying above the auction activities. Mitch, thanks for giving the kite a good home. You honor me.

"Native North Star" loving the warm weather.

Big Spar's Big Kite. Fantastic!

Dave and Susan Gomberg joined the fun this year. These crowns added lots of ground color.

Dayton award winners sharing the sky.

Flying saucer getting ready for lift off.

Another gorgeous sunset.

Ron Gibian, a very happy me, and Jose Sainz. (Yep, I'm a lucky lady.)

"Thanks Brian for being such a great host again. It was a fantastic week!!!"

"Ron, if you want a kite, all you have to do is ask."

"Al and Susan, thanks for the always warm welcome. See you next year, same time, same place."

skydance@bis.midco.net