GlideStone News

2007 Reflection/Review

2008-01-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

2007 was an amazing year for me in more ways than I can count. I thought turning 40 this year was going to be the beginning of the end and that many of my personal bests were behind me. I could not have been more wrong.

I picked up running as something to do at lunch hours (and a means to losing some more weight). My duration increased, speed increased, and weight fell. I ran my first 5K race on the 4th of July and averaged 7:21/mile. My wife also started running and is getting new personal records almost weekly.

My kids have grown in every way imaginable. Accomplishments in School, Sports, Art, and decision making have made me extremely proud.

Professionally last year was also the best ever. Full of many new challenges and success.

Oh.. and there was some very memorable Hang Gliding for me too. It was great fun reviewing my log book, reliving the excitement and fun. I'm looking forward to the possibilities of more personal best next year. If there is one thing I've learned from turning 40, it's if you try hard, really try hard, your goals can become reality.

Flight Review:
Flights: 25
Total time: 16hours 32 min
Max duration: 3 hours (at Cloud 9)
Max Height: 5,896 AGL (at Cloud 9)
Acquired a new (to me) Harness (Contour) and Glider (U2) and they just happen to match :)
Lost a friend (Chad) and had a potentially dangerous close call during a launch that I don't want to forget.

U2 test flight

2007-11-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

I finally had a small window of opportunity to run out to the training hill with the U2, and I jumped at it. This time of year the sun sets so early I was racing to get set up and up the hill. Lon was with me, helping set up, double checking my work, and making sure I didn't mess up anything. It was my first time setting up the U2 for a flight and I was a little nervous.

I had forgotten how long a hike it is up the hill. The control frame of the U2 is longer (taller) than my Sonic so I had to lift it higher to clear the ground. I'll need to find a better way to do this to keep my arms from getting bruised like they did.

Once on top of the hill it was all to obvious there was only time for one flight as the sun was just off the horizon. Not much wind on top, so I knew there would be little or no wind at the bottom. What wind there was, was blowing straight in so after a few hang checks I gave a 'clear' and started running.

The run didn't seem much faster or longer than what I'm use to with the Sonic. I was lifted off the hill nice and easy. My plan was just to fly straight, find trim, maybe make a slight left and right turn, then land. After letting the bar out, farther than I thought I could, to trim it was obvious I was going to have to make a couple of real turns before landing or fly into the road at the end of the field. I was much higher and not sinking as fast as I'm use to. My turn to the North took a little effort to initiate but nothing at all like the Fusion I flew before. Coming out of the turn was almost effortless (not quite like the Sonic, but close). I was now trying to judge how long to fly to the North before turning West again to land. I was very impressed with how well the glider just kind of stayed up taking it's sweet time coming down. After what seemed like too long (probably less than 10 sec) I turned West into the wind direction (but without the wind). Again, to turn the glider it was heavier than I'm use to, but it was predictable.

Pulling in the nose and leveling out I was impressed with how fast it seemed like I was going. I wasn't sure about how the landing was going to go. I kept letting the lose out, trying to feel when the glider was close to stall. When I got to the point the glider didn't lift me, I bushed out hard with a very nice 3 or 4 step landing. I was very pleased!

Lon helped me pack up the glider in almost pure darkness and drag it back to the van. I'm very excited about flying it off a high site next and getting to know the glider a lot more. When that will be is anyone's guess.

U2

2007-10-04T14:35:00.000-04:00

My harness and helmet just happens to match

I picked up a used U2 last weekend. I had to change a couple things to get it ready to go and I plan to take out to the training hill as soon as possible. Once the U2 checks out, I'll be selling my trusty Sonic.

My test pilot wanted to swing in the harness all afternoon. When I asked if she wanted to go flying, she said, "as long as I don't get any higher than this".

Mossy Mishaps

2007-09-01T13:52:00.000-04:00

Mossy first timers, Doug (PG) and Lon, making it look easy.

Doug F. and I meet Lon and Bob R. at the Mossy Banks LZ around 1. It was very gusty and quite a few strong cycles would come through. No-one was interested in flying in that, so we hung out and talked for a while. 1/2 hour later we notice the clouds were breaking up, the strong cycles were being replaced with dead cycles, and the sun was getting stronger. Time to head up.

After setting up I got into the slot. I wanted to try a more text book style cliff launch and got right up to the edge and waited for a good even cycle to come through before stepping forward. I made a bad move and didn't request any help on my side wires. This became a major problem when a gust came through and grabbed my left wing, spun me to the right, and lifted the back of the wing up. I was at the wings mercy and didn't know if I was going to turtle over the top of the wing, or step off the cliff first. I called out "HELP!" and the guys were right there securing my bleak situation.

After a couple minutes of straighting me out and getting settled down, I got back to the ledge to try it again. I wasn't going to give in to a bad situation. This time I had Doug and Lon on my side wires, and they were used a couple times, before I gave the clear and stepped off. I'm not sure what it looked like, but my launch felt fine and I banked to the right trying to get up. On my return trip to launch I was still below and only finding small pockets of lift.

I made maybe 4 passes on the hill never getting above launch, so I headed out over the LZ in a desperate attempt to find a thermal. About 400 over the LZ, I found a little something to circle in, but it wasn't big enough to stay in and soon found myself setting up to land.

The wind socks were dead so I picked a nice spot to set down and pulled in. I don't think I've ever gone so fast so close to the ground! I found a little sink that pushed me right to the ground while I was really going fast. I ended up dragging my feet, from what I'm told about20-30 feet, on the ground before lifting back up again and getting more upright. Getting more vertical in the harness is good because you can land on your feet if you like. It also allows you to see more of whats in front of you because your head if upright as well. YOu can see things like, oh say, Lon's van right in front of you!! After a small correction I knew I wasn't going to tag the van, but how far was I going to go before flaring, the creek? I kept making small tests by bumping out the bar, and when I didn't get any lift I pushed out hard to land. Problem was I didn't know if my feet could move fast enough to carry this kind of ground speed. Once again, I'm happy to have wheels on my base tube as they were put to motion by my lack of foot speed. The excitement only lasted a few seconds (freak'n PLENTY) and I came to rest next to Lons van on the mowed grass, as if I won a spot landing contest and didn't want to walk a step to break down.

10 mins later, Doug would launch at the right time and get about launch for a good 1/2 hour. Lon had his first flight from Mossy, and also got some brief lift making over launch, then coming in for a no-stepper after a15+ min flight. Bob R. launched his PG and had the sky to himself for a while before top landing.

