April Fool

I spent a couple hours late Wednesday looking for wind that would work. This is what I found. And an extra video also just below.

I promised video from Kiona Spring Lift - here it is:

Flying in Google Earth

You can fly your flights and those of your friends with a great perspective view in Google Earth. - You may have already figured it out but I just did so I figure some others could use a leg-up.

Great lead from Mike Bomstad: IGC FLIGHT REPLAY @ http://ywtw.de/igcsimen.html -real cool and easy to run!

Try it you will like it.

Thursday - Spring Lift

After a meeting in Sunnyside I was half way to Kiona and the winds were predicted to move from overpowering to light through the day. Where would they be on arrival?
2:30 was just about right - nice easy launch and then spring thermal joy in 500fpm smoothys to almost 4K.
Rick and Curt came and flew a bit. I got 4 or 5 flights and some video that will show up later this weekend.
Where is My New Wing!!!!! - Come on Bruce fly it and send it!
Dave (limits?)

Warm Up

Double Click Image Above.

Monday was a good warm up for summer XC planning through execution. Initial look at XCSkies indicated that good lift (3500ft agl-tul - the red line above) along with a tailwind, would present itself over the SW to NE XC route from Eagle. Eagle wind speeds would likely exceed launch parameters mid day when lift was maximum for the XC route so I planned to launch early work ridge and wait for thermals.

Not a bad plan and it was great to watch the day work toward goal but a long XC will have to wait for later in the season.

As the top of usable lift increased over the morning - each successive ride to the top was higher by 4-500 feet but the winds also increased making it harder and harder to penetrate back into lift or to the ridge when I lost the thermals. After about 2 hours of work I dropped out the back in a laps in attention and it was all over. I couldn't make it back to the ridge and had to top land on the plateau. The nice thing about Eagle is that the plateau is big, flat and rotor free.
It was a good warm up to work through weather, route, strategy, tactics and execution.

Lessons learned - Focus Focus Focus.

Last of Winter - First of Spring

The Last Day of Winter and the First Day of Spring both gave up marvelous flights.


Yesterday Rick (Doc) Shallman, Curt Boschek and I spent the better part of 4 hours soaring, skimming, kiting, thermaling and even a little hiking at Eagle Butte in S.W. Richland. The wind was just right and valley heat gave us lots of texture to play with. Great way to finish the winter flying season. Unfortunately I left my GPS on the kitchen table so no LEO tracks for my 5 flights, 20min, 30min, 1:12, 56min, 15 min.

Friday afternoons Bob Bunger can fly so we met at the Bump LZ at noon for a sledder or two. On top we were thrilled to find cycles and very launchable conditions. Bob left first as I screwed around with my wing including letting it fall on my head - good thing no one was watching: lol. I looked up and Bob was 400 over launch and laughing. The bump sometimes gives up ridge flights but thermals rides are rare because we don't really like low level thermals and Baldy is so much safer, but today it was Bob's.

Just as I launched Bob said he thought it was dropping off and was heading for the LZ - Truth was it was likely the back flow of a major cycle and I launched right into it. I was 600 over launch before Bob was half way to the LZ.
Back and forth and up and down a real rodeo ride. At one point I was about 300 ft over the top of an invisible dusty that kicked me with the news that YOUR GOING THIS WAY! a quick 360 up and back kept my wing over my head but it was quite a ride.

After about an hour I was finally able to get my radio out of my pocket to talk with Bob who had returned to launch. He said it looked to be more fun than he was interested in and informed me that the afternoon forecast called for SW @ 15-20. - That was enough for me and out I went for nice but active LZ landing. 30 minutes after landing the winds really kicked off and were better than 20 gust to 25.

Lessons learned: Don't launch with your keys and radio in the same pocket.
Always have the weather forecast figured even if your just going for a sledder.
Spring has Sprung.
Preacher

Great little Valle De Bravo Video

Enjoyed this one:
Paragliding worlds 2009 Mexico from broers philippe on Vimeo.

Wind and Wing

Winds are on in a big way over here. 35mph - The house is shaking so I guess we won't be flying today! Hopefully the Big Snake will arrive this week and by Friday the winds will die in her honor. - Look for my new colors: Cobra XL, Orange White and Red - Airwaves Fire Pattern.

