More great flying - 2.5 hrs or so. Got a great save at the base of the Pinon, well below the rock 200 or so over the trees. Caught a wiff of smoke from a small fire in a farmers field and I was on my way. Very tight very little but just enough to turn my flight from a 30 min disappointment to a great flight to 12k or so with a landing at Jovans for lunch. Great thermaling in total white out over the mesa all by my little lonesome. This place rocks. Today I to almost no pictures until glass off. It was nice to focus on only flying.
Glass off was amazing this time. - Nice thermal action let some sky over the back. I stayed with the pack and in the end we were ridging it. - Nice tight action at the top just like Temple back home, including the top landing except you come in from the right instead of the left. Wadaya think bout that doc.
After my little landing I popped out and was last down while the sun was setting and the crew was packing up. Thanks for the ride Eagle.
The other news is that the trigger has been pulled for my new wing. - Fire colored custom sized Airwave Cobra. - Happy camper here.
Two more days - what will happen next is anyones guess - love to catch a lake landing again but we will see. The north winds make it almost impossible for my 1-2.
More pics tomorrow.
David
P.S.
I think I have figured how to filter my spot tracks so only 24 hours show up. Should work better so there isn't a big glob of overlays from previous days. - check it out on the link above.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Valle - Day 7
Got going a with the early bunch which was great because launch kinda shut down due to winds. Heavy winds made big xc a bit dicey for me. When you push a line LZ's can get a bit ??
Anyway I decided to work thermals on the wall till I got tired. 2 hours of up and down from 7k to 11k and I ran for lunch but found myself drilled and landed the corn fields. - Big smiles and then snorked a ride with Eagle for Glass and had a nice flight but missed one turn and found myself down and out early. - No worries great fun and dinner with great folk.
The British team moved in today and the Japanese.
Anyway I decided to work thermals on the wall till I got tired. 2 hours of up and down from 7k to 11k and I ran for lunch but found myself drilled and landed the corn fields. - Big smiles and then snorked a ride with Eagle for Glass and had a nice flight but missed one turn and found myself down and out early. - No worries great fun and dinner with great folk.
The British team moved in today and the Japanese.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Valle - Day 6 - More and Different
The Kids - Note 3 kings in background
The day was big sky - many got lift to 13k or better - I was limited to just over 11k but made it far. I went out to the 3 kings and beyond apx 14 miles before I landed in a little town called zocasonnopan. Great flight and lots of fun. - Big air - big thermals cloud streets and another 2hrs for the log. - Tomorrow flight 300 and if I am lucky my 100th hour.
Big air.
Three Kings to the left
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Valle - Day 5 - Classic
Friends on LaunchGreat clouds, super air and lots of sun made for a great 5th day. My goal for the day was to go for El Pinion, the big rock in all the pics, then over the back to the mesa and then down the ridge to the end, after that back to the convergence and work the line and finish with a lake lz landing.
The hard part was accomplished and the easier stuff, working the convergence, turned out to be more challenging.
I should have stopped at the wall to tank up on the way out - I would have had an easier time. I found myself stuck at the pinion for quite a while working up and down in ragged thermals.
I final caught a good one and topped out at 9900 and went to the mesa. Check the Video!
At the east end I caught a sweet ride to base and worked a cloud street to the end of the ridge.
A the end of the ridge it took 10 to 15 min of no guarantee scratching to get back up and then along the front of the ridge to crazy thermal. It was!
After topping back in the clouds I went via streets to sacramacati where I dirted up on the plateau just behind la pinetas.
Believe it or not there was very little lift under this cloud.
Great place to land but a bit of a hike down to the road. - Luck was with me as a 17 year old young man came and helped with the wing and hiked it out for me. -(50 pesos) Lots of down hill trail work for my tired old legs.
Believe it or not there was very little lift under this cloud.After the hike I caught a cab to the lunch stop and then into town to arrive at 5:40. Cab rides total cost including one to launch: 110 p. or about 9 dollars. - Room cost 23.50$ - food and beer priceless! - AMAZING
Great flight - enjoy the pics and check out the track on Leo.
Summary: 11,010 or so. Flight time 3:02hrs.
Distance over 11 miles of flight and a sweet FAI triangle score.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Valle - Day 4 All Alone at the Lake
Today is a challenge to report. Not because the adventure was stale or bad things happened but because the author won. – It just seems strange to write about ones own good fortune, but thus was the story of the day.
A combination of factors led to decisions as follows: It rained very, very hard last night. Wet ground = late lift so we texted our driver to push back an hour. – Best guess is that the driver, a very experienced local pilot didn’t get the message so he showed up on schedule at 9:00. The problem was we figured he got the message and would show at 10:00. Well, he waited for us to come out and load up at 9:00, we didn’t and the connection was lost. –
North East winds and heavy skies had already made many wonder if flying would happen at all and conversation shifted toward a ground excursion to the butterflies.
The capper was that the driver “didn’t show at 10:00” so it seemed that the local expert pilot was confirming the decision to go for a big hike and see the touted insects.
Being an extremely slow hiker and a totally addicted pilot I determined that after hiking 2 hrs. I would meet the crew on their way down from the butterflies and there was no logic in me going on the vaunted hike.
I returned with intentions of grabbing my kit and heading out solo but on thinking about the effort to go alone I decided to explore the city.
Just as I left our compound I saw Doug coming from the cab stand with the report that he had tossed the hike and had a connection to launch so the day was on for an attempt at flight with my renowned instructor.
On launch we found no one flying and many unsure if the day would work at all but the worried winds were wondrously wistful. Flow started and the wind dummies began to soar.
I took a number of launch videos of Rob’s crew and slowly readied for launch. Cycles were just fine and the lift off launch was smooth and solid. – One continuous climb put me near 9,000 feet over launch as Doug called for OTB (over the back) on topping the climb.
I was 150 under him and figured an extra turn in feathery lift would be good and as I came around I got an even stronger (beep beep) while I watching Doug head out and DOWN!. – The line he took just slammed him and I continued to climb. After 3 more turns Doug was coming back to climb again and I was topping out at just over 10K.