Lon setting up his no-stepper.

Doug touching down after a 1/2 hour.

It seemed there were lazy cycles that would provide enough lift for about a 1/2 hour. If your timing was right, you'd get a piece of that. If not, you were getting a sled ride, as I demonstrated.

Flights: 1

Time: 12 min.

Alt: 0 (sledder)

Bristol

2007-08-12T22:36:00.000-04:00

There were a lot of pilots down at Bristol today. I only had a couple hours before I had to leave so I got up to launch and met Bob R and Lon who were already set up.

Bob R in the T2

Bob got to fly his T2 for the second time. He had a nice launch but ended up below for the first few minutes. But as always, Bob found some lift and worked it for everything it had to get up over the ridge. He ended up going near the valley to the South West and came back. Bob would have the flight of the day (at least while I was there) with about an hours time.

My wife, Jean, was came along today to enjoye the view from launch. She also took all the pictures today and helped me set up.

Lon's Launch

Lon had a real nice launch and ended up 1500 over in no time. The air was rowdy with there being as much strong sink as strong lift. Lon ended up putting down about 15 min later.

My Launch

I was happy with my launch and also had some good lift right from the start. But after only a few minutes, the strong sink got the better of me and put me in the LZ all too soon.

Nice to see so many friends out today. I wish I could have stayed longer. Doug F. and Oleg showed up as I was leaving hoping for some better conditions as the afternoon went on.

Flights: 1

time: 13min

Alt: 980 ATO

Wx: WSW-SW 10mph. Very Turbulent.

Last Flights at Cloud 9

2007-08-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

The day didn't look like it was going to be great, but we kept hoping. Around 3:30 Lisa, Chris and I decided to give it a shot even though it looked like we might get sledders. Lisa put up the best fight, and got about a 1/2 hour. Chris and I took sled runs, but the air was smooth and sweet. I went for the spot landing and hit just before the circle by about 6 inches, and I stopped just about in the center. Sooo close!

Chris is trying to sell he 2000 Fusion SP and let me take it for a spin. The glider looks like new! He says there's about 70 hours on it, but I would have guessed there was 5. It's in superb condition! Tracy towed me up in the very stable air and dropped me off at about 2600, same as my first tow. Right away I noticed the sink rate was much better than my sonic (2.2 vs 3.5 ft/min down). The turning was going to take some getting use to, but I'm told that's the way it is compared to my Sonic. I was also very impressed with how much area I could cover with it. I can only imagine the opportunities this would open up when seeking the next thermal. When it finally came time to land I focused on flying it to the deck and putting my hands up a little high for the flair. Once low, I would give little pushes out on the tubes until I got to the point where the glider wouldn't climb anymore. Then I pushed out all the way and had a decent flair with a two or three step landing in no wind conditions. Very predictable.

What was really nice, was the flight time difference in the two gliders. Same conditions, same day, almost the same height.... Sonic - 12 min.; Fusion SP: 21 min

Flights: 2 (#1- Sonic; #2 - Fusion SP)

Max Alt: 2650

Wx: 0 wind, overcast and stable

Time: 33min (#1 - 12; #2 - 21)

Another First

2007-08-01T22:21:00.000-04:00

Tracy watching Lisa tow a returning student.
My son flying his small r/c plane at cloud 9. (hmmm is the field big enough?!?!)

Today was very similar to yesterday, 97 and hazy. I launched first followed by Jim and Paul. Lisa dropped me off into some nice steady 200 up which took me to over 4000'. From there I went looking around and found nothing but sink when I saw Paul getting dropped off. Figuring he got dropped off in lift, I headed over to him. By the time I got half way there, Paul was heading right at me, and back to the field. It was clear there wasn't any lift between the two of us, so I turned around too, figuring we were going to land. I looked back at the park to see Jim was setting up for a landing too. I was behind Paul by a hundred yards and about 150 above. Just as Paul was about to enter the LZ area, he hits some nice lift from the farm next door. Within half a turn he's at my height and I turn out of his way so he can continue up. I enter the lift a few seconds behind him and find the same broken lift. We fall in and out of lift for the better part of five minutes but we're going up from around 1200'. We stay with it and work together for what seemed like 20 min or so. The reward.... Cloud Base! Yup.... my first CB! And I must say... it freaked me out.

The lift was breaking up, with some strong little cores, but for the most part the lift was consistent at around 3-400 up. It wasn't until the lift turn to 6-700 up that I realized I was pretty close to the cloud I was under. I pulled in and headed for the edge of the cloud. Problem was, I was still going up, so i pulled in as far as i could not wanting to mess around. I was STILL going up, but only for a few more seconds until I reached the outskirts of the cloud. Letting the bar out again, slowing down, and losing a couple hundred feet felt good.

Paul was to the south of me and heading away, so i figured he was going XC and I would follow. Nope.... ha ha... he's just looking for more lift, turns West and shoots almost out of sight. I can't keep up so I keep my course and start looking for lift on my own. Getting down to 1500 I find some lift over a small village and farm, but I only get to 3500 with it. I head over to the next farm finding 600 down for over a minute and no real lift after that. I find a nicely cut wheat field next to a 'main road' (it means it's not dirt). I try to work the heat coming off the house, but the chicken the guy is cooking on the grill isn't hot enough to help... but boy did it smell good!

I ended up with a very nice landing and walk the glider over to a large shade tree next to the road and break down. The guy cooking the chicken comes over and greats me. The nicest guy you ever want to meet. Keeps me company while i pack up and offers me everything you can think of (help, drive back, directions, beer - but no chicken). My wife picks me up and head back to Cloud 9 for a steak dinner. How freak'n great was that?!?! i love this place!

Flights: 1

Max Alt: 5570 agl

Time: 1 hour 34 min.