Pick Your Pleasure

Saturday was a classic nice spring day between fronts. Saddle projections looked almost perfect for a XC thermic day but my begging, cajoling and pleading reaped no takers. Next pick on the list of sites was Tiger so 9:00a.m. found me on the road up over Manashtash looking East at developing cu and wishing someone had said yes. As it turned out weather reports from Saddle and environs proved out with light N winds till 12:00 then switch to South. Temps in the mid 40's with cu and blue sky. Was it the better call - we will never know. So goes flying in the spring.
The 12:30 Tiger shuttle was full and it was great to see Mike although his tree avoidance radar seemed in need of adjustment. On launch Stefan and Steve launched after the first wind dummy rocked and rolled trying to figure out surge control. It was working on the South launch. The skyrockets lifted and caught a bubble and were soon out of sight. If they can work it I was sure I could kick it as well. - Well not so fast - lift was out there but I missed a couple of turns or the timing was just off, in any event I found my way to the wall and unable to bench up and had to succumb to gravity and ground.
On landing I had a nice chat with the folk and awaited the van for the 2:30. Looking up I saw Randy L. cranking up and I wished I had waited till he had launched. He reported topping out well over 5K. The van couldn't leave soon enough for me I helped load and forgot to grab my coat and flight suit from the picnic table. This time we missed the tree and we were safe on the South launch by 3:45. I almost ran to launch in hopes of getting the last of the big lift. A look in my kit confirmed my dread and no jacket or suit was found. - The pilot standing next to me unpacked his jacket and flight suit, (one of Mark's crew) said I could use his jacket. -THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the forgotten named saint who saved my day. The Jacket was left at Mark's) - A quick launch was the right call, a little back and forth heavy weight shift figure eights and I was over launch in the sweetest little light lift constant no edge thermal I think I have ever ridden. Beep Beep beep and the first off stayed at the top of the stack with only a momentary race with one other Blue bird wing. I topped at 4,762. Word has it that Steve Wilson with good karma aboard worked up later to even higher with at least one other high bird in tow. Well done for all who enjoyed the day.
I followed the ridge up and on to top the towers and started looking XC - I was happy when Randy radioed back his willingness to take retrieve. - Owe you Randy and thanks Conrad. A nice little glide with cold hands and I was hovering over the new soccer fields in Preston. Step one in my Tiger Tag XC portfolio. - The beauty of Tiger and the foothills in the sun and snow is hard to describe and being high is an awesome privilege and joy. First time up high and out at Tiger was a great pleasure.

Kiona

A quick run to Kiona this afternoon proved a wize move. - Winds were good as I figured and I spent about an hour in the air with a couple of nice no drag top landings and one landing in the LZ. - Thanks for comming out Brian.

Sledder Sledder Sledder

Got to fly, just Got to fly. - Nothing but hiking and taking quick sledders. I hope the lift comes soon. - Now to the calandar and scheduling for summer flying. - Got the Boss to give me an extra week off so I can find some time to fly.

Advice

Here is how to break a camera. - Thanks for the insurance advice Ross.

Saddle Prognosticating

Saddle from the South - Big Cloud on Launch

Cold and a bit wet, the wing got a nice work out today. No intrepid souls rose early for this one. The XC forecast showed solid 6 to 8 due North all day with possible light precipitation early and clearing later. Mattawa wundergound showed 6 N most of the day.
Launch was socked in.

By 12:00 base was at launch and by 1:00 we had 300ft ceiling.
It was cold but smooth, winds were 14 to 17 laminar North. I flew the ridge - dropping as low as 2400msl east keeping ridge lift and clearance for the return flight. Leonardo gave me a nice score: 39.90. My fingers and toes were cold and I needed facilities that the ground offered which the air could not, so after about 2 hours this bird sought shelter on terafirma.
Jimmy and Chris brought their hangs and fought icing all day. Every time one went close to the clouds there started a frozen mist of little bitty ice crystals. Cold and hard to see after a while.

Armond had a very sweet launch and flight but you will have to ask him about the "landing." Every one left the hill with smiles. Even Obi wan, who left saying "Cloud too Big! Wind too Strong!" was smiling. He was still smiling after his Kiona flights while listening to this young Jedi preacher brag about his day.
Reports are that there were a number of Kiona flights, keep your ears open.

Saddle - Early Thermal Lift - Eastern WA

9:00 A.M. - Winds light to 12 NNW on launch. Just west enough to put launch in the lee of the little ridge west of launch. I kited for a bit but kept taking left side asymmetrics from the rotor. After 20 min or so I decide to warm up in the car and await James and Pam. I knew Pam would leave her rig in the lz and would fly so I though I could watch and see how boaty the nw wind would be. At 10:30 we were three on launch and the winds - still a bit west were now cranking. - Pam set up for launch but a rock edge caught a bit of sail and she had to step off launch to fix her glider. - By then it was strong enough to assure a good soar so I popped it off and went for sky. - Very nice lift - a bit cold but very nice. Flew for a while and found thermals sucking me up into the clouds. Base was only 4 or maybe 4,500 so it wasn't skying but the lift was fabulous. Armond from Leavenworth was next up and off after flying his zag for a bit. We both had nice flights and top landings.
More kiting and flying - Will have to check my GPS to see how many - - James had a nice flight before Pam stepped back into the slot and took for the sky.
She had the flight of the day - able go out and challenge the thermals because of her car option in the LZ. - She flew out and about and down - had two or three very nice thermal saves and ended up with all our envy as she brought it back in for a top landing. -
Thanks James, Pam and Armond for great company on the first Eastern WA thermal day of the year. - well ridge plus thermal.

Dave.

Prediction: - Monday should be as nice or even better - any takers? - Hope you all found some flying - I know the Tri-Cities crew was in the air.

Saddle Friday - Spicy?