Having watched his line succumb to dreaded sink I took a line more to the left and down a ridge.
The decision to wait and climb, watch and adjust, work with amazing benefits. My glide to Sacramatati was full of 00’s and -100, I got to West point of the hill with 8K or better. The hill looked good so I went right but that was sink so I back tracked to the West, up hill and closer to the ground but was rewarded with wonderful rising air that took me to the convergence.
Once in the clouds it was sweet. I set course for the north and rode the line out of the clouds. After going back for a second pass, and out again it seemed the lake was even closer. I called to Doug that I had lake on glide and tucked it in for some video work on final glide.
I was 1500 or better over the lake and threw down as best I could with a cranked spiral and a couple of marginal wingover before landing a cool line over the city. One of the hidden sweetness’s of the day was that the butterfly crew witnessed my approach on their way back into town and came with high fives to the lake LZ. I was one of 8 to make it to the LZ today and the only one without a pod.
The moral of the day was “Only those on launch get a chance to fly!”
New use for Stuff Sack / Rain Coat
Out For Dinner
P.S. The day ended with dancing down stairs -
- This morning is a mixed bag - Great Skys, Great Food but the bummer that most of the crew is driving to Mexico City this evening. - Tim, CJ, Roger, Darline & Derek thank you all for a great time. Till we fly together again. The Aerial Crew is alwasy great but this selection was particularly special.
Big Air Today
Dave
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Rain Rain Go away
No rain early in the day but fear of such was always with us. No lift and none expected caused a few fledglings to launch for the piano LZ for sledders around 10:30 a.m.
I joined them and had a nice little ride.
When we got back to launch the word was go go go a few were above launch maybe 30 wings in the sky.
I launched as soon as I could and was just about the last to get any lift at all then and within 20 minutes there were no wings in the sky. - I did have a near miss just off launch - best guess is that I was watching a near wing as was my fellow near miss pilot. We didn't see each other until it was close - but a quick yell and turn and no worries. - Only we were close to launch and became a topic for general conversation.
Ride back to town was fine and lunch was wonderful.
Big Air tomorrow - Raining tonight.
David
I joined them and had a nice little ride.
When we got back to launch the word was go go go a few were above launch maybe 30 wings in the sky.
I launched as soon as I could and was just about the last to get any lift at all then and within 20 minutes there were no wings in the sky. - I did have a near miss just off launch - best guess is that I was watching a near wing as was my fellow near miss pilot. We didn't see each other until it was close - but a quick yell and turn and no worries. - Only we were close to launch and became a topic for general conversation.
Ride back to town was fine and lunch was wonderful.
Big Air tomorrow - Raining tonight.
David
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Valle Day 2 - 12,303ft new alt. best - Converg!!!!
Picture of my folder on Day 1The short report on Day 2 is that it was magic.
Tim, Roger, Matt & Doug loadingI launched early and worked the nasty lift in front of launch forever. - Over time all were in the air and we started to work what was working. The day had a cirus layer that kept the valley lift from rocking early.
As the flight progressed more were working their way to 10k and above. I never maxed the gaggle but did well. 4 or 5 from Doug and Stefan's crew were near the top and two or three departure waves formed.
I was in the last wave and after 5 min on glide I was at the back and worried about going low again. I was patient and when a beep beep gave me hope a couple of near gliders and I started to work lift before we made Sacramacata(sp?). This was a great call. I climbed back up to over 10k and had the hill on easy glide and before getting there the famous convergence had taken over and I was in white white white.
I responded with big ears on my first entry into cloud. This worked fine and then I figured what the heck we are in Mexico - soooo. I picked a compass course and let the white win. 3 or 4 minutes later I came out of the cloud with the lake on easy glide and the convergence to my back. 2 hours had passed since launch and I wanted more so 180 and try to get back in to it.
But my hopes were dashed and the zone shifted away and I fell into major sink.I kept trying to chase wings but they tended to be comp or at least very high and fast.Then the little possee found me as Doug called out "lift over here Dave." But the truth was we were all on the ground in 4-6 minutes.
I wasn't sure which way the wind was going so I am thankful that Tim's downwinder a minute before my landing left a masive dust ball. -
All is well all landed with smiles and more will follow - looking forward to day 3.
The Preacher. - See my flight on google earth via leonardo and check out utube top right this page.
P.S. I did get some great gaggle video but it is a big file and has to be edited - more soon.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Valle - Day 1
The first day of flying is in the bag and our stellar crew of 9 made it up and down the hill with various levels of acumen. Most went over the back with at least 9 different stories to tell. –
Mine is the only one I can tell with certainty and its clarity may be a bit in question.
Launch was uneventful – Many, many pilots, not as many as in days past but well over 70. The air on launch and in front was thermic but no guaranties. I only felt like I might drop out once and then that feeling was warmly removed by a nice little pop of warm air.
Round and round we went up and down. After enough time of leaning left my neck was tired and I was ready to leave. I got to the top of the gaggle and was a happy camper as more folk started to talk about leaving. – Just as they worked up to 9K plus – my top was 9350 or so, I fell out and hit a bit of sink – no worries but then another miss turn and I was 4 to 500 under Cj and Stephan as they headed out. –Dam – do I chase from below or do I let them leave and get back the altitude I just lost prior to heading out. Worried that I might loose my guide I fell in line but 400 feet low. – The combination of a slower wing and lower altitude was enough to separate the Men and Lady from this boy. I found myself two low to catch ride up la casa and went for the “little rocks” below.
The scratch session lasted – it seemed like 30 min but eventually gravity won out over wind and wit.
My landing zone was perfect, protected on two sides with high-tension power lines and 50 foot trees on the base leg I crabbed in over a hut, pig pen, laundry on lines, smoke coming from a cooking fire and little children crying. The landing was hot –no wind to maybe 4 mph tail but all was well and 4 children folded my wing their total age was 10 and the oldest was 5. – Very cute.
Matt Cone was my ride to lunch, having snagged a cab from way up past the Messa and out to some unnamed hamlet with many more children. We had mucho cervesas and great food then our driver took us back to the lake LZ. 50 peso later we were on top of the lake side site ready to fly. One quick sledder and a sweet landing and it was back to the B&B for a change of clothing and more food.