Distance: 6 miles

Temp: 97

Wind: less than 5 out of the north

"3 Times"

2007-07-31T22:33:00.000-04:00

Cloud 9 was pretty quiet today, so Lisa decided she would keep me company and do some flying with me. Tracy gave me a great tow again and dropped me off in some nice steady lift. While I was boating around, Lisa came up and soon was working another thermal to the north. When the lift I was in died, I went over to where Lisa was now a few hundred above me and was rewarded with a nice climb.
The lift was fairly light, and I was really trying to focus on finding the core to stay with it as long as possible. We flew around for about an hour. Lisa would take off in her LiteSpeed once in a while and check out the area from time to time. I would stay with what was working as long as possible before looking for other lift. Whenever I would start sinking out, I'd find Lisa turning, and head over to her and sure enough there would be lift.
It was a cloudless day and hot on the ground (low to mid 90's). But it was soooo sweet when we found a thermal south west of the field that took us up to 5000' where it was 68 and nice. It was a new height record for me and i was hoot'n and hollering to myself. It didn't last long though as all i found was sink after that, and Lisa was too far North for me to catch so I started looking for some brown fields in hope of more height.
Reaching a cut wheat field to the West at 2500, I hit and hook at nice one that took me all the way past 5000, past the 1 mile mark to 5896! Bring out the hoot'n and holler'n again! What a great experience! once I can't describe, so I wont bother trying. From here I figured I would try branching out again to the next brown field and was once again rewarded with lift. Hey... lets try this again. I see a little r/c field to the west surrounded with beautiful fields of cut wheat, lets go there.
On the way there I find 500' sink for a while but make the field at around 2000' (which seems REALLY LOW after being over twice as high a few minutes ago). The problem was, I couldn't find any lift once I was there. I start flying the perimeter of the field without any luck. There's a park nearby and when i fly over that I get bounced around a little, but I'm still sinking. I stretch out my pattern a little more and find more sink. I notice the flag in the park for wind direction and pick my LZ. Down to 1200 I start thinking about unzipping and get ready for landing when I get a couple bumps and a beep from my vario. I'm over some telephone lines that seem to be working and I start turning. I'm in and out of broken lift but am averaging 20'/min lift and stick with it. After 10 turns in this stuff I find myself in lift for complete 360's. Then it turns on and I'm averaging 600-800 up all the way to 5600. From there I wanted to see if I could work my way back to Cloud 9 and headed East. I never hit the sink I was in before and never got below 3k again. When I get to the first wheat field that took me to 5k, I find it working again. The lift takes me back up to just over 5500 and I know I've got Cloud 9 made.
I'm starting the feel a little uncomfortable in my neck and back, so I rest my head on the bar for a little while on my way back to the park and it feels great. I can see my wife on the deck when I fly over and we wave to each other. After a little cruising around I set up to try and hit the landing spot. I was really happy with the approach and the closer I got, the better in looked for hitting the bulls eye.... until I hid some sink. I tried to stretch it out a little but there's not much I can do and still land on my feet. I flare as late as I dare, and end up touching down about 5' in frond of the mark with a light run that takes me into the spot. No good, but I'm getting closer.

Flights: 1
Max Alt: 5896
Time: 3 hours (and 8 seconds)
"3 times" I got above a mile up!

Getting better

2007-07-30T22:05:00.000-04:00

We didn't launch until after 4pm today. We kept waiting for clouds to start pop'n, but really never got any. When the barn swallows started taking thermals up out of site, Bernie and I decided it was time to go.
Bernie went first, and I was right after. Tracey was doing the work on the tug today and got us up quickly. When I was waived off, I was in 200' up taking it to around 3k just North of the field. When the lift fizzled out, I saw Bernie working something nice to the South, so I headed over to join him. I'm glad the lift was still working when I got there because I was down to around 1800 when I finally hooked up. It was steady light lift all the way to 3400 and that would be about as high as I would get. Bernie was able to stay at least 500 over me (and managed to top out over 5k once).
Once the lift petered out I went back to the North side of the field and found 300' again, at 1500'. It took a long time, falling in and out of lift, but managed to get back up near 3k before heading back to the South where Bernie was high. Once over the same Southern spot as last time, the lift was back, light, and steady.
It was becoming a nice relaxing pattern until I went back to the North and found nothing but 500 down. It took a while to get out of the sink, and never found any lift again, so I headed in to try and hit the landing spot.
My approach was okay and I though I had a good chance of making it, when I went through some sink leaving me a good 25' short of the mark but with a nice landing.

Flights: 1
Max Alt: 3422
Time: 52 min.

First flight at Cloud 9, MI

2007-07-29T20:17:00.000-04:00

Davis took off first and was planning on doing some XC. I watched him spiral up, not real high, then take off to the West. The clouds were pop’n nicely and the rest of us were eager to fly.
Tracey briefed me about many things, including the tow position they’re looking for. It’s different from what I’m use to so I was focused on that when Lisa towed me up. My tow didn’t last too long as I over corrected, pushing out to meet the rising tug, and popped my first week link at around 500’. Tracey came and got me, tied a new link for me, and got me set up again. Lisa got me a little farther along this time before hitting I nice thermal. I tried to push out and catch up, but it was too late, and I over corrected again, breaking another link somewhere near 1,000’. I got down to around 450 when I started working an area at the south part of the field. My efforts only granted me another few minutes until I was on the ground again. I was getting frustrated and bummed thinking I couldn’t do anything right, and I was going to lose the day. Tracey came and got me again and asked me if I was going up again, or wanted to take a break. I decided if I was ever going to figure this out, I was going to tow again and again until I got it right. I got some feed back from Lisa and took off again, this time focusing on smoothness. I was surprised I never got in the prop wash at times, but I was able to stay on (through some wicked nice thermals) to 2500’ to where I was waved off for a change.
Turning back I found the thermal and managed another 500’ before losing it. The East wind was taking me down wind of the field, so I headed back into it making sure I would be in easy reach. Unfortunately I ended up in a blue hole that had nothing but 500+ sink almost all the way to the ground. I was able to set up for an attempt at the landing bulls eye in an attempt to save a few $ (you can save $10 if you landing completely in the circle). Everything was looking good for hitting the spot, until I hit some more sink about 40’ off the ground ending me with a nice 1 stepper, 20’ from the spot. Oh well, we’ll try again tomorrow.
Davis managed 20 miles on a marginal day…. Someday I hope I can do that!
Cloud 9 is an amazing facility! Pictures don’t do it justice. (um… yeah, that’s why I didn’t take any today).

Flights: 3 (#1- 12 min weak link break 600'; #2- 10 min weak link break 800'; #3- 21 min)
Max Alt: 2982 AGL
Total time : 43 min
Wind: Turblant from the NE

Timing

2007-07-22T22:20:00.000-04:00

All the locals showed up at FLAP today. There were tadems going up in the morning and then those looking for some AT training (like Lon who got his sign-off today!) got up before noon. When a few started to show some promise of lift, the rest of us headed to the South end of the runway.