Spicy was the question. - Spicy for whom? - Early it was a bit lighter and I was able to get off the hill. I flew for about 25 minutes and then headed East for a few more points on Leo. - Mistake - the winds dropped off as the hill dropped off to the east. Fortunately a nice family stopped on the LZ road and took me to the main road where Jimmy was just passing. - A ride up to the top proved just that. - Winds were up and only Hangs got off the hill from that point on.

Mickey's North

Mickey's is a great site. I'm looking forward to soaring in nice North conditions. Very easy launch and nice big LZ. Hike up is also very straight forward about 30 min. The video is the first I have taken from my wing.

Archives - Video of My Helo from SIV

This summer I took two SIV's and this is the best of the video from that great experiance with Brad Gun -
Also Check out my Leonardo flights - New Site: Mickey's - Both North and South Sledders - Didn't get a track on the North effort last week but the South is there.

Toys for No Flight Days

Check this little goody out. $120.00 US
You can always fly!

Desperation Launch - Saddle South

Glad you found my new Blog Site. - I just felt I needed a change in name. Newbeeskypilot was not only spelled wrong but some have been suggesting that I may no longer be a Newbie. Fair enough, the reflections of my first year will hopefully grow into reflections of flight in general and of renown if fortunes strike.
As to the new name "Preacher" some of you know the story and some may not. You will have to stay tuned for the explanation post. The story is worthy of a crafted blog so stay tuned.
I also hope to post a recap of Valle soon but life, work and flying seem to take more time than the sun allows. This blog is for flying so - After a week of terafirming Friday's clamor rang the bell.
Doc S made the call for Saddle and we hit the road by 10:00am. - The winds were just right 8 to 13 the only problem was that they were due south over the back. - A quick check and a move to the alternate site, the South Launch at Saddle.
South at Saddle you ask?
Yep there is a South launch at Saddle. It takes about 45 minutes from the normal LZ to get to the top. You just head east from Mattawa about 22 miles and turn left up the hill to Saddle ridge and then back West to the high peak Wahitas. The key to South at saddle is the retrieve. It is no man's(sic.) land - long hike to the road. Rick and I got permission from the local orchardist to park my rig at the far NE corner of their property making a glide from Wahitas to the rig a possiblity.
We got to launch about 3:30 and found it blown out and snowed in so down we went with tails between our legs checking lower level south facing bowls as a lark. The wind died off and our hopes were raised. Back we went to the launch and we found favorable "cycles."
Rick's truck got a scolding for not making it the final 1/4 mile up the summit trail. But 5ft snow drifts gave it a reasonable excuse. Rick stayed with his truck and launched from the lower eastern most point of the summit complex while I hiked up and west to give my glide hampered 1-2 a chance for the truck.
Rick's forward went without problem but the top launch almost munched me. Heavy sharp rocks and brambles between them made for impossible footing and challenging line management. - Of course just as I was ready to launch the winds pick up to 12 or better making precision imperative.
A quick pop and stumble and over I went, the wind picked up and I had to pop my beaners to avoid a drag over the back. This launch was not a good idea so I bundled and trundled down to a nice saddle near but not at the very top. This worked well and off I flew - Tight and small hoping to make each ridge that separated me from my truck.
I could see Rick hiking by the time I launched and we joined forces at the truck just as I was folding my wing.
Rick says this site has been called "desperation launch." - You have to be desperate to fly if you find your way all the way out here in the middle of nowhere for a 6 min. sledder.
But We FLEW.

Valle Day 10

Just in case you forgot what I look like.
Wearing the Colors on the 20th.

Still worn down from all the flying. - Made a number of low saves round El Pinon and on the wall - hit the wall below the crest and did a very nice job working it and my faithful G spot up and out - thank goodness the G spot was calm today. -
Nice climb to cloud base and track toward Sacramatati but got drilled to the mesa and no hope for big tails.
Caught a ride out with a official of some agency that distributes blankets - very interesting and a free ride to town - bout 2 hrs. - Good tortas and watched another reserve deployment. 5 in total this week.
All is well with money to spare for the taxi to the airport in the morning.
Great new friends and lots of fond memories - Back next year.
Dave.

Valle - Day 9 : First to Goal

Late in posting - still no new pics. - Flying has been quite active. Normal for this trip the North Winds pushed the convergence right over launch and down the spine. I launched mid early and popped to 9k in one or two passes - left for El Pinon and got it just fine then on to the mesa.
Lift was good and strong but I didn't find anything towering. - Bill from Montana tells of his trip above the clouds to around 14k surfing up the windward side of the convergence. Wish I could say the same.
The lift was strong enough that I was able to tag Elspina and get back to Crazy at tree tops. Crazy at treetops takes lots of focus but after 5 min or so I was well over the G spot with lots of lift back to base. Up and down mostly up and cold I was set.
Now here is something I never though I would say. After about an hour I WAS JUST TIRED OF FLYING. - Those who know me you can close your mouth now.
I did go back for glass but it was so crowded that I bailed for the Pinon at 8400 and couldn't scratch it out and landed short of the Piano next to a bull field.
Today - Lake maybe and long - we will see then it is time for the big jet and home.
Making reservations for next year.

Oh, First to Goal - I bugged so early that I made lunch at Jovans before anyone and got the number 1 chip.
David