More tomorrow, hope for some video – no flying pics today – that is another story.
For the flying among us the air was lighter than normal – thermals had almost no edges with a top at about 10K. I logged 2hrs 20min in the air. The convergence was marked with a large cloud band and those who made it up had a great time working it. – More later (thanks for the computer Matt.)
Mine is the only one I can tell with certainty and its clarity may be a bit in question.
Launch was uneventful – Many, many pilots, not as many as in days past but well over 70. The air on launch and in front was thermic but no guaranties. I only felt like I might drop out once and then that feeling was warmly removed by a nice little pop of warm air.
Round and round we went up and down. After enough time of leaning left my neck was tired and I was ready to leave. I got to the top of the gaggle and was a happy camper as more folk started to talk about leaving. – Just as they worked up to 9K plus – my top was 9350 or so, I fell out and hit a bit of sink – no worries but then another miss turn and I was 4 to 500 under Cj and Stephan as they headed out. –Dam – do I chase from below or do I let them leave and get back the altitude I just lost prior to heading out. Worried that I might loose my guide I fell in line but 400 feet low. – The combination of a slower wing and lower altitude was enough to separate the Men and Lady from this boy. I found myself two low to catch ride up la casa and went for the “little rocks” below.
The scratch session lasted – it seemed like 30 min but eventually gravity won out over wind and wit.
My landing zone was perfect, protected on two sides with high-tension power lines and 50 foot trees on the base leg I crabbed in over a hut, pig pen, laundry on lines, smoke coming from a cooking fire and little children crying. The landing was hot –no wind to maybe 4 mph tail but all was well and 4 children folded my wing their total age was 10 and the oldest was 5. – Very cute.
Matt Cone was my ride to lunch, having snagged a cab from way up past the Messa and out to some unnamed hamlet with many more children. We had mucho cervesas and great food then our driver took us back to the lake LZ. 50 peso later we were on top of the lake side site ready to fly. One quick sledder and a sweet landing and it was back to the B&B for a change of clothing and more food.
More tomorrow, hope for some video – no flying pics today – that is another story.
For the flying among us the air was lighter than normal – thermals had almost no edges with a top at about 10K. I logged 2hrs 20min in the air. The convergence was marked with a large cloud band and those who made it up had a great time working it. – More later (thanks for the computer Matt.)
Monday, January 12, 2009
In Route
Well off I go to Valle. The non-stop turned into a one stop in LA - hope the wing gets to MEX
Watch my spot tracks
Watch my spot tracks
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Saturday, August 2, 2008
First Comp
5:30 A.M. – Pre-dawn sky is clear without a wisp of wind. We come to the final day of the Chelan XC Open 2008. Eleven world class pilots have a shot at the honors but only if Mike Steed stumbles. XCSkys predicts top of usable lift at 2,700 meters, updraft: 3.6m/s, cloud base 3,000m if any, but likely no cu over the anticipated course, winds will be calm to very light out of the west. 
A week of work and only two days of flying, but today will be amazing. As a newbee almost one year into this sport I feel as though I have just started to sample the nectar of the holy grail.
Here in Chelan a community has regathered in a flocking similar to the annual rights of Capistrano. Switzerland, Peru, Turkey, Mexico, Canada, Venezuela, Australia, New Zealand, and United States pilots are vying for bragging rights as well as PWC points. An experienced senior staff of meet organizers, launch director, scoring, safety, task, etc., have mixed well with a support crew of new and experienced local and regional pilots, most nesting with Aerial Paragliding of Cashmere under the watchful eyes of Doug Stroop and Denise Reed. 
Day one was a 58k task with 29 pilots making goal. Day 2, 3 and 5 were called due to weather. Day 4 was a 68k speed run north to Okanogan with 41 pilots making goal. I was pumped when on my second flight of the day, hoping to make goal, I surpassed 15 pilots with a 20.6 open distance personal best(12.8miles). The only problem with a personal best is if you talk about it at dinner you end up buying all your SIV instructor’s beer.
Today looks stellar and I plan on launching after the last comp pilot to join the gaggle prior to start. This presumes that launch goes fast and clean as it did on day 4.
The crew has gathered at the Latte Da for breakfast and the day’s energy is beginning to flow. For me it is off to camp to break for the road. I will be on to Idaho tonight following the pizza fest and awards tonight. A busy day and more personal bests are anticipated. …… watch for moreMonday, July 7, 2008
Weather to Fly? Chelan: Monday Report.
The cycles came up, splitting a line between the Green Monster and Between The Rocks. Not quite freight trains but quite solid. The cycles are stronger than I expected based on the light laps projections for 2:00 and the flaky cu’s that were just languishing in the distance. Matthew is off launch with a tip tuck and minor asymmetric between the rocks and my kit is ready to go….
We often document our best flights. New highs and max distance. I had a several bests last week, new best height and new best distance but this blog recounts my best no fly to date.
It is all about the weather. Matthew called at 6:00 the night before. He planned on being on the east side on Monday and wondered if I was game. – Always looking at the options I felt that Saddle looked like the best bet but Matt had had too many skunks there and was coming over Hwy 2 giving us a choice between Chelan and Baldy. – Initially Baldy looked good but by the ,morning the N NW flow became overwhelming. Ellensburg weather underground projected NW 11 at 2:00, NW 13 at 5:00. Yakima was SE @ 4 and SE 4 with a turn to NW 9 by 8:00.
This pattern told me that mid day Baldy might work but it would be an early launch and a windy afternoon if it worked at all.
Saddle continued to look good and Chelan also looked ok. The calls went back and forth with a decision to give Chelan a try. – Weather Underground at Wenatchee showed 0 at 11:00 and 2:00 but WNW 14 at 5:00. (Should have considered such a large transition as a bad omen.)
