L for Lakeview

At Lakeview this year we chose to fly from Black Butte, instead of Sugar because of the landowner issue there. Its really too bad as the geography, prevailing wind make for a fun race back to the town that most pilots can join in with an d get back at a reasonable time, while giving the locals something to see as a number of gliders land at goal in town.

Instead we flew north along Aberts Rim which is indeed spectacular, but landed at Wagontire, back intime to find all but one diner closed.

Nevermind that though, we are there for the flying primarily and Lakeview is generally great to spectacular.

It took a while, but eventually I climbed through the inversion into the strong westerly and topped out about 13k. After missing the first climb, the westerly and higher climb actually caught me back up with Wayne and Tom.

We flew close, but completely different lines along the rim. I went high and deep, Wayne raced along at 10k, Tom took strong climbs and ridge soared. 

The rim from the ground is spectacular too.

This year the geyser was still firing on July 4th. The next day I flew way out front at 14k thinking I had shot some really cool pictures only to find the gopro had been pushed into the ground by a dust devil at launch and turned off. Still, on the flip side, I took first in the spot landing competition. 

lakeview umpteenth free flight festival

This year I was able to get a room at the Hunters hot springs resort, and take the whole family to the july 4th umpteenth free flight festival.

Here we are at Sugar launch, starting point for the famous "Sugar Dash", where one flys back to town as quickly as possible. This year there were problems with the land owner down below launch. This is very unfortunate as without a good landing option the dash contest is dubious.

Unaware of the drama going down in the bailout, I flew back to town, going as quick as I could, but the day was a little soft, and I was slow, I was happy to glide into the Landing zone, where the beer and hot tub awaited :)

Chris came in to goal a little later, as the sky darkened.

He joined us in the mineral spring for a soak. Oh yeah, that takes the aches away.

The next day we flew from Black Cap to avoid potential land owner issues.

We flew north to Aberts rim, where there was a thunderstorm getting going, turned west into the 12 mph wind, and made our way to Paisely (just short) but into this beautiful pasture Gerry picked out. All in all a great three days flying. And fabulous sunsets to boot. The BBQ at the Lakeview Locker was great too!