SkyOut

2021-02-13T23:00:00.223-05:00

A couple days ago the forecasted winds for today looked too light. However, the wind speed kept increasing with every update until it looked good enough to go this morning. The direction was predicted to be too north until around noon, which was also the time of high tide, which meant I didn't have to leave home at a stupid early hour.

I arrived to find unusually snow-covered dunes, Mark already soaring, and John and Matt pacing about. Matt reported wind speeds at the top-end of "marginally safe" and Mark's lack of groundspeed seemed to confirm that. After putting on all my warm clothes and a check of the wind speed, I decided to fly. As I got my flying gear ready Matt tried to launch his mini-wing from the top and quickly decided to move down lower. Matt launched, flew about a little, and was walking up the dune as I was finally ready to play.

It was good to hear that the wind was too light to sustain Matt's mini-wing. However, after a quick launch from below, it became apparent to me the wind was still strong ... until it wasn't. There were well defined thermals coming off the warmer ocean. The thermals would block the wind, lulling unaware pilots too close to the dune, and then blow through and blowing back anyone that was too close to the accelerated air at the top of the dune. It was fun flying towards the water climbing but barely moving forward until the thermal passed and then diving back closer to the dunes to stay airborne until the next thermal blew through.

Photo courtesy John Mendes

The snow on the dunes and beach, the lack of birds, bitter cold and strong wind created an atypical atmosphere. I played this silly game of dancing with blowy thermals for 30 minutes with John, Mark, Matt, and Paulo while Carl struggled trying to launch from the lower pathway (which isn't easy and requires a technique different than most launches). I decided to land and offer to help. Unfortunately, we found a rip in his glider so he had to pack his full size wing away.

Photos courtesy John Mendes

I launched again without even leaving the beach. JoeR and Zoe arrived with their mini-wings about the time I was being blown backwards during the gusts. It was an easy decision to land and wait for better conditions.

Mini-wings ruled the sky for the next hour or so. Steve showed up and left without flying. Most pilots with full size wings left, but Matt, Paulo, and I stayed for some more fun later in the afternoon. I hadn't really planned to fly, but was kiting along the dune on the beach and started skimming along a few feet off the beach. I was soon back up into the strong wind and had to spend most of my time staying out over the water. I finally decided I had enough "dancing with the devil" and packed my gear away for the day.

I was glad that only "regulars" showed up. It was a technical day and a good day to be cautious, which we all did. I'm starting to enjoy launching from the beach and know those skills will allow me to move north and south along the outer cape with less fear of sinking out.

Track logs are available for flight 1, flight 2, and flight 3.

Solitude

2021-01-26T23:00:00.394-05:00

The best thing about the forecast for today at Wellfleet was it might be soarable. Most of the usual addicts were passing, but with frigid arctic temperatures arriving later in the week, I decided the risk of sledders at the beach was worth it.

Fearing winds might be too light, I was surprised to see an ocean decorated with white caps when I arrived to an empty parking lot shortly after 9am. It was probably soarable, but I wasn't totally sure. I texted to the social media groups "whitecaps" and started layering on clothing, turning on electronics, and unpacking my wing.

I couldn't control my rosetted wing on the cliff edge, so I quickly decided to launch from the path near the beach at the bottom. I pulled the wing up without any drama, turned and stepped into the air. I immediately got ready to shave the dune, but realized the air was going up everywhere. It was probably the easiest climb-out from the bottom I've ever had.

The wind was strong, probably 26 kph or more, and about 50 degrees cross so I stayed upwind; mostly over the beach or even at the surf line. The air was anything but smooth; thermals were lifting off the warmer water providing 1 m/s climbs well beyond the surf line. I played slowly flying upwind into the climbs while watching the sun create a mesmerizing dance of brilliant sparks as it passed through the blue sky and white clouds onto the dark ocean and then back up to me.

I spied a vehicle pull into the parking lot so I went to investigate. I saw John G get out and point his cellphone at me as I flew by. I just knew he was going to post to social media and the solitary day of flying would soon be over. Oh well, the company would also be nice.

As expected the thermals were accompanied by sink and higher gusts. For awhile the gusts would halt my forward speed for a moment and then I would continue onward usually through sink. However, one gust pushed me backward at 4 - 6 kph long enough to get my attention. The next gust pushed me backward at 11 kph for much longer than I was comfortable with so I returned to launch and landed on the beach below.

Another 2 vehicles soon pulled in and the party started. John's beach wing flies much faster than mine, so we helped him launch and then helped Matt launch his new mini-wing for its maiden flight. I was giving Ned a site intro when Matt sank out and reported the winds were getting lighter. We dragged out our gear and hiked down to launch from the path below. I was explaining how to launch from the path when I decided it would be easier to just demonstrate the technique. I pulled up and again quickly floated up above the dune. I briefly soared and then landed next to Ned showing one possible approach pattern. Any questions? ;-)

John G was coming down to help pilots launch so I walked part way up and took off again.

The forecast predicted the winds to slowly swing from north-northeast to the east and drop below soarable speeds. Since Aton and Steve were interested in flying to Nauset Light to the south, I thought we should go before it got too late. I signaled my intention and off we went; Aton in front and Steve behind.

Nauset Light. Photo courtesy Stephen Verbeek.

Aton and Tom heading back. Photo courtesy Stephen Verbeek.

The trip south was fast and uneventful. Our ground speed was more typical hang glider speed than paraglider speed. However, that quickly changed as we turned around to head back north. I really enjoyed the return trip since it became challenging as the wind was still crossing but the velocity was dropping. The dunes north of Marconi Beach are low and tough to soar in light winds. We all managed to tip-toe through that area and reached the higher dunes at the Marconi Wireless Station. Aton played in the better lift as Steve and I arrived. I kept pushing on fearing the wind would die. Aton made one too many S-turns trying not to overrun me and ended up landing. I thought I was done as well, but just managed to hang on until I got past Lecount Hollow Beach where I found enough lift to get back above the top of the dune. Steve landed just before that good section.

Photo courtesy Stephen Verbeek

I joined a small crowd around launch and continued north. I turned at the Beachcomber and was surprised to see everyone behind me on the ground. Eek. I turned around to stock up on altitude when I saw John coming at me from the north. I turned south again with a comfortable altitude and watched John speed by below me. The cool factor faded when John slowed and climbed in front of me. I was now too low to turn around but sitting right in his wake dealing with tiny collapses as I dodged branches and pipes sticking out from the dune! I was able to slow just enough to make a quick figure-8 and still keep my feet off the ground. I blew past launch and a possible top landing when I saw my potential LZ filled with cars. Instead I landed at the base of the path, the last to land.

I talked, at a distance, with Nancy as pilots waited for the wind to pick up. The wind never did return and soon even kiting was impossible. I slowly packed up, said good-by and started driving home. Snow started falling before I left the cape and the highway was covered by the time I was half-way home. As I pulled into the garage and looked at the winter wonderland through the rear window I was briefly transported back to my glittering morning solitude in the air over the ocean. The risk of sledders, at least this time, was worth it.

You can review the flights online at flight 1, flight 2, flight 3.