Bob R. launched and showed some promise, so Marty put me next in line and got me ready to go. Just before I launch though, Bob had landed and that's never a good sign. I figured conditions weren't quite ready yet, but I was hooked up so I'd just give it my best shot.

Chad put me in a nice spot, dropping me off at just over 2000, in 200 up. I was able to take it up to around 2700 or so and boat around for a while. I saw Jamie was up in his tandem working the same lift below me. Bob was getting towed up again at the same time I was having a hard time finding any lift. I slowly sank out landing sortly after Jamie. Rick and Dan were working good lift up high and Bob was circling, so I figured I just got unlucky and I'd give it another shot.

Chad gave me another nice tow and dropped me off in the same spot with the same lift. This time I was able to take it up to around 3500. I notice the clouds to the North were being pushed to the south and I figured if I was going to stay with the lift I would have to move South as well. I knew I wasn't going to take another tow anyway, so I might as well try a littl XC. I very little lift as I was heading South, and by the time I 'crossed the canal' (or XC as they call it) I was down to around 1500. I tried to work some lift over the new Walmart and Lowes on Rt31, but basically only got knocked around and eventually lost the battle. The field I landed in was very nice cut hay complete with a driveway right to where I landed (and a very nice one at that).

I gave Lon a call, and he came right over, picking me up as I was zipping up the glider bag. We loaded up and were back to the Flight Park in no time. After Lon broke down his glider, we headed over to Long Acre Farms for some Ice cream and talk about our flights. It turned out to be a good day as Lon got his AT sign off from Marty, and I got my second XC (cross Canal) flight (whopping 5 miles).

Flights: 2 (#1 – 30 min, #2 – 30 min)
Best Altitude: 3500’ AGL
Wind: Less than 5 out of the North

Lots of people went XC today: Bob to Victor, Dan to Dansville to Canandaigua to within a mile of the flight park, Mark to honeoye, Scott R. to Bloomfield, Linda from honeoye to Dansville. Gliders all over Upstate NY!

Low Rider - Vulture Style

2007-07-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

Looking South to Canandaigua Lake

I called Chad to see if he'd be willing to tow today. Right from the beginning he was eager to go. I told him I'd call around to see if I could get anyone else to come out also. Within 15 min., he calls ME back to say he can be there around 12:30 and to just come out. Here we have a tug pilot that's itch'n to go and can't wait to get in the air.... sounds like HG pilots I know.

I showed up first and set up. Doug A. got out his glider from the barn, and Bob R. showed up a little while later with his Atos. Chad showed up on his Grandfathers 125 enduro with a big smile on his face eager to go. The sky looked great with CU's popp'n all over the place and very little wind at all. Looked like a good recipe for Cloud Base flying!

I took the first tow. It had been a while since my last tow, and it showed. I had some PIO, and poor corrections behind Chad, but he compensated for my bad work. The tow was rowdy, and I was looking forward to some good lift off tow. When Chad waived me off I started turning, looking for the lift we were just in, but found nothing but sink. I made a bee line for another area and found worse sink. Pulled in and headed to another area to find 800-1000' sink all the way to the ground! I almost beat the tug back down. I was soooo bumbed! I think the flight lasted 15 min, and most of that was on tow. Bob and Doug were wondering why I was down so early, and so was I.

After a few minutes, Doug went up. It looked like he was having a rowdy tow too, but when he got off tow, he managed to stay in a couple thermals. Every time we looked up he was circling, but seemed to be gradually getting lower. After 30-45 min, Doug landed in no wind conditions. Chad and Doug both said that conditions had improved a lot since I went up and though I should give it another shot. Bob went up next and it was pretty clear that when he got off tow, he was going up so I got ready to go again.

By the time I got off tow, Bob was nowhere in sight. I figured he was on the ground because all I could find was 1000-1200' DOWN AGAIN! I wasn't happy! I was beginning to wonder if my wing was attached. How else would the ground be coming at me so quickly?!?! Through 600' I was starting to get ready to a landing approach and the last time I looked at the vario I was below 530. I was really low when the coolest thing happened... black headed Vultures came from every direction and started circling 'below' me right over the high point of the runway. I figured since I was right over the runway, I'd give the birds a shot and if it didn't work out I'd still be okay to land. I ended up circling with the birds for what seemed like 5 min., in zero lift, but at least I had stopped falling. A few minutes later, we all started lifting like one group all stuck in the same spider web. It was a slow climb, but it got me up to over 700' before I lost it. I searched a little north toward the hanger and found some more lift that took me over 1500'. From there I could search around a little and found some good lift nearby that took me over 2500. I would stay between 2500 and 3200 for the next hour.

Chad ready to tow Doug after I get up.

Doug couldn't take it anymore and jumped back in his glider for another flight. He released early to the East of me and in no time was up around 3000'. It was about the same time the lift got good and I found my self climbing past 4000'.

Doug coming up to join me.

The temperature got cool, and I looked up to see the clouds still a good 500' above me. I wasn't able to get any closer for the rest of the flight, but it was great up there!! And who should I find up there flying at me but Bob coming back from a tour of the area.

Bob coming back from who know's where.

We flew around for a little while then he headed North on another tour. It seemed like a good idea, so I decided to venture out a little as well. I worked my way over to the Recycling company, figuring it would be a good place for lift if I got low. I lost about 500' by the time I got there and didn't find much lift (or sink). So I turned back to the flight park and lost another 500 or so. When I got back to the park the lift was getting light and hard to gain much altitude. Bob was scratching for a few turns underneath me and eventually landed on the runway. I boated around for a few more minutes until I had been in the air for about all my neck and shoulders were going to take. I cruised around over the hanger and landed close to the set up area. Doug and Bob were both there to greet me with big smiles.

SWEEEEET DAY!

2 Personal Bests - Height 4170' AGL, Longest flat land flight (almost 2 hours).

Flights: 2 (#1-19 min) (#2-1 hour 58 min.)
Max Alt: 4170' AGL
Wind: L&V

RAF party at Hammondsport

2007-06-30T23:11:00.000-04:00

Moritz had a great idea of putting on a graduation party for this years students at Hammondsport. Lots of people showed up! But no-one was in the air when I got there. It seemed a little strong at times, and people were waiting for more consistent conditions.

