Houston Memorial Day Contest *** Cancelled

[frank williams]

We've decided to cancel the Houston Memorial Day contest this year due to flooding of the field.  I waited as long as possible, hoping against hope that the reservoir would drain in time for cleanup and a salvage of the contest.  But it's not going to happen.  We got some more rain in the watershed yesterday afternoon that forced them to close the flood gates and drainage is now set back several days.

If you are familiar with the park, the circles were under about three feet of water and the general field area under probably six feet or so.  We're not talking just a flooded flying field, we're talking about many many square miles of six foot deep water, some of it with homes floating in it.  Its been this way since mid April (18th) and until last week you couldn't even get into George Bush Park much less the road to the field.  It's happened before (92) and the circles survived, so we just need to be patient and wait.

Below is a video a local rc'er posted on YouTube.  This was filmed on Wednesday the 11th I think, so its current.  I'm not posting it to solicit donations, just to show the extent of the water for those who know the field.  At 1:30 in the video, the fence along the left side of the screen is the fence along the controlline area.  You can barely make out the front stunt circle under about a foot of water. 

Stay dry my friends. 
Congrats to Orestes and the USA F2B team.

Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7D60U-zZM&feature=youtu.be

[Mark Scarborough]

well thats a bummer Frank,,
but since you dont have anything to do on Memorial day weekend now, just jaunt up to Roseburg for the NW Regionals,, well worth the  trip for sure,,
 

[Bootlegger]

  Frank, of you plan to re schedule  please let us know.

[Steve Fitton]

that should take care of the fire ants.....

[Jim Svitko]

that should take care of the fire ants.....

Over time, I think the fire ants adapt to just about anything.  I would not be surprised to see them build some sort of raft or ark and wait it out.

I used Amdro, the fire ant killer, in the past.  I think it was like feeding them candy after a while.  It is a cat and mouse game.  Stronger poison is developed, then stronger, more resistant ants show up.  It never ends.  I hope the Orthene continues to work since that is what I have had success with.

[Perry Rose]

It's Bush's fault.

[big ron]

that should take care of the fire ants.....

Fire ants float around until the water goes down and then they are really hungry

[Joseph Patterson]

  So sorry to hear about flood damage and the big clean-up yawl will probably be facing!
        Doug

[frank williams]

Mark, thanks for the offer.  I'd like to come to one of your contests sometime.  You guys have some of the best looking stunt ships around, from looking at Flying Lines.

Fire ants do raft up to save the queen.  A flood will clean out the area for a time, but it won't take them long to come back.  I heard at one time there was a "jumping ant" that ate fire ants.  Of course it probably eats small dogs also.

[Steve Fitton]

Mark, thanks for the offer.  I'd like to come to one of your contests sometime.  You guys have some of the best looking stunt ships around, from looking at Flying Lines.

Fire ants do raft up to save the queen.  A flood will clean out the area for a time, but it won't take them long to come back.  I heard at one time there was a "jumping ant" that ate fire ants.  Of course it probably eats small dogs also.

Gene Martine better not go down your way.  His little dog would be easy pickings for the jumping ant!

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Hi Frank, check your PMs...ASAP!
Norm

We've decided to cancel the Houston Memorial Day contest this year due to flooding of the field.  I waited as long as possible, hoping against hope that the reservoir would drain in time for cleanup and a salvage of the contest.  But it's not going to happen.  We got some more rain in the watershed yesterday afternoon that forced them to close the flood gates and drainage is now set back several days.

If you are familiar with the park, the circles were under about three feet of water and the general field area under probably six feet or so.  We're not talking just a flooded flying field, we're talking about many many square miles of six foot deep water, some of it with homes floating in it.  Its been this way since mid April (18th) and until last week you couldn't even get into George Bush Park much less the road to the field.  It's happened before (92) and the circles survived, so we just need to be patient and wait.

Below is a video a local rc'er posted on YouTube.  This was filmed on Wednesday the 11th I think, so its current.  I'm not posting it to solicit donations, just to show the extent of the water for those who know the field.  At 1:30 in the video, the fence along the left side of the screen is the fence along the controlline area.  You can barely make out the front stunt circle under about a foot of water. 

Stay dry my friends. 
Congrats to Orestes and the USA F2B team.

Frank
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA7D60U-zZM&feature=youtu.be

[Norm Faith Jr.]

Hi Frank, did you get my PM?
Norm

[frank williams]

Hi Norm
Thanks very much for the offer of the use of your club's field.  I think we'd better pass on the offer.  It looks like we may reschedule for later in the year or else combine our stunt with the RingMaster Roundup.  We're still considering our options for either October or November.  Thanks again.
Frank

[Norm Faith Jr.]

If you change your mind, the offer is still there.
Norm