Beach Day

2021-01-15T23:00:00.434-05:00

The forecast looked good at Wellfleet for several days but I know "weather forecasts are fairy tales until the actual day". A quick re-check of the forecast at 5:30 am showed stronger winds, but still within my limits. I left home in the dark under a thick layer of clouds. About an hour into the drive, a scenic sunrise framed by blue appeared beyond the deck of clouds. As I crossed the canal onto Cape Cod, there wasn't any clouds or sign of wind; even the wind mills were stationary. Um. The parking lot at White Crest Beach was empty when I pulled in after 2.5 hours behind the wheel. The wind was blowing but nothing excessive, either in direction or velocity.

Getting my paragliding gear ready I noticed a red fox wandering around. It looked relatively healthy but was making a constant strange barking sound and wasn't concerned about me at all. Having encounters with rapid animals before, I wasn't happy until it wandered off to the south.

I checked the wind around the corner one more time and it seemed fine. A couple other pilots pulled in so it was time to go play.

I laid out my wing and realized the wind was more cross than I thought. After fighting the horizontal turbulence from the dune to the north, I moved further south to be in cleaner air. I was about 2/3 of the way through pulling my wing up when I realized I had also underestimated the strength of the wind. I got the wing overhead just fine, but couldn't move forward and then was slowly drifting back. I killed the wing but got pulled backwards and gift-wrapped Matt's truck. (Thanks Matt for helping me "un-decorate" your vehicle.)

Maybe the updated forecast for stronger winds was accurate. I gathered my wing, and what was left of my dignity, and walked down down to the beach. After ensuring the lines were clear, I launched from the path barely 2 meters from the bottom. The wind was strong enough, and cross enough, that I was able to work my way up the dune. Knowing it was windy, I kept far in front of the ridge line. My forward progress at times was less than 7 kph, but since it was cross it was easy to keep in front of the dunes.

The other two pilots joined the fun by launching from below and we carefully jostled around in the strong breeze. By the time the next wave of pilots arrived, the wind had subsided enough that we were more-or-less soaring normally.

Flying my beach wing. Photo by Max Kotchouro.

The sky got progressively crowded over the next couple hours as more and more pilots arrived. I kept to myself on a dune to the north, separated from the crowds by a little gap. I kept pushing out across the gap at Newcomb Hollow, seeing how far I could go and still make it back without landing. Once I had enough of that I flew south to Nauset Light. (I needed privacy so I could "dump ballast"). After returning to launch and then further north, I noticed Max making a kamikaze dive across the large gap at Newcomb Hollow. As I expected, he landed but was trying to relaunch from the beach in front of higher dunes. Since I had already flown for almost 3 hours, I was ready to stretch my legs and then continue flying north. I landed about 10 meters short of the taller dune, but it was easy to gather my glider, walk a short distance, pull up and continue on my way.

I caught up with Max and then started working a light line of lift out over the water in preparation to cross the next gap at Ballston Beach. I made it across, passing just over the heads of a family standing right where I needed to be. They were thrilled to see me and I was thrilled to be passing over them. I waited on the other side for awhile, but it appeared Max wasn't eager to follow.

The trip to Highland Light was relaxing "sightseeing flying". Since the cape curves around to the north, the wind was blowing directly into the high cliffs and I was 150 meters above the beach. I could easily see the other side of the cape and the curve to the northwest.

Highland Light and Cape Cod curving around to the northwest.

View across Cape Cod to the east.

It was easy but exciting crossing the gaps low on the way back. I yelled to pilots in the White Crest parking lot that even after 4 hours of airtime, I was going to head to the southern lighthouse again. I flew by Tom a little further south and he followed me on his first trip to Nauset Light in a paraglider. On the way back, I noticed a hawk with its wings folded forward hovering over the dune. I didn't want to interrupt its dinner so I drifted around but was surprised when the hawk started floating along with us and coming in very close. It was definitely a special encounter.

I made one more trip north to Newcomb Hollow before returning south to top land at launch after raking up nearly 5 hours of winter airtime. After stashing my gear, I was chatting, at a distance with masks, with a few pilots when a police officer pulled in. He wanted to know if anyone had called 911. We didn't know of anything happening and quickly checked. In a few minutes a pilot sheepishly came forward explaining he unknowingly dialed 911 when his harness activated his phone. Oops!

Pilots were still launching and soaring when I pulled out for my long drive home.

Part 1 on Leonardo

Part 2 on Leonardo

Max posted a fun video of the day.

Cold Gray Gift

2021-01-12T23:00:00.259-05:00

The bare brown ground provides evidence that the weather is unusual this winter. Temperatures just above freezing, light winds, and the promise of a snowless climb to the mountain top was enough to entice me and 4 other pilots to Mount Tom. The prediction of full cloud cover and temperatures just above freezing keep many others away. Karim and Terry were in the parking lot when I arrived at 11am. They were waiting for John and Pete to arrive since they needed those mentors to fly. After a bit of covid-19 distanced conversation, we agreed to meet John and Pete on top.

Aside from a few ice slicks from weeping springs, the hike up was dry and surprisingly comfortable. I wondered what we would find on top. Launch was frosted with snow, but ice free. The wind was wafting in but not really enough for a restricted rocky cliff launch. We started debating if we could pull up our gliders in the puffs coming in and would it get better later. The winds were predicted to subside during the day and there wasn't enough sun to heat the rock wall to produce thermals. Fidgeting ensued.

A couple short windows with a light breeze, enticed me to try launching. I had no expectation of soaring; I was just hoping to play a bit in the stable air and avoid a walk down. As I laid out, the breeze increased a bit more and I mentioned it might even be soarable. It took me 3 attempts to get airborne. The first was a typical Mount Tom "avoid getting plucked" timid pull-up that never got the glider off the ground. I should have gone with the 2nd, but the 70 degrees crosswind caught me off guard and I didn't want to dance around and possibly lay the glider in the shrubs surrounding the narrow launch. I was ready the 3rd time.

I picked a nice cycle, pulled up, and flew off into climbing air. I flew south and yelled out to Peter who was trying to launch from the west launch. The pilots on the main launch were now ready to fly!

Climbing was no problem, but the bumpy texture was surprising. Maybe I stumbled into a weak thermal. However, the climb and bumps consistently continued as I flew along and then out from the ridge. Um. I continued flying out and up until the lift became buttery smooth and the wind speed increased to 22 - 25 kph. Ah, weak wave! Once I figured that out, I mapped out the wave and floated to 600m without working.

Karim and Terry eventually got airborne and took in the frosty winter-but-not-winter views. Terry was losing feeling in his fingers about the time Pete launched. The wave had collapsed by that time and we found weak thermals to circle up in. John, left on launch by himself, had to get creative to get off the rock. I stayed airborne until he was safely in the air and then I landed to thaw my hands and say hello to Pat.

It is rewarding to escape the ground in winter and a bonus to launch into soarable conditions for a couple hours when expecting much less.

I posted the flight on Leonardo.

Here is a gray video from the flight.

New Year

2021-01-03T23:00:00.095-05:00

Only had to wait two days before getting to fly in the new year. I arrived early since the parking lot and launch at White Crest Beach in Wellfleet would be busy on a weekend day. I launched early to stretch my wings, which worked out well since the day featured periods of marginally strong wind, marginally weak wind, light showers, and crowded periods in-between.