I set up, with a few others, and watched Ron L. become the wind dummy. I was a was back of launch so I couldn't see over the edge, so when Ron took off and disappeared over the edge, it took my breath away. He popped back up into view a second or two later and got to the business of scratching. He scratched for at least 15 min. never getting more than a couple hundred over. The others in line to launch just hung out and watched with the rest of us. No-one really wanted to work that hard and stayed put. Ron finally hit a bad cycle and landed down at the Church LZ.

A little while later, Bob R. had to give it a go (he can't go too long without flying... it drives him nuts!). He also had an 'interesting' launch that got my attention, then popped up and put my worries at ease. Bob had a little more success, hooking a couple small thermals and was able to get at least 3-500' up. Good enough for me!

I got to the edge of launch, and after seeing the last two guys, was trying to prep myself for something similar. When the trees in front and around launch filled with motion, I went for it and was rewarded with a nice elevator ride out. I'm not sure I lost any altitude at all.

I was scratching for a while, trying to get up to where Bob was, and it must have looked poor enough that no-one launched after me for a while. Every once in a while I would hook a thermal and get up above 500' but the glory never lasted long. Bob eventually got a good enough cycle to top land. It was around that time that Paul S. came up and joined me for a while. The lift band was tight to the ridge, so we had to work together to share the small ridge. I thought we worked well and stayed together for probably at least an hour. Scott W. and Mark S. came up and joined us a little later. Scott's able to stay up away from the lift band some how, and always seemed to be higher than Paul and I.

There were some pretty dark clouds around, and a couple times, we got a light sprinkle. Right behind the dark clouds were some open sunny skies that we were all hoping would bring some more lift. When the sunny skies arrived, they had nothing for use but tinny bullet thermals that were unusable, and it killed the rest of the lift all together. Everyone on the hill was flushed at the same time, down to the Church LZ.

The wind indicators in the LZ showed there wasn't any real wind. What they didn't show was that conditions were going katabatic and there was a slight breeze following us in. I was a little shocked when I levelled out to find the 'ground' was moving much faster than normal. I flared as hard as I could and I started running as fast as I could. I'm soooooo glad I have wheels on my base bar!!! The wheels did there thing when they touched the ground and prevented what would have been a painful whack for sure! As it was, I'm not sure my nose touched the ground, but it wasn't pretty. Misery loves company, and from what I could see, the other guys had similar experiences, without anything getting too ugly, or broken.

Paul gave us a ride back up to Launch where Moritz had the party in full swing. It was a great way to end the night!

Thanks to Paul for the ride, and Moritz for all the work & cooking!

Flight - 1

Duration - 2 hours 09 min.

Max Alt: 817' AGL

Wind: ~12mph NW

Happy at Hport

2007-06-23T12:43:00.000-04:00

The View North

When Lon and I got to launch, after checking the 'new' LZ, we were greeted by a bunch of pg'rs including Doug and Gary S. Conditions were a little too strong for them, but then looked okay for Mark (flying his new Freedom) and Linda who was up nice and high. Doug said they had been in the air for a couple hours already, and that Dan and Jack got up high and took off to do some XC.
The Church LZ - getting smaller

Lon and I started setting up while Rick B., Tom I., and Scott W. were getting finishing there set ups. By the time Rick and Tom launched it looked like there was a lull in lift and everyone was below 400' over. By the time I was ready to launch, Mark and Linda were still flying around but not as high, and Rick and Tom were still up but only around the 300' range.

Rick Launching

Rick trying to catch up to Mark (in the Freedom)

I took off and was staying around 100' over for a few passes when I caught some good lift, though small. After a few tight turns I made it to around 700+ over in a hurry, then lost it. Scott launched a little while later, when I was back down to around 300 over (most of my flight was around there). The lift turned back of and we both got up to around 1000 over. The only trouble there was that I wasn't able to get any higher (and Scott was). It was fun to fly with Rick, Tom and Scott though it didn't last long. Rick gave me a wide birth and ended up finding some nasty sink the flushed him to land. Tom landed a short time after, then Scott and I had the sky to our selves until Lon joined us.

Scott W. - always seemed to be above me

Lon launched and also worked the ridge for a few passes before finding some nice lift. He must of got 4 or 5 nice 360's and climbed right up, and above me to what looked like 5 or 600 over! We flew around most of the time around the 300 mark, and enjoyed the views of the valley and lake. After 35 min or so, Lon went in and had a very nice landing. Right after he landed another nice cycle came through getting me back up to 1050'. Too bad the cycles were so infrequent because it's so much nicer looking around at 1000 vs 300'.

After a while my neck and arms were getting really tired and for the first time ever, I started feeling nauseous. I was able to change my layout position to a little more head up, and that made an immediate difference, but the feeling never completely left. I guess I'm out of practice and weak. Flying once a month just doesn't cut it! I'll need to start doing my push-ups again at a minimum.

I took my time coming in, flying down the ridge, then over the hospital, then back over to the LZ. The only thing I could think of after unzipping was hoping for enough strength to flair. When the time came it wasn't an issue and the landing worked out just fine.

After packing up the glider I decided to hike up the hill back to launch. I'd never done it before and have always wanted to but never had the time. Rick took Lon up for another flight and I decided it was time for a hike. And a great hike it was! I loved going up the dry gorge and following the dear trails under a full canopy of trees. I'll try to bring a camera next time.

When I got up top, Lon had just launched and joined Moritz and a bunch of PG'rs. I went over and spoke with Mark, Linda and Adam for a few minutes before heading down to pick up Lon (short flight).

A really good day where everyone got there fill.

Flight - 1

Duration -1 hour 50 min

Max height - 1460 above launch

Flapp'n Fun

2007-05-23T21:48:00.000-04:00

I was able to leave work early today (tougher than thermaling a bug fart in February) and meet Joe and Doug A at the flight park. I got there first, took forever to set up, and ended up last on the cart. Marty showed up to tow and we all got in line ready to go.

Joe took off first with a very nice launch. Doug and I watched the tow from the ground and it looked pretty uneventful. Then when Joe got off tow, Doug, Rick (just showed up to help) and I were hoping to see Joe spiral on up. But it looked like he was kind of searching around. It didn't look like he was climbing. My heart sank. I've only caught one thermal before at the flight park and the flight didn't last long. I was hoping for a great day, one with stupid thermal everywhere. Oh well, suck it up. I hadn't even had a tow yet this year. There were more pressing matters to think about and Marty just landed the tug.