On the way to Chelan, Matthew, already at the soccer field, reported stagnant conditions. By 1:00 we were on top with tempting little cu’s fuzzed up in the distance. No dustys were noted on the flats and the sky was 98% blue. – The laps rate was just enough to release lift but the building WNW winds were becoming strong enough to blow the light lift apart. The cu in the distance were not building just fuzzy and weak. One after another strong cycles kept coming up the monster. After Matt’s launch I watched as he hit lift and didn’t take the bait. Why doesn’t he turn into it? Hmmm. What is wrong with this picture? – Launch – Don’t launch? – I could turn that lift into something, couldn’t I?
Matt has been flying years longer than I have and he is in the LZ – The cu are not getting better the wind is building on the river and the lake, both are getting darker. 3 hours driving up and 3 hrs driving back – gas at 4.29 a gallon, one more day away from work and I want to fly. So I do my final check and call Matt.
How was the flight? – “I’m on the ground” he says with a big laugh. – He asks what I was going to do. The wind looks like it is going to get worse, the projections call for stronger flow and Matt concurs, so I throw my wing back in the bag and drive down. It was my best no fly to date.
We often document our best flights. New highs and max distance. I had a several bests last week, new best height and new best distance but this blog recounts my best no fly to date.
It is all about the weather. Matthew called at 6:00 the night before. He planned on being on the east side on Monday and wondered if I was game. – Always looking at the options I felt that Saddle looked like the best bet but Matt had had too many skunks there and was coming over Hwy 2 giving us a choice between Chelan and Baldy. – Initially Baldy looked good but by the ,morning the N NW flow became overwhelming. Ellensburg weather underground projected NW 11 at 2:00, NW 13 at 5:00. Yakima was SE @ 4 and SE 4 with a turn to NW 9 by 8:00.
This pattern told me that mid day Baldy might work but it would be an early launch and a windy afternoon if it worked at all.
Saddle continued to look good and Chelan also looked ok. The calls went back and forth with a decision to give Chelan a try. – Weather Underground at Wenatchee showed 0 at 11:00 and 2:00 but WNW 14 at 5:00. (Should have considered such a large transition as a bad omen.)
On the way to Chelan, Matthew, already at the soccer field, reported stagnant conditions. By 1:00 we were on top with tempting little cu’s fuzzed up in the distance. No dustys were noted on the flats and the sky was 98% blue. – The laps rate was just enough to release lift but the building WNW winds were becoming strong enough to blow the light lift apart. The cu in the distance were not building just fuzzy and weak. One after another strong cycles kept coming up the monster. After Matt’s launch I watched as he hit lift and didn’t take the bait. Why doesn’t he turn into it? Hmmm. What is wrong with this picture? – Launch – Don’t launch? – I could turn that lift into something, couldn’t I?
Matt has been flying years longer than I have and he is in the LZ – The cu are not getting better the wind is building on the river and the lake, both are getting darker. 3 hours driving up and 3 hrs driving back – gas at 4.29 a gallon, one more day away from work and I want to fly. So I do my final check and call Matt.
How was the flight? – “I’m on the ground” he says with a big laugh. – He asks what I was going to do. The wind looks like it is going to get worse, the projections call for stronger flow and Matt concurs, so I throw my wing back in the bag and drive down. It was my best no fly to date.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Rampart:A Snowy Treat with Whipped Cream and Two Cherries on Top.
I offered my second daughter in trade. Half my kingdom and promise of fame all for not. I could not cajole or bribe either Steve or Meredyth over the hill for a Balmy Baldy Wednesday afternoon.
However, after much debate Steve Pieniak succumbed to his fear of no flying for the next (who knows how long) and he trundled into his truck and up the pass.
In route reports of cirrus to the north and east increased fears of the day's less than stellar potential and Steve ventured no further than the summit, stopping to have lunch and serendipitously watch as the Snoqualmie sky turned from white to blue.
Hey Dave, what do you think about Rampart? My answer was: If you think I can do it and it is flyable then I’m on my way. 1:45 hrs later I was at the Hyak exit getting a site orientation.
Everything sounded great except for the promised 45 minute hike (an hour plus for me) and something about the last person who died here did so two years ago. – Hmmm. I remember reading site notes on nwparagliders about Rampart: it was not rated but kinda like a high end P3. What is wrong with this picture?
I have 180 flights, some dicey launches including some in high wind so we will see. – On the hike up I am deafened by freight trains coming up the LEWARD side of the hill. This prompts me to call up the hill to Steve. – “If you can launch then do so and I will be waiting for Glass Off if it happens to shows up later.”
By the time I get to the Hang launch I find Steve fruitlessly attempting what he describes as a first for him; to launch a bag off of the snow from behind the Hang Bump. – It was a no go as the cliff and leeward winds kept balling up his wing. We take a short trudge up to the Para-launch to find lovely cycles just wafting up over the lip. Hey I can do this.
Steve graciously offers launch to me. Good thing, as I needed his help. Here is where the two cherries come in. The first cherry was that it was my first Rampart flight. The second is assumed: this was almost surly the first Rampart flight by anyone this season. (correct me if anyone flew this winter.)
First launch attempt: – Wing grabs fast and tumbles in a frontal. – set it down – Steve me reminded to run up hill!
Second attempt: I ran up hill but not far enough. Enough to avoid the frontal but not enough to keep from getting plucked. – Not a bad pluck though, as it was in the middle of my turn. As the cross wind pushed me left, over the side of the hill, I pushed back with brake (no lean because my gear was down) I swing over the drop off, back and forth ( Steve yells STAY WITH IT!) Yea, like by then was there anything else to do? – Just as I was being plucked and was heading left I thought, for a very split second, of aborting but that would have thrashed me for sure so FLY THE WING! – with very kind words Steve would later tell me: “Nice save.”
On speed – away from the hill and ridge with nothing but wonderful lift. Now the flight that I will never forget begins in earnest. Early season at Rampart delivers visuals that you just don’t get anywhere else. – Spectacular vistas of snow corniced ridge tops, sheer granite faces with bright sun, blue skies and puffy clouds.
Topping the list was high mountain Gold Lake filled with brilliant aquamarine water, ice and snow. Falling from the lake was a 300 meter water cascade only seen from well up the canyon or from this silent airborne perch.
