It was a tough Long Beach this year. The winds blew hard, the rain fell sideways, thunder flashed, and for only the second time in 27 years, the festival was closed down because of dangerous weather conditions. That was Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Fortunately, I arrived on Thursday.

On Thursday, puffy clouds and blue skies made for good flying. Fliers lucky enough to earn parking passes congregated early along Bolstad Street and others parked on the sand and watched the tide inch in.

South of Bolstad, exhibitions, ascensions and competitions filled the schedule. Each day a different kite is featured and each flier earns a pin. Then the judges slect the ten best for special pins and bragging rights.

North of Bolstad, the fields are bigger and the schedule less formal. Lifters and inflatables are the kites of choice and I’m pleased to say that GKPI was very well represented.

Long Beach has strong support from the city and a wealth of long-time volunteers for each of the many programs. On the big kite fields, Serious Kiters were everywhere.

For the most part, these were fliers who knew the fields, knew the conditions and knew their kites. They were serious and experienced. But they were also happy to share their knowledge and help newer kiters.

Evening highlights included a Museum reception to honor the newest inductee into the Kite Hall of Fame, and a dinner/auction on Saturday.

Sunday morning, I spread gear across the hotel parking lot and repacked for the next trip.

Long Beach had enjoyed three good days. As I crunched the last of six bags, the rain started again.

Then Susie and I headed for the Portland Airport. More about that next week!