The Borrego Valley VMG Fly-in 2012

Thanks to Carl Swepston for hosting this fly-in.  2012 started off with a great fly-in as was expressed by those who were there.  The airport is rather desolate looking, surrounded by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in southern California.

The members' interest was great with 27 Mooneys registered.  A few were held back due to the Santa Ana winds gusting above 30 knots in some areas of the LA Basin.  There were at least three drive-ins as well.

Carl was on the ramp to greet the arrivals.  He explained the lunch choice of Chicken Assaggio Lasagna, Linguini Vegetable, Fettuccini, or Chicken Parmigiana.  He collected the orders and alerted the restaurant staff to streamline lunch.

Old friends got to see each other and new people made new friends.  They kicked some tires and two Mooniacs discussed some minor mods they had made to their respective Mooneys. One was a mod to the cowl flaps to cool the engine more effectively and the other was a mod to the oil cooler opening on the front of the Mooney.

The lunch venue was a dark brown building with mirrored windows adjacent to parking.  Outdoor steps led to a sundeck above.  This gave people an unrestricted view of the runway and the surrounding desert landscape.  Folks gathered on the sundeck and watched as Mooneys arrived. The majestic views of the surrounding mountains was a beautiful backdrop to the wonderful interaction among Mooney owners.

Once inside however, the spirit of the Assaggio Ristorante Italiano came to life with huge hand painted murals on many walls.  We were seated at 3 long tables for 12 and additional tables for 4.  There were about 50 of us.  Good food and good conversations were enjoyed at those tables and we were inside for well over an hour.

'Ding, ding, ding' from the side of the room got our attention as Carl tapped on his water glass.  He thanked all of us for participating. He mentioned that these fly-ins are made possible because VMG Members step up and volunteer to host a fly-in.  Anyone can contact info@vintagemooneygroup.com to make their intentions known.  He then asked us to introduce ourselves to the group.

Dave Marten stood up and not only introduced himself and his family.  He then talked about Formation Flying Clinics that he's involved with for use with the Caravans at Oshkosh, etc.  For safety reasons, the caravan leaders are adopting practices that have been developed by the Bonanza caravan group.  Dave also said he would consider hosting a future VMG fly-in at Mojave airport (KMHV).

The rest of us introduced ourselves as we went around the room.  It was as much fun to see the fresh new faces at their first VMG fly-in as it was to sit with friends that we have met through the VMG over the years.

After we left the restaurant, some departed right away, some taxied for $5.25 fuel, and some engaged in more Mooney talk.  New friendships were born that day.  The Vintage Mooney Group is about the Mooneys, the flying, and especially about the people.

Submitted by Ed Shreffler
Photography by Bruce & Cathy Smith, Hugh Dietz, Joe Aldendifer, and Ed Shreffler