Steve launched after I had been in the air for 10 minutes or so. He said he had to clear his lines after enjoying a private moment with a tree and a snow hole. After launch he passed me up and was heading toward Alta Mountain in less than 5. I want a wing like that. – Cold and beautiful the view was stunning.
Once away from launch the lift was whip cream smooth all the way across the ridge with little bubbles bumping you ever so gently higher. I topped out about one or two hundred above the ridge apx 6,200 or 1,600 over launch. Steve went another 4oo or so to a light whispy base. Very cold with fingers numb I managed a few quick shots with my camera phone. I had to have something to prove my claim.
My triangle was about 10 miles but can’t share it with you on Leonardo. Just catching my breath from the hike I felt like I was stealing candy from Steve as each minute passed on launch. This feeling didn't come from Steve as he was very patient and gracious, but I know how much he loves to fly this place. In trying to slow down and focus on my safety preflight I forgot to turn on my GPS and didn’t even put on my vario, so I flew old school.
The flight wrapped up with a windy, bumpy set up and approach – all skills were needed for the approach but a P1 one could have set it down the last 30 feet of final. The flight was wrapped up with a whisper smooth landing in a lovely little spot of land previously scouted for just such a purpose.
Steve I can’t thank you enough for the providing me with my best flight so far! – I need work on my high wind kiting/take off skills and may not run the ridge again until they are solid but for now I have memories to feed my dreams of snow cones, whip cream and cherries.
However, after much debate Steve Pieniak succumbed to his fear of no flying for the next (who knows how long) and he trundled into his truck and up the pass.
In route reports of cirrus to the north and east increased fears of the day's less than stellar potential and Steve ventured no further than the summit, stopping to have lunch and serendipitously watch as the Snoqualmie sky turned from white to blue.
Hey Dave, what do you think about Rampart? My answer was: If you think I can do it and it is flyable then I’m on my way. 1:45 hrs later I was at the Hyak exit getting a site orientation.
Everything sounded great except for the promised 45 minute hike (an hour plus for me) and something about the last person who died here did so two years ago. – Hmmm. I remember reading site notes on nwparagliders about Rampart: it was not rated but kinda like a high end P3. What is wrong with this picture?I have 180 flights, some dicey launches including some in high wind so we will see. – On the hike up I am deafened by freight trains coming up the LEWARD side of the hill. This prompts me to call up the hill to Steve. – “If you can launch then do so and I will be waiting for Glass Off if it happens to shows up later.”
By the time I get to the Hang launch I find Steve fruitlessly attempting what he describes as a first for him; to launch a bag off of the snow from behind the Hang Bump. – It was a no go as the cliff and leeward winds kept balling up his wing. We take a short trudge up to the Para-launch to find lovely cycles just wafting up over the lip. Hey I can do this.
Steve graciously offers launch to me. Good thing, as I needed his help. Here is where the two cherries come in. The first cherry was that it was my first Rampart flight. The second is assumed: this was almost surly the first Rampart flight by anyone this season. (correct me if anyone flew this winter.)
Winds: cycles only, calm to 10 (maybe more), much like Blanchard West only 20 to 30 deg. cross from the W.
First launch attempt: – Wing grabs fast and tumbles in a frontal. – set it down – Steve me reminded to run up hill!
Second attempt: I ran up hill but not far enough. Enough to avoid the frontal but not enough to keep from getting plucked. – Not a bad pluck though, as it was in the middle of my turn. As the cross wind pushed me left, over the side of the hill, I pushed back with brake (no lean because my gear was down) I swing over the drop off, back and forth ( Steve yells STAY WITH IT!) Yea, like by then was there anything else to do? – Just as I was being plucked and was heading left I thought, for a very split second, of aborting but that would have thrashed me for sure so FLY THE WING! – with very kind words Steve would later tell me: “Nice save.”
On speed – away from the hill and ridge with nothing but wonderful lift. Now the flight that I will never forget begins in earnest. Early season at Rampart delivers visuals that you just don’t get anywhere else. – Spectacular vistas of snow corniced ridge tops, sheer granite faces with bright sun, blue skies and puffy clouds.
Topping the list was high mountain Gold Lake filled with brilliant aquamarine water, ice and snow. Falling from the lake was a 300 meter water cascade only seen from well up the canyon or from this silent airborne perch.
Steve launched after I had been in the air for 10 minutes or so. He said he had to clear his lines after enjoying a private moment with a tree and a snow hole. After launch he passed me up and was heading toward Alta Mountain in less than 5. I want a wing like that. – Cold and beautiful the view was stunning.
Once away from launch the lift was whip cream smooth all the way across the ridge with little bubbles bumping you ever so gently higher. I topped out about one or two hundred above the ridge apx 6,200 or 1,600 over launch. Steve went another 4oo or so to a light whispy base. Very cold with fingers numb I managed a few quick shots with my camera phone. I had to have something to prove my claim.
My triangle was about 10 miles but can’t share it with you on Leonardo. Just catching my breath from the hike I felt like I was stealing candy from Steve as each minute passed on launch. This feeling didn't come from Steve as he was very patient and gracious, but I know how much he loves to fly this place. In trying to slow down and focus on my safety preflight I forgot to turn on my GPS and didn’t even put on my vario, so I flew old school.
The flight wrapped up with a windy, bumpy set up and approach – all skills were needed for the approach but a P1 one could have set it down the last 30 feet of final. The flight was wrapped up with a whisper smooth landing in a lovely little spot of land previously scouted for just such a purpose.
Steve I can’t thank you enough for the providing me with my best flight so far! – I need work on my high wind kiting/take off skills and may not run the ridge again until they are solid but for now I have memories to feed my dreams of snow cones, whip cream and cherries.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Bump Free Zone
After the psychological strain of 3 out of 4 days flying either Baldy or Chelan I needed more mellow air. The total altitude gain for those three flights was over well over 15,000 feet which in my small book was a lot of rocking and rolling. The decompression zone I settled on was Tiger. Always a nice site mid week, not to crazy and after weekend flying maybe others would take Monday off. After a few “work” items I called Randy for a west side weather update and headed for the 2:30 shuttle.
