Rocket Man

The key is to bring kids. Kids who are old enough to run long distances across wide fields and find their way back. Young enough not to care about being cool, but mature enough to know when to duck and cover when there is a launchpad mishap...

It is a complete act, made better with cold beer and attention to detail. It is self expression. It is visceral anticipation. It is the act of launching a small piece of your soul into the endless blue sky.

It is, of course, model rocketry, and I'm getting the urge.

It's been several years since I last launched a souped-up wrapping paper tube into space, but I still have all of the gear. I have nose cones and parachutes. I have balsa sheets and model paint. The X-Acto knives are still sharp, and the launch pad remains sturdy.

Tail fins, nose fins, and high-pressure low-grade dry fuel engines. Sizes B and C for the stubby ones or the skinny ones. D and E for the long girthy monsters...

I have a taste for it.

Sometimes, I hanker for scaled rail road. Sometimes, I am lured to sea by RC sail craft. This summer, though, I think may return to orbit...

The craft table is large, and the beer is cold. Just sayin...