The course was about 145km. We went up to Lakeview, struggled for a climb on Hill2s with probably 12 pilots in one thermal. Then across the pass toward the Plush-cutoff road. And on upto Plush. This is Plush looking north-east toward Hart mountain antelope refuge.
From Plush we were to head north parallel to Aberts rim. This is after a good climb looking south at Hart mountain.
Looking NE from the same spot, Wagontire is up there somewhere. This stage of the course became fast and relatively easy.
Arriving at goal much to high. At least I was not the only one to do this.
Looking southwest from goal at Aberts lake.
Goal I came in 4th for the day.
The beautiful drive home along Aberts rim.
Day 3 was cancelled due to strong winds at launch. It was launch-able but only for the bold.Task setting was challenging today due to those winds. There are a few cliffs and canyon that would be tricky to land near. The eventual task kept us in the Lakeview valley, which was a smart move for the wind and retrieve time with the late start. However as soon as a few pilots landed to day was cancelled. The wind was probably gusting to 35+mph at times.
Camp bubblehead.
Pilots meeting.
Day1. Launch Sugar 8km Start circle. Lodge, Ennis, Hunter. 145km Task. Everyone enjoyed it :)
Next was off to Peavine, a small peak north of Boomtown. Dad was flying without o2, so got lower on the crossing. He head trouble getting up on Peavine and ended up landing a mile west of the peak at 7200msl! We are thinking maybe some hypoxia involved with this choice. It took 5 hours to retrieve him. I circled down and took a waypoint, then went back to the peak to get enough altitude to cross to Redrock. On the way across I got a screamer that took me from 8k to close to 18k in 10 minutes. The smooth thermal let me pass the coordinates to Mum who was driving for us. I decided to chase Bruce and Steve since I had such a jump.
You could see Pyramid lake to the east with the volcano in the middle, and the Peterson range way below.
When I got to Mt Adams, I heard Mum had a flat tyre near Redrocks, so I decided to turn around and go help out. It was 20 miles back. Steve decided to do that too. It was an easy run. We started at 12.5k and arrived at 12.5k with very little circling.
Trying to land from 12.5k in 500ft/min up was a challenge. In the meantime a fireman had helped Mum change the tire and we were able to choose a nice LZ that I would pound in to downwind taking out both downtubes and a corner braket. Never even touched the nose.
Saturday was one point / mile out & 2 points / mile back with 10 points for making it to Mary's Field. With the forecast for south winds at 5mph, I set myself a huge out and return to Red Bluff. I didn't expect to make it back but was hoping to fly along I5 to Willows and the Hoodoo Hills. I turned at this wierd little airstrip, into the south wind that had been increasing during the day. It was now about 20mph and even with 3 climbs I only made it 3.9 miles back into wind.
Scott made a better decision and flew south first to Goat I think? 15 miles south. Smart move, in terms of stratagy he should have beaten me but it turned out I flew 1/3 mile more, very close...
On Sunday, a really fun task was called. It seemed that one good climb at Launch and and the 11 mile upwind turn, and 5 mile downwind should have been a no-brainer. However there was a lid on the lift at 8k. Hmm different game... Plus there was a timed finish - on the hour. I got to the turn point after a bouyant but nerve racking deep mountain crossing at 6k. I had an LZ on glide but there was strong sink around.
Once I made the Gilmore turn point the valley turned on, it was easy to stay up. Above looking back at Mary's LZ (goal). Easy glide but now to arrive there at 4pm on the nose. Scott was flying right next to me, and Bruce was over the field at 6k too.
At 3:45 I went half way toward goal and joined Scott. Everywhere seemed to be going up. At 3:50pm I streaked across the sky and joined Bruce, Scott on my tail. I was too high and everywhere was lifting. Insane spiralling ensued. I hope someone got video of that.
Bruce below, taking pictures didn't help me get down - but it had to be done. It was hard to hold the camera straight with the G forces.
Bruce nailed the landing a mere 15 seconds before the clock. Then a boomer broke off! Stuffing the camera away I was climbing in a wingover. It was an exciting approach, I am glad it was entertaining and that it worked out ! I think I was 1minute15 over.
At the award ceremony Mary, was quite pleased to receive a didtal photo frame with pictures of the area from the air.
Everything worked out great, and I know that doesn't happen by chance. A huge thank you to the Sonoma Wings club. Leo for pulling it together in style - he also created the artwork pictured at the top. Ernie for the great BBQ and giving rides up the hill, Donna, Linda and Especially Sarah who I've worked hard this year! Thanks Sarah.
Results here
Checks Ryan's Blog for a great write up and pictures also.
Sheena has heard me talk of Hang gliding for the best part of 12 years. Now it was time to try it.
We flew off Mission peak above Feemont. It was a poor day for flying, we could hardly see across the bay and the lift was allusive and broken. Launch was easy, and flying is flying. We did turn a few circles and climb 600feet before coming back in for a landing. It was a good sample of flying like a bird, Of course I always want more :)
Saturday was a great day to go out kayaking from Santa Cruz. Here is seal rock just by Steamers lane, the famous surfers point and lighthouse museum.