The first flight was uneventful north launch, about 20 minutes when I dipped a bit low after not really getting much above launch. I looked at my watch 500 over and it was 5 minutes to the next shuttle. A few very quick spirals and a van target landing with a quick rosette I bundled into the van wing in arms and knees on the floor.
Second flight was very similar except as I was getting a bit lower I decided to try the NE valley. The problem was it had just switched South and I was screwed. No way I can glide from here to there with this head wind. – Tighten up, head for the corner and maybe I will get a whisper of salvation lift just before the LZ. – Whisper it was, I split a couple of pines and dropped in for a Spot on the cone landing. (Yea I planned it that way) Thanks for the witness Andy.
The third flight was the one for the day. – It started with everyone looking for a wind dummy. Cheri co had his gaggle of students and needed to see what the switch to South would do to the air. I figured it wasn’t getting better so off I go. Minor deflation on launch and a real bush skimmer all the way down but finally air speed and hill shape got me to the corner.
Then the fun began.
Back and forth over the rocks scratching and skimming up and down. After a while a series of students, tandems and others went round the corner some stopping for a bight of lift but everybody ended up lower and landed. Only Steephanie stuck around and we danced together in a 700 yard long and 200 yard wide band of lift for 40 minutes or so. I will dance with you any time Stephanie. (Just like Saddle only way way smaller.)
Doesn’t this look like fun:
The first flight was uneventful north launch, about 20 minutes when I dipped a bit low after not really getting much above launch. I looked at my watch 500 over and it was 5 minutes to the next shuttle. A few very quick spirals and a van target landing with a quick rosette I bundled into the van wing in arms and knees on the floor.
Second flight was very similar except as I was getting a bit lower I decided to try the NE valley. The problem was it had just switched South and I was screwed. No way I can glide from here to there with this head wind. – Tighten up, head for the corner and maybe I will get a whisper of salvation lift just before the LZ. – Whisper it was, I split a couple of pines and dropped in for a Spot on the cone landing. (Yea I planned it that way) Thanks for the witness Andy.
The third flight was the one for the day. – It started with everyone looking for a wind dummy. Cheri co had his gaggle of students and needed to see what the switch to South would do to the air. I figured it wasn’t getting better so off I go. Minor deflation on launch and a real bush skimmer all the way down but finally air speed and hill shape got me to the corner.
Then the fun began.
Back and forth over the rocks scratching and skimming up and down. After a while a series of students, tandems and others went round the corner some stopping for a bight of lift but everybody ended up lower and landed. Only Steephanie stuck around and we danced together in a 700 yard long and 200 yard wide band of lift for 40 minutes or so. I will dance with you any time Stephanie. (Just like Saddle only way way smaller.)
Doesn’t this look like fun:
The day ended with Wonko, the Pub and then a long drive home - in bed by 1:30.
Tuesday brings plans for a Baldy Glass Off. We will see.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Fun, Flap & Fly
Thursday through Sunday non-stop.
Thursday I got a buddy to go up Baldy with me and then on retrieve. I am new enough that I still have friends that haven’t done this yet. Conditions were perfect. Nice light cycles out of the SW on launch and at 3:30 things were calming down so, as he was a firefighter and knew how to dial 911 if needed, I broke the flying alone rule. (Sorry Rick.)
Scratched down the hill in it seemed like more than usual sink but stuck to the W ridge hoping and praying that my analysis of other's successful tracks would pay off. It did, little bumps and then lower, little blipps then lower and then ping, ping, ping and off to the races cranking an easy up to 8200 non-stop. (new personal high)
Nice big cloud over head just sucked and sucked – I ran South to stay out but made little head way, just enough to stay clear the cloud.
Then I made the dash for 82 and got there @ 5500 or so. Then head wind cranked in from E-burg and I was stuck. I landed going straight down to maybe 4 mph backward soft in the sage.
Friday was also great.
Started with breakfast and local site orientations with Steve Rupe from Reno. Steve’s USPA card reads member since 1973. He treated me to great stories as we covered local flying options for when he is in town on business. With your help we were able to scrounge a wing and harness which he enjoyed on Saturday at Chelan (see below). Thanks to all who made that possible.
Plans were now full on for Baldy with Steve Pieniak, Snuffy, and Heather, Steve from Cashmere, and Chris Culler on hang with Martin and Curt coming up later if it was working, all hoping for some big air. At the rock at 12:30 we had foolish hopes that the winds that were cranking North in the valley would magically dissipate at altitude. LOL
Down we go for an afternoon in search for airtime. First stop Selah Butte, great older site not flown much at the southern end of the canyon. – Winds a bit better, the site really wants West, but not good enough to fly.
Off to look at Bob’s bump which we never got to because it was now north in Yakima. Now on to the Gap and the West end of Rattle Snake Ridge. Winds lighter and promising finally low enough to think about wings when the Elephant called. I pointed down range and said if we wanted a bit stronger cycles then I would go East to The Elephant. At the time a really nice lifty looking cloud was forming over the Elephant and as I pointed to the hill Steve said, “you mean that hill with that great little cloud over it? That was all it took and it was back in the car and up the Elephant.
Winds on top were great but as usual for the Elephant in North they were a bit west so not the best angle for the hill. Steve and Heather went to para-wait on the West end of the ridge and Steve kited for two steps. I was on the air with Yakima Control seeking permission to exceed 500 AGL as Steve is hooking a shredded rocker that gave him a 50% dead center frontal. I tell him he is cleared above 500agl just as he is thinking “this leaning over column of ratty lift is not what I call fun.” Steve bugs West and down and we re-group, if Steve wanted off The Elephant then the rest of us all just returned our tickets to the carnie and looked for some cotton candy.
Chris, our token hang, was a different story. He locked in to a great ridge/lift/thermam/whatever flight for about an hour before the ground crowd started talking about finding some Mexican for dinner. Short retrieve and take down and off to Santiago’s for great food and fun. Gail, my wife, was just off work and joined the party.
