Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit, the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership, cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft for various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and the provision of significant emergency services, such as aerial search for accidents. CAP was conceived in the 1930s and created in December 1941. During World War II, CAP was a way for civilian aviation to aid the war effort instead of grounding them. CAP took on many missions, including anti-submarine patrol, border patrol, and courier services. On this date in 1948, Congress passed Public Law 80-557 making CAP an auxiliary of USAF, and dedicating CAP to civilian missions. I'm a pilot, but not a CAP volunteer. I have a lot of respect for those volunteers, who fly both routine and risky missions to support civil society in ways that otherwise would consume many more public resources. Credit: https://w.wiki/8odd Poster: Robert T. McCall, 1955, Public Domain https://w.wiki/PRB2 Today I climbed Mount Hamilton for the first time. Thanks to the Santa Cruz County Cycling Club for organizing the group ride. It would have been hard for me to plan this ride without the club's support. I really enjoyed the ride! It was hard, but I enjoyed the views and the accomplishment! The temperature was comfortable at the start, with sun peeking through broken clouds. The climb up to the Lick gate was hard. But the descent was harder: Some tight corners that were required some technique, and so cold I wasn't sure my brain was working well enough to get that technique right. I'm glad I brought an extra layer, including my warmest long riding pants. I put the layer on at the top, but I didn't hink to bring a buff or something to protect my neck and head from the cold. I was glad when we got down to where it was a little warmer, and a little more sun. Plus the two little climbs on the way down warmed us back up. I don't usually like to drive out to club rides, not even to Gazos Creek. But this was an event for me, so I didn't mind the drive at all!