LUNAR’clips 2003                        Volume 10, Number 6

Copyright © 2003 by LUNAR, All rights reserved.

Flying at Snow Ranch

Over Thanksgiving, I talked with my dad about launching at the ranch. He thinks it is a great idea with the following provisions.

1. We can only use it when there is no fire danger. Than means about November through May, depending on the weather. As soon as the grass dries out, the launches end. What this means is that May is not a sure thing.
2. The only other thing that might stop a launch would be if he is working cattle in that area of the launch. Working out dates ahead of time should prevent this from being a problem.
3. He wants everyone out there to sign a paper indemnifying the ranch from any lawsuits in case they get hurt. He is not charging the club for the use of the land and does not want to risk the ranch's finances if someone steps in a gopher hole and breaks a leg. We would need to make sure our insurance would cover those liabilities as well as damage by rockets.
4. Both of us think that a large group camping out on the ranch for a two-day event is not a good idea. There are no camping facilities at the ranch. A small group would probably be ok (say 10 cars) with prior approval. There are camping facilities within about a 15-minute drive from the ranch. For example, Woodward reservoir ( http://www.fishsniffer.com/maps/woodward.html). Stockton is 30 miles away and Oakdale is 16 miles away.
5. Individuals who want to come out and launch on non-regular launch days would be OK. They would just need to call ahead of time to make sure the pasture was not in use that day. They would also need their own equipment.

Basically, as long as our activities do not put the ranch or its finances at risk, they are OK. Remember, this is a working ranch; the land and animals are its livelihood.

Most of the ranch is in Stanislaus County with a small part in Calaveras County. While we will likely be launching in Stanislaus County, we should probably contact the Calaveras fire marshal as well.

If you want to see some pictures, go to http://www.orvisranch.com and check out the history page. There is also a map and contact information on that page.

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