Saturday's initial plans for Baldy shift north for Chelan as the weather God’s want to avoid the wind. Funny how, in fact, most stayed West of the mountains, wonder how they knew. Chelan was fun but weird. Got up there with Randy with Dianna on retrieve and hopes for big air.
Only 6 bags on top with a bakers dozen of Hangs setting up. One by one they would throw themselves into a sacrificial sea of sink. What caused these manic fools to keep up their suicidal ritual is beyond me but one by one they went over the lip between the rocks. – Finally by 3:30 we were running out of sacrificial wings and it began to look like lift might arrive. It was as if there was a cap on any lift right at 3 grand. – One hang finaly got up and a Bag was working it so we began to suit up.
I launched the Monster with a real long run. Randy went rocks and caught a great cycle straight up to 7400. My work was cut out for me as I cruised cross the South face for 3 trees. It was working like Rick said it would and I milked it to 6600. A real nice 50 minute flight with lots of rocking and rolling.
We put Saturday to bed with a visit to the Ranch where 10 newbees and a few old faces were just wrapping up a long day. Doug and Dennis were in usual good form. With stories in hand we all headed down to the Mexican restraunt for more food and beer before the trek home.
Sunday arrives with more hopes for Baldy with drivers and more new friends in place for after Church.
The Dad's day afternoon is Dad's choice. Mine was Baldy. - Up the road and light light flow from the north gives a very easy North launch. - Down along the east ridge no real lift until Bang a bullet. Turn tight hang on round and round we go. After droping well below the sumit it is now 5K now 6K and top out twice round 6800. - Which way to go. - Declared Goal was North and back but North wind might be too strong and my car is in the south LZ so South I go. Sink sink sink until the leading edge of Selah Butte. - Little lift should have been able to work more but sink sink so where to land - not in the steep canyon so I picked the big bowl and had a landing in switch. I called it right and landed to a south wind bout 7 to 10 lifty air as gentle as a baby's bottom.
Big smiles and the owners grandson gave me a ride back to the car and I was home in time to log the flight before work started up at 5:00.
This Game Is Sooo Fun.
YeeHa
Thursday I got a buddy to go up Baldy with me and then on retrieve. I am new enough that I still have friends that haven’t done this yet. Conditions were perfect. Nice light cycles out of the SW on launch and at 3:30 things were calming down so, as he was a firefighter and knew how to dial 911 if needed, I broke the flying alone rule. (Sorry Rick.)
Scratched down the hill in it seemed like more than usual sink but stuck to the W ridge hoping and praying that my analysis of other's successful tracks would pay off. It did, little bumps and then lower, little blipps then lower and then ping, ping, ping and off to the races cranking an easy up to 8200 non-stop. (new personal high)
Nice big cloud over head just sucked and sucked – I ran South to stay out but made little head way, just enough to stay clear the cloud.
Then I made the dash for 82 and got there @ 5500 or so. Then head wind cranked in from E-burg and I was stuck. I landed going straight down to maybe 4 mph backward soft in the sage.
Friday was also great.
Started with breakfast and local site orientations with Steve Rupe from Reno. Steve’s USPA card reads member since 1973. He treated me to great stories as we covered local flying options for when he is in town on business. With your help we were able to scrounge a wing and harness which he enjoyed on Saturday at Chelan (see below). Thanks to all who made that possible.
Plans were now full on for Baldy with Steve Pieniak, Snuffy, and Heather, Steve from Cashmere, and Chris Culler on hang with Martin and Curt coming up later if it was working, all hoping for some big air. At the rock at 12:30 we had foolish hopes that the winds that were cranking North in the valley would magically dissipate at altitude. LOL
Down we go for an afternoon in search for airtime. First stop Selah Butte, great older site not flown much at the southern end of the canyon. – Winds a bit better, the site really wants West, but not good enough to fly.
Off to look at Bob’s bump which we never got to because it was now north in Yakima. Now on to the Gap and the West end of Rattle Snake Ridge. Winds lighter and promising finally low enough to think about wings when the Elephant called. I pointed down range and said if we wanted a bit stronger cycles then I would go East to The Elephant. At the time a really nice lifty looking cloud was forming over the Elephant and as I pointed to the hill Steve said, “you mean that hill with that great little cloud over it? That was all it took and it was back in the car and up the Elephant.
Winds on top were great but as usual for the Elephant in North they were a bit west so not the best angle for the hill. Steve and Heather went to para-wait on the West end of the ridge and Steve kited for two steps. I was on the air with Yakima Control seeking permission to exceed 500 AGL as Steve is hooking a shredded rocker that gave him a 50% dead center frontal. I tell him he is cleared above 500agl just as he is thinking “this leaning over column of ratty lift is not what I call fun.” Steve bugs West and down and we re-group, if Steve wanted off The Elephant then the rest of us all just returned our tickets to the carnie and looked for some cotton candy.
Chris, our token hang, was a different story. He locked in to a great ridge/lift/thermam/whatever flight for about an hour before the ground crowd started talking about finding some Mexican for dinner. Short retrieve and take down and off to Santiago’s for great food and fun. Gail, my wife, was just off work and joined the party.
Saturday's initial plans for Baldy shift north for Chelan as the weather God’s want to avoid the wind. Funny how, in fact, most stayed West of the mountains, wonder how they knew. Chelan was fun but weird. Got up there with Randy with Dianna on retrieve and hopes for big air.
Only 6 bags on top with a bakers dozen of Hangs setting up. One by one they would throw themselves into a sacrificial sea of sink. What caused these manic fools to keep up their suicidal ritual is beyond me but one by one they went over the lip between the rocks. – Finally by 3:30 we were running out of sacrificial wings and it began to look like lift might arrive. It was as if there was a cap on any lift right at 3 grand. – One hang finaly got up and a Bag was working it so we began to suit up.
I launched the Monster with a real long run. Randy went rocks and caught a great cycle straight up to 7400. My work was cut out for me as I cruised cross the South face for 3 trees. It was working like Rick said it would and I milked it to 6600. A real nice 50 minute flight with lots of rocking and rolling.