Photo of, and courtesy of, Max Kotchouro

I experimented with new launch techniques, landed on top a few times, managed one-foot landings on posts, and practiced proximity flying with foot drags near launch when conditions became marginal. Oh, I was airborne over 2.5 hours as well. Not a bad way to start the year.

Information for four of the flights is available on Leonardo.

Out for Lunch

2019-04-17T22:30:00.000-04:00

It was a day to get going early. With a northeast wind, the onshore breeze from Lake Okeechobee would certainly scour away any good lift. I could already see the stable airmass approaching NeverLand Flight Park at 11am. Neil and Tom rolled out to the tow pad around 11:30 and I quickly got ready.

In addition to the onshore breeze, a large sugar cane burn upwind filled the entire sky with a smokey haze, there were no cumulus overhead, and it was breezy. Sigh. I knew it was time to go even if the conditions weren't inspiring.

After Neil hooked me up, I had to wait a few minutes for the wind to become manageable. I quickly climbed in the brisk headwind and released after hitting a strong shot of lift before Neil even made it halfway down the tow road. I quickly centered the climb and drifted away happy I found something.

The smoke squashed thermals downwind on the way to LaBelle. I was coughing as I flew through the thick irritating haze as I searched north and south of my course line looking for anything going up. I got on the radio and announced that I might be landing south of LaBelle if I don't find something soon. The large series of fields south of the airport finally offered the lift I needed.

LaBelle and airport

Conditions improved as I move west of LaBelle, but the texture of the air didn't. The predominate wind was from the northeast at 24 k/h, but dropped to 8 k/h closer to base. The changes in wind speed churned the air into a challenging mess of surges and snaky climbs.

I kept pushing north to avoid drifting into the controlled airspace around Fort Myers. Three large plumes of smoke arose from a clearing project northeast of the Route 78 and Route 31 intersection. I spent extra time getting high to cross that area; no way did I want to deal with rowdy fire-based climbs in that wind.

Once past that obstacle, I had the choice of blowing downwind a few more miles towards I-75 or flying crosswind to the north and trying to land at the Babcock Ranch housing development. I chose the nice restaurant at the housing development over a cow field along I-75. It wasn't really a tough choice!

Babcock Ranch development (right with lakes)

I was a little worried about the surface wind. There was a peninsula in the development that was surrounded and also downwind of open water that would provide the best chance of laminar air. The downside was downwind of the peninsula was another lake; if I got blown backwards I could get wet. I positioned myself over my potential LZ and flew directly into the wind. I was still managing 12 k/h into the wind and I didn't see any whitecaps on the water. Peninsula it was.

Had a nice landing and was soon talking with the grounds crew about my flight. After a quick pack, I walked 5 minutes to the town center and started looking for a ride while sitting in the shade next to a fountain.

LZ peninsula across the water in both photos

Lucky for me, Jim was already on the road west of LaBelle and was willing to fetch me. We had a nice lunch outside overlooking the lake and the peninsula where I had landed. Thanks Jim!

Flight details available on Leonardo.

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:45, Distance: 51km

Missed Opportunity

2019-04-12T22:30:00.000-04:00

The forecast looked great for a trip north along the center of Florida from NeverLand Flight Park. Furthermore, Wills Wing was holding their annual demo days fly-in at Wallaby Ranch which is also near the center of the state southeast of Orlando. I set a goal of landing at Wallaby so I could spend the evening partying there with many of my hang gliding buddies.

Dan DeLeo launched first in variable winds and was soon on his way. I was up next. A fellow pilot held the drogue chute on the tow line to prevent it tangling under my feet. I told him it wasn't necessary, but he insisted on helping. Ok, no big deal. I waited for the wind to blow in a reasonable direction as I stood ready to do a reverse launch. After a few minutes pulled up my wing. The glider shifted to my right (east) and I was getting ready to take a couple steps to get back under it when Neil started pulling. I was pulled around before I was able to shift so the wing continued arcing to the east while I was pulled north. I was prematurely airborne with the wing going the wrong direction and not really flying. Essentially a low lockout. I followed the same arc as the glider about 1.5 meters above the ground. I landed on my side on the road and was briefly dragged on the asphalt before Neil dumped tension and I released.

(Later Neil and I talked about what happened. Neil saw the wing come up, but couldn't see me because the other "helpful" pilot blocked his view. He saw the wing come up, thought he saw me turning and doing a running reverse, so started rolling. His quick glance away was all the time I needed to swing onto the road and when he saw the carnage behind he quickly dumped pressure. The biggest thing I learned was to not allow anyone to get between me and the driver. I will politely insist no one hold the drogue chute (line) for me. If faced with the same situation again, I might also wait for a lull and do a forward launch; if the winds are more variable in velocity than in direction.)

Gus, and a parade of other pilots launched while I reviewed the damage. My flight computer, new GoPro 7 camera, iPhone, harness, and my clothing were badly damaged. The glider seemed untouched and I got away with just a couple fabric burns. The camera isn't necessary and the flight computer and iPhone still worked in spite of their looks. My clothing looked like I was just dragged down the road. ;-) Three layers on my shoulder were wore away with frayed edges flapping in the breeze. Good enough for me. The harness however, was another story. The pod was torn in multiple spots and the equipment pouch that holds my instruments and phone was ripped to shreds. George came to my rescue with a roll of color coordinated (black) duct tape. Duct-tape engineering ensued and, as we say in aviation, "it will probably work".

I composed myself, double-checked the conditions and my wing, and decided to give it another go. However, it was now at least an hour later and my chances of getting to Wallaby were becoming more of a dream than a goal.

I had an uneventful tow with Neil, quickly found a climb, and was on my way. Rob and I bounced around base as we approached the area we call the "triangle of doom" due to its lack of retrieval roads. Rob turned back as I ventured north.

I was 2/3 of the way across when Tom and another pilot approached from the south. They found a climb and I backtracked to get some of that goodness. Around here the duct tape started coming loose and I had to put up with constant flapping for the rest of the day. The three of us roughly flew together until we approached Lake Placid. My timing was off and entered the Lake Placid area as the clouds had overdeveloped and shaded the ground. My wingmen were a bit higher and sneaked away leaving me to grovel for far too long until the area heated up again.

The trip to Sebring was quick, but once again, I was greeted with dying clouds and shaded ground. David Prentice was holding an SIV clinic on the big lake in town and I could hear them on the radio and see them over the water. I considered landing at their LZ, but just couldn't give up on the long convergence line forming just north of town. I had to get up.

I pushed upwind of the lake and found a climb that got me across the lake but left me in the lake shadow downwind of the lake. I had an LZ picked out but found an area of weak lift that slowly got me high enough to move on. I was thrilled to fly past the airport at Avon Park where I landed many times when flying hang gliders south from the Orlando area.

I was finally cruising the convergence line just as the day was dying. The climbs got weak and buttery, the clouds dissipated, and my hopes of reaching goal were extinguished. However, it was still nice flying and I used about 700m of altitude to play around in the smooth evening air before landing at the intersection of Route 27 and Route 98 in Frostproof at 6:40pm.

Gus, touching down at roughly the same time as me, landed in Clermont after flying past Wallaby Ranch for 200km! I got several texts asking if I was the paragliding flying past Wallaby. Alas, I was not. Dan, who was beating himself up over his recent flights, set a new personal best 100+ km flight that was at least 4 times greater than his previous best. Way to "knock it out of the park"! Tom landed in his friends back yard in Lake Wales. Indeed, a good day.

