Because in spite of all the weather uncertainty (the chance of
hurricanes like in 2010), all the logistics uncertainty (you have to arrange for
retrieval), all the retrieval uncertainty (you may land behind a locked gate
early in the morning - although this is less and less likely with more natural
gas exploration), Zapata is the place for really long distance flights (far more
World Records than any other site in the world). It is also the place for closed
circuit World Records (amazingly strong, friendly and consistent conditions).

Gary Osoba is again organizing a World Record Encampment to start June 20th,
2011 in Zapata, Texas. You need to contact him to work out the details. You can
contact him at <wosoba>. He hasn't
told me how much it costs, or how long it will run for this year.

Now be aware. Zapata is not a great place to be on the ground in summer after
noon. It can be quite hot and it does not have low humidity (not being that far
from the Gulf of Mexico). If you don't get in the air on a given day (say the
conditions aren't perfect for a world record flight), then it can be very very
boring. It is not Austin. Bad food, no night (or day) life. Limited internet
access at the RV Park (but easy at the airfield).

If the winds are light on a given day, then there is great flying to be had on
closed circuit courses. Dustin Martin set the World Record for the 100 km
triangle there in 2009. If you give a long distance flight a try, and don't go a
World Record distance, you can still spend the whole day flying (and the whole
night or the next day driving back) for a very long personal best. But, you
might go say 50 or 60 miles and then stop back in Laredo, which has quite a few
amenities, and relieve the boredom. Laredo is only 40 miles from Zapata.

It is an incredible feeling to fly from Zapata and to go for a long distance
flight. Everyone who has gone there and had this opportunity has been completely
thrilled. If you have the opportunity to go to the World Record Encampment for a
week, then you should do so. But be aware that nothing is free. You have to be
prepared to take your chances.

Me, starting June 16th or so I'm waiting in Austin until it looks good in Zapata
and then head down there. There is an RV park and good motels (it is too hot to
camp in a tent) in Zapata.

Contact Gary (see above) and tell him about your interest and what your concerns
are.