Rick hooked me much, checked me out and sent me on my way. I was pretty nervous about the tow and probably ended up staying the cart longer than I needed to, but I wanted to be sure I was going fast enough. As soon as I lifted out of the cart, my nerves settled down. I don't think I did a very good job staying right behind Marty, but I don't think it was horrible either.

Mary dropped me off in a very nice thermal in the SE corner of the airfield. Too bad I was only able to make one turn in it before it completely disappeared. I searched the area a little to no avail. I looked around for Joe to find him a little below me at the NW corner of the field circling. I didn't know if I was going to make it over there with any kind of height, but I figured I start searching in that direction. By the time I near Joe, I was down to 750 and I figured my flight was about done when I felt a little bump, then another. Since I was within reach of the field I figured I'd give a couple turns and see what happens before heading in. After about 3 turns my averager reads 0. After a couple more I get 0.5. I'm falling in and out of lift, but at least I'm climbing. I can see Joe near by circling about 1,000' above. I search the area a little bit and find a place where I don't fall out of lift anymore and stay there until I get back up to 2300'. I'm catching up to Joe but he's still got me beat by a couple hundred.

Doug had launched after me and looked like he was having a similar flight, getting off in a short lived thermal, then looking around for lift. I'm stunned when he starts circling below me at what looks like a couple hundred over. He stays there for what seems like 20 mins to be rewarded with ever increasing altitude.

There was a really cool time when Doug and I were fairly close to each other working the same thermal. He was able to work the area around better (faster) and eventually got above me for a few minutes. Now that I was low man on the totem I was looking up and looking for Joe. Only to find him somewhere over the South end of the runway, WAY up (guessing around 4k). I thought for a split second about trying to go over to where he was, but I didn't want to leave the security of my thermal that kept coming off the West ridge. Unfortunately, the thermal didn't have the same feelings towards me and disappeared for a while. I was searching the area again, this time getting lower and farther away from the flight park, and starting to get a little nervous again when I got a few more bubbles again around 800'. I grabbed onto them, took them up as high as I could (1400) and got back to within easy reach of the flight park.

Doug had landed, not finding enough lift South of the flight park, in the middle of the runway. I was able to stay around the 1200' mark for a few more minutes, then my lift was gone. Once I got down to 800 again, I headed over to the park. I landed a couple minutes later in what seemed like a slight down wind condition. Luckily I was able to run it out without whacking. Joe stayed up for another 20 minutes or so, 'complaining' he couldn't get down and that he had to search for sink. I didn't have that problem :)

I was (am?) very pleased with the flight!! It ended up being almost an hour and I was able to hit multiple thermal and fly with some friends.

Doug Fien dropped by to see how we were doing. If the flight park had towing for PG's, I bet he would have gone!

Flights: 1

Time: 55 min.

Conditions: Light and Variable

Personal Best: Duration and Elevation (2800') at a Flight park

Check It Out at Padgham 2007

2007-04-22T21:36:00.000-04:00

Amazing weather saturated the day for the Check It Out (CIO) program. We had 7 people show up, and two or three that were scheduled didn't make it. Karl and Katrin, Rick, Ron, Karl F., Lon and Henry were all set up when I got there around 12:30. I set up my glide to do a demo flight for the students, while Lon walked his glider out to the hill. Ron had his glider already set up on top.

While Karl F. and Rick spoke to the students I got my stuff together and hiked up the hill with my new (to me) harness. By the time I go to the top of the hill and got ready to go, Karl and Rick (and everyone else there) had everyone running with the gliders on flat ground. Ron, Lon and I thought we'd just go straight out and go for distance, trying to land in the middle of the field, closer to where the students were practicing.

The wind was blowing NNW at around 10mph...very nice! I went first into a very nice cycle which I believe put me above launch. I decided to stay in the lift for a little while, and make a couple gentle turns before heading straight out to the field and set up for a nice no stepper. Ron went next in his U2 and also had a nice flight getting above launch. I could see him playing with his VG so I figured he'd crush me in distance but, for whatever reason, he only beat me by about 20 or 30 feet. He also had a very nice landing. Lon came down shortly after. His flight was just like Ron and I, getting nice lift off launch, hanging around for a while, and making a great landing. I thought it was a very nice show for the students and I could see most of them drool when Ron and Lon were in the air.

After that, the students were doing well enough to have the Eaglets taken over to the training hill. There, if they had a good run, were just high enough to skim across the ground and miss a few steps. To Fly. Ron and Lon took there gliders back to the cars to break down. I had such a good time on the first flight, it was worth the effort to hike back up the hill to do it again. Besides, I wanted to have another go in my harness.

I was able to pick another good cycle at launch. This time I made a couple turns, right over the students below, and came in for a landing closer to the hill.
The ground effect was interesting as it didn't seem to ever let me down. Just when I thought I was going to flare, I was lifted up, so I brought the nose back down and waited. I went to flare again and was lifted again. In the end I just did a full flare, a little high, and floated down gently. Too fun... I had to do it again! Up I go.

Right after I launched on this flight, I was shot up fast in a great thermal.

I was pulling the bar in and still going up when I decided to turn. If I stayed in the turn and did a 360 I would have cleared the hill and probably gotten way up. But if the lift died suddenly, I could have been in some trough with the top of the hill. I wasn't going to risk it, so I turned back around. I stayed in the lift for a quite a few seconds allowing me to make 3 or more short passes in front of the North face. I didn't have my vario (why would you on the training hill) but I figure I got around 40 seconds or more (which is about 50% more than you normally get). The landing was a little weird, having a wing lift during my flare, but it was okay.

By this time some of the students were cruising 3 or 4 feet off the ground going 7 or 8 yards. Excellent stuff! The CIO was rapping up and Karl L, Andrew, and a couple others got there gliders out to take a flight. I watched a couple nice flights while I helped take down the training gliders with Moritz, Ron and Henry. The weather was still great at the end of the day, and I think everyone had a good time at a great CIO. We're lucky to have people in the club that give so much to help others. Specially on a very flying day (and we don't get too many of those around here)! I heard that down at Hport people were getting between 5000 and 8500' over launch!

In the end, I'm very pleased with my new harness. Getting in and out is a breeze, and one in, very comfortable. Next time I hope to spend at least an hour in it to see how it really feels.

Thanks to Lon for taking all the pictures.