Audry and a load of happy pilots picked me up on their way back to Sebring, where we shared dinner and drinks with David's SIV students before heading back to NeverLand.

Although I didn't get to make the flight I was hoping, I was lucky that only equipment and not flesh was damaged and I was still able to enjoy a good day in the air (and in the SUV on the way back) with friends. Next time. ;-)

Details available on Leonardo.

Flights: 2, Duration: 5:03, Distance: 119km

Adventuring

2019-04-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

With clouds calling my name, I moseyed to launch as everyone watched. Neil dropped me off at 400m near a miserable little climb that drifted more than climb. Returning and lining up with the road where Neil was towing Dan. I moved aside as Dan rose above me then swung around below and behind Dan getting ready to land. A few vultures popped out of the trees upwind of launch, I snagged a workable parcel at 200m and latched on. I drifted away in a slow climb, but got high enough to make it back where I found another low climb to the south of launch. That climb finally lifted me to base around 1300m.

Meanwhile a parade of pilots were launching and struggling to get up. Gus and Jeff joined me dancing around cloud base as we waited for others. Gus glided off to the north while Jeff and I played in the wisps forming far below base.

I lost patience after an hour and took off to the west by myself. My day might have ended early when I was below 350m east of the LaBelle airport before I was drawn into a strong solid climb back to cloud base at 1500m.

I was "dropping liquid ballast" west of LaBelle when Gus flew in below me. We shared climbs and glides as we flew over the Babcock Ranch Preserve but parted ways as Gus made an aggressive move he could pull off with his higher performing wing but I couldn't.

I floundered over a dirt bike park until I found a sweet climb to over 1700m that allowed me to fly along base on a well defined convergence line. I kept pressing on as the sea breeze front kept creeping closer.

Gus came in below me from somewhere to the southeast as I raced the sea breeze. Not sure where he got delayed, but I was glad to have a wingman again. We drifted apart on our approach to Arcadia. I had a good line and was settled in a good climb when I noticed he was also climbing to the west. Not wanting to split up the team, I started gliding towards his position. Alas, he abandoned his dying climb while I was on glide. Crap.

We both glided north with Gus finding a climb just in front of me near Limestone. I came in underneath and found absolutely nothing; no lift, no sink, nothing. Gus climbed away in that bubble and I went into search mode with no good candidates. Gus moved on assuming my day was done.

I searched the area, keeping a good LZ within reach. I stumbled into a region of broken lift and was joined by a gaggle of birds also looking for free lift. We bounced and slowly climbed until I could move on again.

The clouds ahead were dying as the sun sank to the west. I knew my chances of finding another climb this late were slim, so I stayed close to a road as a glided off my altitude in the smooth evening air. I spotted a nice green field ahead with a small pond that would be a good indicator of the surface wind.

Birds were flying toward a complex of power lines and 4 stubby towers connected to large pipes that came out of the ground as I approached my field. I assumed it was a pumping station co-located with an electric distribution center. Since I didn't see any smoke or steam, I also assumed it was inactive. The birds were bouncing around but definitely going up. I starting climbing as I approached then noticed it got much warmer. At first I assumed it was just me getting lower (350m) but as I got even closer my exposed skin started to burn as if I was standing too close to a fire. I looked over and thought I saw a blue flame down the throat of a tower. Crap. Then my glider decided to repack itself into a convenient sized package. Double crap. No way I wanted to deploy my parachute over a maze of high voltage lines. A couple quick ninja moves and I flew away yelping like a scared puppy.

The surrounding air was turbulent, but there was a relatively sane parcel of air at the far end of my chosen LZ and I had good safe landing. I was talking with Peter Judge later and he suspects I flew over an operating gas-powered generating station. Each of those towers were equivalent to a jet engine pointed upwards. I was very lucky and implore pilots to avoid these things in the future. Much worse than any sugar cane or forest fire. This one, the Vandolah Power plant, is remote and had no external indications that it was operating.

However, my adventure was still not over. I was half-way packed when a young guy in a pickup truck stopped and offered me a ride. (I knew that Gus landed about 7 miles away in Wauchula so that was my destination). He wasn't going that way, but if I wanted to tag along for awhile, he could get me a ride there. Sounded good to me.

He reminded me a lot of my nephew, who also grew up in Florida. He was proud of his truck and I was impressed with the camo material he lined the inner cab with. He also talked about his dogs he trained to hunt wild boar. He showed me pictures of his dogs and his buddy roping and carting away a live boar. Think flying sounds exciting? I'm sure those hunts are just as intense. We drove to his grandpa's place to hook up a trailer to go fetch his car. After that we drove around looking for his buddies who were loading kitchen cabinets on another trailer. We eventually found them, helped them load and tie down the cargo, and then his friends gave me a ride into town. They dropped me off at the Walmart plaza on their way home.

Meanwhile Gus was being fed, given vodka, and entertained by a nice lady that owned the field he landed in. I was treated to a gorgeous sunset and an outdoor meal at the local Subway. We both enjoyed our evenings.

Neil convinced Neco to fetch us, which was no small feat since we were a couple hours away by car. I bought Neco breakfast for the next morning at Walmart before he picked up Gus. Gus, who just arrived before we flew, quickly fell asleep as Neco tried to teach me a little Portuguese on the way back. Thanks Neco!

Not a bad day of adventuring and, oh, a personal best distance.

Details available on Leonardo.

Flights: 1, Duration: 5:35, Distance: 122 km

Florida Wildlife Adventure

2019-04-07T22:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the adventure starts after you land. Today's flight was like that.

We launched early since the clouds looked good and we worried the outflow from Lake Okeechobee would wash the thermals away by early afternoon. Yuri, Kelton, and John G launched before me. Yuri stayed airborne awhile but was on the ground before I launched, while the other two drifted away. Neil pulled me to 600m where I found a weak climb and started floating westward in an east-southeast wind.

Since I didn't want to blow downwind and end my flight early due to controlled airspace along the coast, I kept pushing crosswind to the north whenever possible.

Shared a nice long climb with a bald eagle north of LaBelle, helping each other find the best lift. I was disappointed that our paths lead in opposite directions once we reached the top.

I needed a climb to get over a large swath of trees and swamp at the Babcock Ranch Preserve. Found bits of lift but nothing solid enough to risk venturing over inhospitable terrain. Even as preparing to land in a huge field, mother nature teased me with chunks of lift; enough to stay in the air but not enough to get up and away.

I landed in a nearly perfect field.

It needed just one thing; access! The closest road was 7.25 km (4.5 miles) away. Undaunted, I packed up and started walking north. I soon discovered the road was flooded with at least a meter of water filled with fish, wading birds, and probably alligators. Time for plan B.

I backtracked 0.8 km (0.5 miles) and tried the road along the west edge of the field. Getting to the corner was difficult due to holes dug by wild boar that recently filled with water. Once again the road disappeared into flooded forest. The road on the other side of the fence looked marginally better so I crossed the fence and started walking.

I soon came across large cat tracks. Maybe a very large bobcat or a panther. Since the rain washed everything clean 2 days ago, I knew the tracks were fresh. I search for a club before continuing.