We put Saturday to bed with a visit to the Ranch where 10 newbees and a few old faces were just wrapping up a long day. Doug and Dennis were in usual good form. With stories in hand we all headed down to the Mexican restraunt for more food and beer before the trek home.
Sunday arrives with more hopes for Baldy with drivers and more new friends in place for after Church.
The Dad's day afternoon is Dad's choice. Mine was Baldy. - Up the road and light light flow from the north gives a very easy North launch. - Down along the east ridge no real lift until Bang a bullet. Turn tight hang on round and round we go. After droping well below the sumit it is now 5K now 6K and top out twice round 6800. - Which way to go. - Declared Goal was North and back but North wind might be too strong and my car is in the south LZ so South I go. Sink sink sink until the leading edge of Selah Butte. - Little lift should have been able to work more but sink sink so where to land - not in the steep canyon so I picked the big bowl and had a landing in switch. I called it right and landed to a south wind bout 7 to 10 lifty air as gentle as a baby's bottom.
Big smiles and the owners grandson gave me a ride back to the car and I was home in time to log the flight before work started up at 5:00.
This Game Is Sooo Fun.
YeeHa
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wind Wind Wind & Speed
Will the wind ever stop. No flying not even a sledder from the Bob’s bump. When it is windy play with your gear.
After a fair amount of frustration and displeasure with my stirrup and speed bar system I am going to try something new.
My old system was a standard stirrup with a bungee tied between the stirrup and the first step. – This worked ok but always seemed clunky in transition. My big feet in boots couldn’t jump from Stirrup to bar and back with ease. The second thing that I didn’t like was how it was adjusted that is how my knees were totally bent at the start of speed and how I could just make full pulleys with full leg stretch.
I really think I need three steps. – The first with just a bit of speed potential, say 5 to 10%. From conversations with Brad my SIV instructor and some other pilots I have come to the understanding that my wings best glide is tied to a bit more pressure. The goal here is to have a bar that I can rest on either full locked or w/ just a touch of pressure so I can feel the wing with my feet as well as my hands. The speed system is tied to the A/B risers which catch the first of a whack. Always on or touching speed also gets me ready to move right to step 2 if I want more. My goal is to be constantly aware of and in control of my pressure.
The second step is for normal flying w/ various speed and step 3 will get me pulley to pulley.
What I came up with was a simple “rope ladder” using 1/8” steel cable and 1/2” aluminum dowel stock. I am sure it has been done before.Reports and pictures will follow. I will let you know how well this new system works.
The other reason for the change is a discussion regarding launch styles with Doug. While not changing their beginner instruction Doug felt leaving both legs out of the stirrup adds a safety factor in regards to tripping. This only works if you are doing good torpedo launches. No leg through requires a good launch form which is really a good thing. You have to lean forward with proper form to catch the stirrup. – In my case I will catch step one of my speed system. - One question I have is while I am doing this will I be loading/speed as I push back into my harness? – I don’t think so but looking at that is part of my testing plan.
After a fair amount of frustration and displeasure with my stirrup and speed bar system I am going to try something new.
My old system was a standard stirrup with a bungee tied between the stirrup and the first step. – This worked ok but always seemed clunky in transition. My big feet in boots couldn’t jump from Stirrup to bar and back with ease. The second thing that I didn’t like was how it was adjusted that is how my knees were totally bent at the start of speed and how I could just make full pulleys with full leg stretch.
I really think I need three steps. – The first with just a bit of speed potential, say 5 to 10%. From conversations with Brad my SIV instructor and some other pilots I have come to the understanding that my wings best glide is tied to a bit more pressure. The goal here is to have a bar that I can rest on either full locked or w/ just a touch of pressure so I can feel the wing with my feet as well as my hands. The speed system is tied to the A/B risers which catch the first of a whack. Always on or touching speed also gets me ready to move right to step 2 if I want more. My goal is to be constantly aware of and in control of my pressure.
The second step is for normal flying w/ various speed and step 3 will get me pulley to pulley.
What I came up with was a simple “rope ladder” using 1/8” steel cable and 1/2” aluminum dowel stock. I am sure it has been done before.Reports and pictures will follow. I will let you know how well this new system works.
The other reason for the change is a discussion regarding launch styles with Doug. While not changing their beginner instruction Doug felt leaving both legs out of the stirrup adds a safety factor in regards to tripping. This only works if you are doing good torpedo launches. No leg through requires a good launch form which is really a good thing. You have to lean forward with proper form to catch the stirrup. – In my case I will catch step one of my speed system. - One question I have is while I am doing this will I be loading/speed as I push back into my harness? – I don’t think so but looking at that is part of my testing plan.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Too Much To Do
All week we wait. - Even a buzz up to Bob's Bump for a sledder was wested out. High wind kiting and rain for a week. But maybe the weekend. - Friday Saturday all blown. Maybe Sunday - Yes Yes - getting better and better Baldy should work. -
And then the other reality: - Work - Worship, Bible Study and Baccalaureate all on Sunday the one day I work. LOL
Well I do get to fly when many can’t but still when the day pops it is a killer to have so much to do. – Yet the addict in me wouldn’t say no and up the hill I go with a parishioner in hand. Gail also had to work. Thanks to Marlin I get a flight.
The problem is: when so much is going on you really shouldn’t fly. – No time to watch others fly, no time to just get ready mentally. – Just go for it because you have to be back by 4:30. – The results are on Leonardo – An 18 min sledder with plenty of bumps.
Always a big smile and learning much.
Next Saturday looks good.
And then the other reality: - Work - Worship, Bible Study and Baccalaureate all on Sunday the one day I work. LOL
Well I do get to fly when many can’t but still when the day pops it is a killer to have so much to do. – Yet the addict in me wouldn’t say no and up the hill I go with a parishioner in hand. Gail also had to work. Thanks to Marlin I get a flight.
The problem is: when so much is going on you really shouldn’t fly. – No time to watch others fly, no time to just get ready mentally. – Just go for it because you have to be back by 4:30. – The results are on Leonardo – An 18 min sledder with plenty of bumps.
Always a big smile and learning much.
Next Saturday looks good.
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