Flights: 3
Time: 2 minutes
Wind: NNW-NNE 5-10mph

New (to me) Harness

2007-04-06T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was able to locate a Moyes Contour harness on the web. The guy was really great about answering all my questions and sending me some pictures.

I received the harness on Tuesday and have been hanging around in it as much as possible. I spent an hour hanging in the basement the other night, watching a Flytec DVD. I'm very happy with the way the harness fits. I'm also pleased with the additional room this harness has over my old harness.

I'm looking to us the harness at our "Check It Out" program on the 14th.

We had nice weather last week, 50's and 60's. We're going through a rough 'contrast' this weekend with high temps in the 20's and snow on the ground. Happy Easter everyone, and welcome to Spring.

Mossy Memmories

2007-03-31T09:44:00.000-04:00

Took a half day from work to meet Doug Stoner down at Hport. The flags in Rochester said we had a North wind blowing over 10mph, but the flags the rest of the way down had a very nice NW(I figured it was just lake effect in Rochester). It Looked like a perfect day. When I got up top of HPort, Doug was all set up at the lower launch but there was virtually NO wind at all. He said it had been blowing straight in but had just stopped. I walked to the upper launch to find the wind was coming out of the North, most the time, putting the lower launch in shadow. Jamie and Jack showed up and looked things over. At one point the wind was actually blowing down hill. Hport was definitely NOT the place to fly. We decided to give Mossy a look, knowing that after we got in there, we'd be committed as there wasn't going to be time to get out and head over to the Cliffs.

Linda met us over at the LZ and was convinced we should go back to Hport. It was tough to put up an argument, but we were just there and it was North. When we got to launch the wind had a lot of West (almost 90 degrees cross) in it and not blowing very strong. Very frustrating! Linda was giving us the ole' "I told ya". Oh Well, we're here. Let's wait it out and take our sledders like men.

By the time we were set up the wind was coming around to the North, and hand a few stronger cycles in it. Bob R. showed up in time to see Jamie get ready and into the slot. A brief wait and he shot off the edge, turned to the East and slowly started climbing. I couldn't get into my harness fast enough. Bob gave me a hang check while Linda got behind me. The gust was still good so I launched, holding my wing up high enough to tug on my hang strap. No way do I want go off a cliff not knowing I'm connected! Because of that, my wing dipped when I got in the air, but it was easily corrected and I headed East, also getting some slow lift. By the time I turned back towards launch I was a 150 over, and Jamie looked like he was 6-800 over.

Soon Linda, Jack and Bob came up too. Everyone in the topless gliders seem to stay up around 6-800 over, while Bob and I were hovering around 500. The wind would switch direction every now and then to the ENE, but for the most part it stayed around N-NNE. It was fun trying to keep track of everyone, not just because it's a small ridge, but to see who found a thermal and seeing them work them. Jack had a couple of below launch saves that were really cool to watch. Jamie had some fun doing some over the top wing-overs out over the valley. I played a little with wing-overs but don't think I even got my wings vertical. Even though we weren't able to get very high, the lift was stable enough to be able to play around and not worry about being able to get back up again.

The whole time we were flying, Doug was trying to get his bag filled with air so he could launch. He give try after try to get the bag flying, only to have to stop at the very edge without any luck. Launch was nothing but a pocket of dead air that just wouldn't help Doug at all! It didn't seem fair. Doug had a long hike in, tried for an hour just to launch only to have to hike back out again. Hopefully he'll get some time tomorrow.

After a while the air started to change again and people headed to the LZ. I was starting to get cold and my arms were getting tired but I was having too much fun to quit. Soon it was just Linda and I, and it became my goal to outlast her. Thankfully it didn't last long. About 5 minutes after I set my goal, Linda headed in. As soon as she landed the lift shut off which sent me into the LZ too. I was happy with my landing, though it left me with a walk to the cars.

After we broke down, we headed over to Bin Bin for some food and to give Linda a hard time about the choice of sites. It turned out to be a great day! Good long flights, good people, good food... tough to beat.

Flights: 1
time: 1.5 hours
wind: ~North ~10

Pretty day at Padghams

2007-02-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

It looked like Dansville was going to be a risky call with the wind being a little too west (and could have been a long hike in with 2' of snow), so Lon and I chose Padgham for a little well needed exercise.

Ron L. showed up on the hill a little later while Lon and I set up. He brought his glider, but left it on his truck. The wind was a little cross from the South but not bad.

I waited for a strong cycle to come through and took a few steps. I was picked up so nicely, I was able to turn to the south and gain a little more altitude. I had never been so high above the bushes to the south. As I turned away the ride became one of a roller coaster ride with big lift and big sink. The snow at the bottom of the hill was about 1-1/2' in a few spots... the spots I happen to land in. Breaking news... snow is hard to run in if you have a lazy flare! Is it called a whack if the nose of the glider touches the snow, but not the ground??

Lon had a very nice flight complete with a no-stepper landing. Ron took the video.

The hike up the hill was a tough one! Lon and I both took a long time to get through the snow. When we got to the top the wind had switched around a little more to the South. This time I waited a little while for a more westerly cycle. I was granted a regular, no frills, sledder, and another snowy landing. Lon had another nice flight and landing too.

As we packed up, we watched the snowmobiler's drag their friends around the field on snowboards and sleds. Now...Those guys are crazy!!

Flights: 2
time: 1 min total

3 Me!

2007-02-11T22:06:00.000-05:00

I passed my H3 test today with Brooks. I missed a few answers but Brooks and I talked about it later so I had a better understanding. I'm a very happy guy!

Another step higher.

Trade the Hang Gliders for Ice Boats

2007-01-15T15:39:00.000-05:00

While Jeff OB is in Australia flying 100 mile races in 100 degree (F) heat, we're just counting icicles, not flying at all.

Here's a picture of Lon's van during our ice storm today.

Jeff is doing GREAT! Make sure to check out his blog!!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

I was able to meet Mark, Linda, Bob, Lon, Matt, and my good luck charm Doug S. down at Italy today. When I got there, Linda and Bob were already in the air, Mark and Landed and the PG'rs were getting ready to fly. Lon and I rushed out to set up.

Just about the time Lon and I were ready to go, we saw Linda, Bob, and Matt all sink out and head towards the LZ. The wind had all but died leaving the rest of us on the hill twiddling our thumbs. When a slight breeze came back, Doug launched and gave it a try. After a pass or two it was clear there just wasn't enough to stay up and he headed to the LZ.