The water gradually became deeper until none of the road or surrounding area was above water. That is when I saw a small 1 meter (3 foot) alligator swimming away from me ahead. I found another large stick and continued.

I had hoped the ground would rise ahead, but I rounded a small curve and saw nothing but flooded forest. Sigh. No turning around, time to press on. I came to a flooded fence corner where I perfected the delicate act of climbing over barbed wire fence while not injuring myself or dropping my pack into the water. In this next section, where small sections were above water, I spooked two white tailed deer in separate locations, saw where a large alligator had crossed my path, startled several wild boar that were enjoying their wallow, and flushed a large group of turkeys.

I was so happy when a dry pasture finally loomed ahead. I saw two dung beetles rolling a jaw-breaker size ball of dung across the cow path I was following. They were going to dine like kings tonight! I spooked my second flock of turkeys and then approached 40-50 beef cows. A large Charolais bull stood about 10 meters (10 yards) away from my path along the fence. The cows ran and bellowed, but the bull stood his ground. I continued approaching (with my two sticks), but we both maintained our cool as I slowly walked by as the cows positioned the bull between them and me.

I thought my wildlife adventure was complete when I saw a very large wild sow with piglets and a couple friends heading across the field towards a grove of trees where I was also heading. No way am I going to tangle with a mama and her babies in trees. So I headed west around the boar and then continued north.

I left the pasture, and the wild boar behind, only to come across a very nice airstrip in the middle of nowhere.

At least I wasn't walking through swamps! Shortly past the airstrip, which didn't really have an access road, I emerged along Route 74 and in a few minutes Dave and Subodh drove up after waiting for me to escape. We drove east to pick up John, who was sitting at a bar, and then back to LaBelle to get Dan.

I'll sleep well tonight.

Flight summary is available on Leonardo.

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:10, Distance: 31 km

Lemonade

2019-04-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

The day started slow and was predicted to end quickly with showers and thunderstorms. We still managed short flights north to the Placid Lakes Airport.

George launched and flew away while others had short flights back to the towline. I got a high tow, released almost at noon, climbed to base, and headed north. Base was relatively low as I ventured into the "adventure country" we affectionately call the "triangle of doom". I wasn't happy when I found myself low in the middle and without an obvious climb. However, the universe smiled and provide the lift I needed to get up and away.

Approaching Palmdale north of the triangle, I spotted George approaching from the east. We were briefly in the same area, but I kept moving on as he tanked up.

I cautiously watched a cumulus tower in front of me before it died and shaded the ground. I tip-toed through that area and then pushed further west to avoid more ominous looking clouds directly north. Those clouds, now east-northeast of me started dumping rain. I kept pushing west around them until I noticed a cloud north of me was also looking too energetic. Since my path was blocked to the north, I decided to land at the airport.

Airfield (right center)

Southeast

North

Deciding to land was easy, getting down wasn't. I searched for sink, then pulled big ears, and then started spiraling down. Added to the show, was a yellow turbo-prop ag plane landing, refilling, and taking off. It took persistent effort and a watchful eye to get safely on the ground.

I was packing on the mowed green lawn when I heard Dave on approach. Hearing my comments about abundant lift, he went on glide assuming he would climb all the way in. Unfortunately, he didn't and landed off the south end of the runway.

As I was checking the best route away from the airport, I heard John overhead. Like me, he had problems avoiding lift. In addition, a weak outflow from the showers to the east had swung the wind 90-degrees cross to the runway. John landed like a pro and began packing as the showers from the north approached.

John and I were huddled under a tree when those showers arrived as a pickup pulled over and the driver started giving us grief. Turned out the driver saw Dave huddled in the rain, picked him up, and came to rescue us. Of course, Dave prompted him to hassle us. Thanks Dave. ;-)

Our new best friend, Todd, has a house/hanger on the field and invited us in to wait out the rain. We talked about flying and all types of adventures. We hung out there until Dan and Subodh showed up with the van. After we said farewell to Todd, we jumped in and headed a north to pick up George who threaded the needle between the two showers and landed dry.

We drove back in pouring rain congratulating ourselves for making lemonade from a day that was such a lemon.

Flight details available on Leonardo.

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:12, Distance: 57 km

Brace for Summer

2018-08-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

I couldn't refuse another hazy, hot, and humid day in this summer of rain, so I chose to hike and fly at Brace Mountain. Donna and Sergio were meeting early at the park-and-ride along the Mass Pike and I could have ridden with them, but decided to wait 30 minutes and meet Aine at the same place since she was making the trip alone.

Everyone was still at the LZ when we arrived including Don, Joe R, Leslie, Tom P, Zoe, and probably a couple more that I'm forgetting. We played the "I don't want to drive but we can take my car" game before loading up and making the drive to the backside of the mountain.

As I mentioned before, it was hot and humid, so our pace up the mountain was slow. Tom and I eventually found ourselves out front alone. Somewhere along the hike, while commenting on the old guys leading the pack, Tom mentioned that he will have been flying hang gliders for 50 years next summer. Probably longer than any other person! (Tom started flying very young). Needless to say, I was impressed and think that fact should be better known.

There was a light pleasant breeze trickling in when we arrive on top. We had a leisurely lunch, unpacked, and generally tried to avoid the heat however possible. Meanwhile, Josh and Shane made their way up for the afternoon festivities.

The forecast predicted increasing southerly winds (90 cross to the ridge) during the afternoon so we were a bit anxious to launch but didn't want to take sledders either. Donna started the parade, followed quickly by Sergio and Joe. Donna and Sergio got low but climbed back up while Joe slowly climbed over the ridge. Tom beat me to launch, but I was in the air shortly after he left.

I sank below launch but found a slow climb to base. Joe and Sergio were drifting over the back heading out for an XC flight, but given the sky, the forecast, and no retrieval plans I decided to stay put.

Inviting sky looking this direction...

Not so inspiring looking this direction.

Instead of drifting off downwind, I pushed upwind several times to connect with clouds across the valley.

Target in sight

The southerly breeze did develop as predicted and we were soon stuck soaring thermals shearing off the ridge line.

I played around for awhile and then decided to go land and leave the ever shrinking lift band to the others.

After fetching Aine's car, Aine, Josh and I had dinner at the Taconic Wayside Inn before heading home.

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:47

Sweat-fest

2018-08-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

Hazy, hot, humid coupled with stable and light winds. Not a great forecast for soaring ... or hiking. However, it wasn't raining which is rare this summer. Only a few pilots turned up with the less-than-stellar forecast. John, Pete, and Tim were already hiking up Mount Tom when I meet Dennis and Mike at Pat's (LZ). The three of us left a trail of sweat along the path up.

We ate lunch and slowly prepared our wings in the sweltering heat. John had a tandem flight scheduled later in the afternoon so he stepped up to launch first. We hide in the shade while John melted on launch. After an hour of essentially no wind, John retreated to the shade to cool off.

Just as Ben arrived we noticed a light breeze wicking up the slope from the left. A couple of us walked over to check out the "west launch" and discovered more wind there. That report was enough for John and Tim to suit up and move to the other launch. We helped John lay out his glider and stood back as a light breezed puffed in when I noticed Tim hadn't walked over yet. I told everyone to be prepared for "that bastard" to come flying past us. About 2 minutes later, we all cheered Tim as he came by at our height after taking off from the primary launch. He made a quick pass and, as soon as he cleared the cliff, John launched.

