While it could well have been the same Bruce Gale, all the OT FF guys I know have already passed on, so I'm having a tough time thinking of who to ask about "Bruce Gale and his Bush Piloting" and such. It happens that I've fished at Swofford Pond. We made one lap in my canoe, caught one bass about 12" long, and left!
I only recall a 2nd hand story about Bruce building a new 1/2a gas model (SIG kit, high thrustline, can't recall the name right now). Test flying out at HLP, started the engine and launched, without starting the timers, and the new plane flew perfectly, straight up and out of sight. Likely never seen again, except maybe by US Army troops or a lumberjack.
My Ramrod 600 went from HLP to the end of the runway at Thun Field. Some pilot saw it, went out and got it, and brought it into the office, where Bruce Thun was awed by its beauty. I'm kidding about that last bit. I was 17 when I built it and it wasn't very lovely! But I talked to Bruce Thun maybe 5 years ago, as he was getting ready to retire. He still remembered that Ramrod being brought into the office/home.
Steve