Doug found some bad sink along the way that almost had him put down in the creek. Fortunately, he came out of it just in time to clear the trees and set down nicely in the middle of the field.

Lon and I waited a while longer until the wind came back, and it did, though with some East in it. I was able to get a nice launch and head East for a while. I hit a few little bursts of up, but was only able to get about 20' over launch. When I turned around it was obvious I was going down wind because it felt like I was going 40mph (ground speed). I passed launch, turned back and all but stopped. I headed way WAY down to the East where the slope faces that direction a little more thinking it would help. But the hill also gets shorter. So even though I was above the hill, I was below launch by 100'. There was a hawk that came over to me for a bit. I think he thought I would be able to help him spot some lift, but we were both disappointed. I headed back towards launch but quickly realized I wasn't going to make it. The "old" (small) LZ was close by so I set up there and had a very nice landing.

Doug came down, gave me a hand crossing the creek and gave me a ride back up. Thanks Doug!!

It was a short flight, but nice to be out in January in near 50 degree temps.

Flights: 1
Time: 0:15
Wind: SE ~7

Damn Good Day At Dansville!!

2006-12-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

A small group of Lon, Bi-Bob, Bi-Katrin, Mark & Linda showed up before noon and got ready to fly. Bob and Katrin decided to wait to see how the HG's did before setting up, and it was a good thing they did as it turned out to be a little on the strong side.

I launched first and don't remember having an easier time with one. A few steps and I enjoyed an elevator ride that required almost no input. The air was a little rowdy, but the lift prevailed and got me up to 800' over. Linda launched about 5 minutes after me, and Mark a few minutes after that. Lon had a nice launch about 5 or 10 min. after that. By the time Mark and Linda caught up to me, we were around 1500 over. Mark and Linda were able to take the lift higher, and farther behind the ridge. The wind at times was a little stronger than my cruising speed and I was able to fly backwards if I pushed out a little. Mark and Linda seemed to come back to the ridge without any problem, from what seemed like a mile back.

Lon and I hung out for a while on the South part of the ridge. Lon would get to 1000 over and I was lucky enough to stay between 1500 and 2000 for a good portion.

Linda and Mark eventually headed to the Glider port. It looked like they took a nice long trip North before coming in. It was about that time we had some Sailplanes join us on the ridge. This was my first experience flying with them. It was FANTASTIC!! Mainly because most the time, I was above them and I could look right down into there cock pit as they flew underneath. It wasn't at all never racking because they're very steady in there patterns and it was easy to tell where they were going to go. They also did a great job of giving us room if we needed it.

About the time Lon was heading in, I could see Ron L. setting up his Falcon. Lon left the ridge at what looked like 800 over. When he got over the LZ, which took a while to penetrate the head wind, he radioed me to let me know he was 1000 over launch. Then he calls back and says 1100, then 12. He was taking a tour of the valley and called back again with 1400 over launch, a new record for him. By the time he landed he had an hour flight, also a record.

Ron had a nice launch about the time I was getting cold and tired. So I decided to try and make the glider port for my first landing there. The wind had switched slightly from SSW to SW (or maybe even W at times). I started heading over at 1500. By the time I was 1/2 way there I was down to 400 over and I wasn't making any more head way. I was pretty sure I could make the bail out LZ (which is HUGE), but I didn't want to push it and figured it would be safer and easier to make it back to the primary LZ. And it was. I made it back to Launch in no time flew around with Ron a couple minutes, then headed out to the LZ. I was just about to the edge of the field, over a pond, and hid some big sink. Going from 1500 over the LZ down to 500 in just a few seconds. I pulled in and was able to break out of the sink in time to do a couple passes before setting down. Katrin was nice enough to act as a wind sock for me during my approach which helped a lot. My flight lasted 1 hour 35 min.

Ron K, Ed, and Doug S. showed up and gave Lon and I a ride back up to get our vans. THANKS GUYS!! The sailplanes were still in the air when Ron launched. I was able to get a few pictures of them, but nothing else. I tried to take some pictures during the flight but had a programming issue (needed to set the time) and I didn't figure it out until after I got on the ground. Major bummer as I had tons of opportunities to get pictures of the sailplanes and friends up close.

Thanks for the great time guys! Definitely a memorable day!

Ellenville Sledder

2006-11-26T21:13:00.000-05:00

I was visiting family down in NJ for Thanksgiving and had the day free on Friday to go flying. Alex, who lives in the same town in NJ, and I hooked up in the morning and we headed up to Ellenville from what looked like a good day. I was able to check email and found out Linda was coming down from Rochester to Ellenville also, which works our great for me as I needed an Observer in order to fly there. When we arrived two hours later, I checked out the huge LZ, met Tony, signed the wavers, and headed up top. We noticed the wind to be out of the North in the LZ and no-one was in the air, so it didn't look like ideal conditions. When we got up top, Linda and a bunch of other pilots were setting up. The wind sock was hang'n low, and the little wind there was, was very cross. Everyone was hoping the wind would come around so we waited...

A couple people launched and the rest of us had our hopes of extended flight, squashed while watching their almost direct sled rides to the LZ. As the rest of us waited around Linda's dog Misha found some fun with one of the locals... a very prickly local. I had never seen a porcupine in the wild before (can't say that now). I think both animals will be fine, but not without going through some healing first. Linda had to go find a Vet, and a way to get rid of a little extra money she had laying around.
When Linda came back we jumped in our harnesses and took our sled rides. It's been a long time since I've run that far on launch, but it worked out fine. The flight was very smooth and scenic with a good landing very close to the flag.

Linda came down a short while later.

It was nice to talk with everyone at launch and the LZ while breaking down. It was a long trip (not 1/2 as long as Linda's) for a sledder, but a great day to be outside with friends.

Another nice day at the Training Hill

2006-11-18T21:57:00.000-05:00

Doug Fien and I met out at Pagham for a little exercise this afternoon. The winds were light, starting from the WSW and ended at NW, at less then 5 mph most the time. You know the winds are light when a PG'r has to run to get off launch.

Every once in a while, a little puff would come alone and extend the sledder. My best flight was when I had almost two complete passes without any sink (I may have even climbed a little at one point). I really believe the hill is soarable with the right conditions (WNW and steady 12mph should do it), and someday I'll do it!

Doug had one more flight than me, five, with some success at trying his new speed bar and meeting landing goals.

Hard to beat a day of flying with friends, even if it's at the training hill.