They both got established above the ridge but Tim sank below as he ventured north. However he found a weak thermal and was climbing when I went for my gear. Gravity had prevailed by the next time I checked their status; Tim was on the ground in the LZ and John was maintaining in a weak thermal. The combination of seeing Tim on the ground and calm wind on launch slowed and then smothered any effort to suit up.

Eventually John found a nice thermal, got relatively high, and flew out into the valley, and then to the LZ to meet his tandem passenger.

I have never launched at the smaller "west launch" and what little thermal activity we had seemed more robust over there, so I suited up and headed over with Dennis. Locals Ben and Pete, helped me lay out the wing correctly and then Pete held a streamer up front for me. Unlike before, the tiny thermal cycles seemed to be coming from the right (north) of launch. That was a problem since we had the wing spread out facing to the left (south) of launch. I tried to inflate the wing several times, but each time the wing was blown to the left unevenly. I finally gave up and hiked back to the primary launch.

Mike was launching when I arrived, and since no one else was ready, I walked onto launch, spread out my wing, pulled up, and ran into the air. Timing is everything!

Although sparse and weak, there were thermals lurking about. I slowly climbed above the ridge and was joined by Ben and Dennis.

Lift was plentiful for a short time.

We danced above the ridge for a short time and then started to sink out. While the others slide down to their LZs, I found a little thermal on the south end of the ridge that I shared with a vulture for almost 20 minutes.

Working my way up.

Can see the top again!

Once above the towers, I was able to start circling and climbed to the top with my feathered wingman.

Flying buddy

Once high it was relatively easy to stay up. I played around the ridge and watched John finesse his tandem glider and passenger into the air.

By the time John got into the air, the day was shutting down. I flew with them for a couple passes and clung on as long as possible. Pete launched over me as I passed below him along the ridge. It was soon time to go land.

I talked with John's tandem passenger before packing and then John, Pat, and I hung out in the shade catching up before I headed home.

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:12

Summer Haze

2018-07-30T22:30:00.000-04:00

West Rutland, Vermont is a long drive (roughly 6 hours round trip) so it was nice when Mike offered to share part of the drive. I met Mike in Walpole, New Hampshire and we continued on in his vehicle. We arrived in time to toss in with a large group heading to launch up the backside.

The wind was blowing in when we arrived but not strong enough to convince anyone it was soarable. The sky was a stagnate hazy milky white, devoid of any soaring birds, bugs, or leaves. We took our time getting ready and practiced our fine art of politeness, "No, I insist, you first. I'll help you layout your wing." or "Looks good, need a wire crew?".

I thought it might be soarable, but was willing to wait. Then I remembered Mike and Sue were planning to arrive mid-afternoon, which meant I could probably get a ride back up if I sank out early. I went to suit up when I noticed John and Kirill were dressed and walking to launch. John launched, settled a bit, and then started climbing. Kirill launched next and then me.

Getting help laying out. (Photo courtesy Aine Friend)

With a little patience I found a climb and rose above the ridge line.

Airborne (Photo courtesy Aine Friend)

I climbed high enough to briefly think about XC but just didn't have any faith in the day. Instead I enjoyed the scenery and the company.

Speaking of company, we had a small plane fly overhead at the altitude I just left.

Plane in upper left corner

The cirrus grew thicker and most of the pilots we rode up with sank out to the LZs below. Kirill and I danced around each other as we clung to the hillside trying to stay airborne. I really enjoyed that part of the afternoon.

Kirill eventually had enough and left the entire mountain to me. I flew with a juvenile hawk and played with the increasingly solid lift. Things were getting easy by the time that the late shift arrived at launch.

I made the mistake of radioing down that the air was really nice. In almost no time, the armada was airborne.

We all flew until we had enough. It was still soarable when I landed to avoid making Mike wait. It was an impressive soaring day considering how unexciting the day looked. A couple pilots even had personal bests.

Here is a short video from the flight,

Flights: 1, Duration: 3:32

Consolation Prize

2018-06-22T23:00:00.000-04:00

I had a couple decisions to make early this morning. My wife wanted me in New Hampshire by late afternoon. I could ignore the request, but knew it wouldn't be a good idea. Peter J offered to pick me up at my place and drive to Mount Greylock. Other pilots were chatting up coastal flying in Plymouth. The weather forecast was reasonably good for both. Mount Greylock offered the chance for XC flying while Plymouth was about a hour closer to home. Although I was starving for XC, I decided to catch an early consolation flight at Plymouth and be home in time to leave with my wife.

I arrived at launch just before 8am to discover there was no wind. Zero. Nil. Nothing. So much for an early soaring flight. Driving from there to Mount Greylock wasn't a sound plan, so I stayed put and sent messages to the other in-bound pilots about the current conditions. John G jokingly responded "Your not flying at the airport", referencing the wind reports from the Plymouth airfield which is inland a bit. I replied "I am at launch." I had similar interactions with other optimistic pilots as I waited in the early morning sun.

After about 45 minutes a crossing breeze slowly began wafting in. I unpacked and practiced kiting. The breeze kept increasing until I could walk to the cliff edge with the glider flying overhead and then back away. After doing that several times, Donna arrived. She took one look at the wind streamers and said "It looks soarable". I doubted it, but did agree it looked borderline. I pulled up the glider, walked to the edge, and decided to "take the plunge". That is exactly what happened. Oh well; pack the glider and hike back up. Over the couple hours Aine, Donna, Jason, John G, and Peter W tested the air with the same results. Donna used her sledders to collect trash from the beach on her hikes back up. I used the time to hike back to the car to shed weight and clothing. (This was my first summer flying visit to the beach and I was overdressed.)

Around 11:30 I noticed the wind changing to a more favorable direction but was getting even lighter. Several forecasts were predicting the wind to become lighter as the wind changed direction. I debated leaving so I could get home in time to ride with my wife. John thought a sacrifice on my part might help the remaining pilots. I wasn't going to be the sacrificial lamb. I stayed.

Peter W pulled up for another try and made it work. That was enough for me and several others. I had to carefully work to get above the cliff top, but once there it was comfortably soarable.

The view was great; blue skies painted with feathery cirrus laying over translucent water with the line of the outer cape on the horizon separating the two.

I tried flying smoothly and efficiently and was rewarded with a high spot in the stack. I also had fun with mild wingovers in front of the golf course and flying with others.

Jason (lower) and me (upper). Photo courtesy of Jason Wallace

The wind continued changing direction to the southeast and increase in velocity. Although it was soarable, I needed my speed bar to progress to the south. Everyone, aside from Donna and I, was on the ground. We slowly made our way back to launch when I decided to land so I could at least make a token appearance with my wife.

After I landed, the remaining pilots took to the air again.

I made it back to launch in time to help two pilots launch into the heavy traffic.

Flights: 2, Duration: 1:37

Atlantic Sunrise

2018-02-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

Left home at 4:00am to fly on the eastern shores of Cape Cod at sunrise today.

A couple hang glider pilots were rigging at White Crest Beach, while Jon was getting his paraglider ready when I arrived before 7:00am. I quickly changed into warmer clothes, unpacked my paraglider, and walked over to launch. Jon originally told me the winds were 13 mph (21 kph) but it was obvious the winds were stronger, probably closer to 16 mph (26 kph) with higher gusts. We both decided to launch from the beach below where the winds were lighter. Jon pulled up, backed up the walkway, and was soon up and away. I had it even easier; I pulled up, and with the careful use of my brakes, managed to fly up the dune to the top.

It was easy to stay up but also easy to get pushed too far back in the strong wind. I wanted to use my speed bar, but it just would not work. After slowly inching out in front of the dunes I checked my gear and discovered the problem, I connected the speed bar lines through the inside of the shoulder strap and the friction was making it nearly impossible to use. I disconnected the brummel hooks, rerouted the line, and reconnected it without dropping my gloves. Whew. Now I could continue to play.

The winds were forecasted to quickly shift to the southeast so I headed to the northern Highland Light before the wind became too cross. I had never successfully crossed the larger gaps in a paraglider so I was prepared to land if necessary. I barely crossed both, at times only a couple feet above the beach. The initial progress was slow, but as the cape curves to the northwest and the wind became a crossing tailwind, I soon arrived at my first destination.

Highland Light

I played around the lighthouse before heading back in a strengthening cross wind. I was using full bar to make progress towards the south. I knew crossing the gaps would be more difficult in a headwind so I wasn't surprised when I ran out of altitude just short of the southern side of the first gap. I landed with no forward speed and tried to walk forward to "float" up the dune on the other side. However, the wind blowing through the gap was too much and I started drifting backwards. I made the mistake of turning around and soon found myself being dragged across the sand for about 50 yards, laughing the entire way. What a dope!

After emptying buckets of sand out of my harness I tried several times to relaunch but it was just too windy, too cross, and too environmentally sensitive for me to be successful.

Jim gave me a ride back to launch where a couple pilots were still hanging on in the strong crosswind. Instead of doing the smart thing and leaving my packed glider in the car, I gave it another shot. I managed maybe a minute of airtime before floating to the beach. I took the opportunity to do some high wind kiting and practice cobra inflations.

A group of us had lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading home.

Flights: 2, Duration: 0:59

GSSK: Day 2

2017-03-27T22:00:00.000-04:00

My team was the last team to launch today, and since the mentors launch last, it meant I would be the last to leave the field. Definitely not how I like to roll.

Our task for the day was to head crosswind to the northwest to a small town and then downwind west southwest to a small airfield. We expected the first leg to be the most difficult part of the flight.

Being last had a huge disadvantage today as the lake effect shadow from Lake Apopka carved a huge blue hole over launch and that only got larger was we struggled as a team to get up.

Although we finally got high enough to move, we had drifted southwest of Quest, almost in the opposite direction of our first turn point. The only remaining cumulus were nestled up against the Green Swamp. We made our move.

Rich was the only team member that escaped by climbing over the trees.

Once we were far enough north to escape the lake effect, we found plentiful strong climbs and had an easy trip to the first turn point.

The first glide and climb after the turn point was ok, but high cirrus approaching from the west was choking off the sunlight powering our climbs. We worked to stay high but the climbs were weaker and further apart.

I pushed on and parked in a weak climb downwind of a prison. I climbed, drifted, pushed back upwind to step up, but it wasn't looking good! Rich eventually found a strong climb and glided in at my level as we started tip-toeing towards goal over trees.

We took a long slow glide with a few stops towards goal. We passed over a glider in a field inside the goal radius but had enough altitude to easily make the goal field. Of course there was lots of lift over the LZ and it took us both awhile to get down.

Even though we were slow, we made it. Rich flew a much more difficult course than most of the competitors that missed the lake effect and shading.

Rich

Me and Rich

My adventure wasn't over once packed up. It was Davis' glider we saw in the field on the way in. I was shocked, as was Davis, by the height of the weeds in the field. He had a fine landing, but lost his glider after walking out looking for a path to the road.

Davis and Greg

Davis, Greg, Michael, and I reentered the field using Google Maps to rediscover the glider. It felt like we were on a safari! Yvonne said we looked like "the children of the corn" as we disappeared into the brush. I was literally 10 feet away from the glider before I saw the nose rising above the dead plants. All part of the adventure!

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:38, Distance: 50.4 km

GSWK: Day 1

2017-03-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

The first day of most competitions are chaotic at best, but the first day of the Green Swamp Sport Klassic went amazingly well. My mentees were first up and were all ready and in line 10 minutes before the launch opened. We were on it! I was really surprised when I, as the last pilot in the group, was climbing through 3000 feet only 14 minutes after launched open. It was amazing how quickly the five tugs had us up and on our way.

The course was west northwest to an airfield labeled GROSS and then north northwest to the airfield at Inverness.

Thor

Greg and I got low after our first climb. I was wondering how the mentoring would proceed if two mentors decked it after the first glide! I made a mental note to be a bit more conservative with my altitude and how much I would spiral down to help struggling pilots.

Greg on our way back up

Things were going well as we pushed around the northwest corner of the Green Swamp. Jeff and Rich pushed ahead while I stayed with Matt and Thor.

Matt

Although it was fun at first, I watched the sky overdevelop about 2/3 of the way along the first leg and warned the team to slow up and take every climb. We all tried to stay up, but the area was soon littered with downed pilots.

Looking for lift while pilots land below

Matt was the only one on my team that almost escaped the killing fields, but succumbed just short of the climb that lifted the remaining pilots up and out.

Matt landed next to the airstrip (center), Greg landed across the highway (upper left center), we found a climb along the far tree line (upper left)

I had goal on glide just past the turn point, but teamed up with Ken and Mark and tried to help them into goal. We bobbed around within reach of the field longer than I preferred, but all three of us eventually made goal. Mick (another mentor) was the only other pilot in goal.

Ken, Mark, and me

I enjoyed the ride home with Audry at the wheel.

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:59, Distance: 56 km

Practice Day

2017-03-25T22:30:00.000-04:00

Decided to loosen up with a short flight before the Green Swamp Sports Klassic which starts tomorrow.

Zhenya, Andre, & Spinner making it happen safely

I mostly had the sky to myself but did have one fun low save along with four or five other pilots.

Flights: 1, Duration: 0:58

Mentor Warm Up

2017-03-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

Had fun flying around QuestAir and helping a couple potential mentees in the upcoming Green Swamp Sport Klassic today. The tow started with a smooth ride out of the field and ended with a nice climb over the Mickey Mouse lakes.

After flying about for awhile, I teamed up with Rich and Sara for a trip around a small triangle to the north. Rich lead out on a bad line and eventually had to turn around to avoid landing out so close. Sara followed my line to the northwest where we found a climb at the first turn point over the town of Mascotte.

Sara climbing well

I pushed on towards the second turn point at Grass Roots airfield as I watched a plane pass below us.

Plane passing below us (center)

Grass Roots

As I was heading to Grass Roots, Sara reminded me that our next turn point was Gators, not Grass Roots. Oops. Maybe Sara should be the mentor! I banged a right turn and chased after Sara to the grass airstrip to the east.

I came in lowish and we were both drifting away in the wrong direction. We worked a couple climbs before we were high enough to venture upwind through the LZ minefield.

We chose a path between two lakes and although Sara did well she just didn't have the glide necessary to get the next climb that would have taken her home. Using my better glide, I found a climb over a small fire in an orchard and glided back to Quest to complete the triangle.

I played in the evening air before surrendering to gravity.

Flights: 1, Duration: 3:56, Distance: 30 km

Robbed

2017-03-20T22:00:00.000-04:00

The local gang at QuestAir declared a practice task to Williston today, so I paid my token fee to join the informal Quest Air Cross Country contest, fired up AirTribune, and slid into the last place in the tow line.

The initial two climbs mirrored our launch order. Larry on top, then Davis, then Rob, and me at the bottom. Everyone would leave when Larry left meaning Rob and I were really too low to move on. I stumbled into a nice 250 fpm climb but, against better judgement, moved on when Davis called a 500 fpm west of my position. Of course I got there and could find anything workable. Rob and I bobbed around in broken lift sinking more than climbing.

Rob and I finally took off on course line side-by-side and much too low. I knew my day was over and pointed out my intended LZ to Rob and then slowed down to let him land first. He couldn't get his harness unzipped and had to throw in an extra turn to avoid flying into a fence. Meanwhile I was flying through circling birds and trying to ensure I cleared the fence going into the field. Although the water around the field showed a northeast wind, I landed in a brisk north wind and mildly smacked my nose into the ground.

Rob's maple leaf glider climbing in our first climb

Larry and Davis high and in front

Slowing up to let Rob land first

Rob still prone turning to avoid fence

Passing over the fence low coming into the field

So much for a nice long XC flight. However, I enjoyed talking with Rob as we packed up and enjoyed the short ride back with Jeremy.

Some lessons I have to relearn every season. Sigh.

Flights: 1, Duration: 0:36, Distance: 8.3 km

No Drama

2017-03-18T13:47:00.000-04:00

I was nervous getting ready to fly today at Quest Air since I had not aero-towed or thermal-soared my hang glider since early last summer. It didn't help that the crystal clear blue skies meant the air would feature squirrelly high-pressure thermals and unpredictable landing winds. I loaded the task Davis designed for the day, although I was certain a drama-free day of safely flying and landing back at the field would be good enough. I had lots of help getting ready from pilots lingering around such as Michelle and Heather. Thanks!

The wind was light west (90 cross) when we started queueing up on the north end of the runway. Larry, Sara, and maybe a couple more launched before it became strong enough and then tailing enough to pause towing. Johnny said he would take one more advanced pilot if they wanted to "give it a go". I passed since a moderate tailing crosswind launch didn't fit my plans for a no-drama day! Davis, who was in line behind me, sized up the situation and said he would go and stepped into the launch box. Luck was on his side as the wind dropped to almost nothing by the time he was hooked up and Johnny was ready to go. Less than a minute later the wind returned and I accepted a cart tow from Zhenya to the east runway.

Although other gliders were already there, I was nominated to go first. Thanks. Spinner hooked the line to Joel into my tow bridal and I started moving uphill. I quickly discovered that I didn't have a good grip on the base-bar with my new gloves and I was very rusty! Joel tolerated the squid on the other end of the line as I slowly remembered what to do and settled down.

The air was a little punchy but not bad. I quickly found a climb and was with Davis and John later when they took off on course line to the south. I briefly considered joining them but decided to stick with my no-drama plan. I slowly became one with the glider again and was easily staying upwind of the field and climbing to the inversion around 5500 feet (1675 meters). There were several very large flocks of white birds migrating northward that were very picturesque to watch from above.

A little after two hours in the air, my flight computer starting beeping and said the battery levels were critically low. Seconds later, it quit being a flight computer, quickly saved the track log, and then shutdown. Great. I tried to restart it, but it was dead. (I charged the batteries before leaving home on Thursday so it should have lasted all day. I found out this evening that one of the rechargeable batteries failed. I hope a simple replacement fixes the problem.)

I soar at the beach and along mountain ridges without a variometer, but never before in the flats. I did ok when relatively low, but was nearly clueless when I got high since it is harder to detect angle changes as you get higher. It was a fun challenge and I thermal-soared for another two hours and reached the inversion layer a couple times before coming in for a much needed bathroom break. I wrapped up my no-drama flight plan with a nice landing close to where I left the ground earlier. Jeremy brought a cart out (thanks!) and kept me company as I walked back to the tie-downs.

It wasn't an epic day; no-drama was just fine with me.

I apologize for the lack of pictures. I turned the camera off as we switched launch positions and forgot to turn it back on once there.

Flights: 1, Duration: 3:58

Afternoon break

2015-07-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

I'm slowly progressing towards my novice paragliding rating at Morningside Flight Park. Mid-day is too turbulent for newbies like me so I setup my hang glider for an afternoon break after flying the paraglider on the hill in the morning.

Although I started rigging after everyone else, I was the first to get in line after the first signs of thermal activity broke the hot, humid, and stable morning. The developing clouds slowly drifting from the northwest matched the trickling wind on the ground. However once Eric and I were in place and ready to go, the wind turned to a solid southwest quartering tailwind. Sigh. Ilya signaled Eric to cut the engine and we waited.

Ilya

Just as everyone was suggesting we turn around the wind faded away and I had Eric fire up the engine and go. I should have waited a bit longer. The roll-out was fine but we slammed into a strong rowdy thermal just as we flew past the trees along the road. I was all over the place and very much did not want to lose the tow and have to land in that crap. Very unusual for the field at Morningside. Eric and I entertained the crowd on the ground as we both danced through the rough air. Luckily it was sane on the other side and the rest of the tow was uneventful.

I found a good line of lift just south of Claremont. I climbed to the southeast and would fly upwind to the northwest and snag another.

When I saw Eric drop Jon off south of the airport, I flew over to join him. Jake was coming in from Ascutney at the same time.

Jon climbing lower left, Jake approaching from Ascutney

Jon gave up on the climb and decided to look for lift low behind Home Depot. ;-) Jake and I shared a climb but I certainly confused him when I returned to the valley instead of continuing on with him! A short while later I spotted Jeff B gliding over Green Mountain north of town. (All three continued flying to the east.)

I decided to explore the area over Morningside and climbed out watching PG pilots kiting in the LZ below.

I pushed upwind after that climb and didn't really find anything. Not sure what to do next, I noticed Peter J, who flew in from Ascutney, climbing near the LZ.

Peter (small white spot left)

I flew over to join him but instead knocked him out of the thermal even after "swinging wide" to allow him to climb above me before entering. I flew into a strong surge on my first circle and didn't quite exactly match his circle.

Here is the video,

Sorry Peter.

I had a couple more climbs then it was time to land.

Apparently I wasn't done with my bone-headed moves for the day either. I was so worried about the switching winds on the surface that I had a lazy landing with minimal round-out and too little speed. The universe reminded me of my errors with a resounding whack. That is twice in the last three flights. Time to focus and not get too comfortable, and lazy, landing at familiar LZs.

I packed up my hang glider and then had eight sweet flights in the evening glass off on the paraglider.

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:28

Quick Trip

2015-07-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

Amy and I drove north to Mount Ascutney after spending part of the Independence Day holiday weekend around home. Pilots were gathering at the base of the mountain when we arrived. Since Amy could drive a vehicle back down, we loaded our car and headed up. The hike out didn't get any shorter over the winter, but I arrived first and got my choice of setup spots.

We rigged, talked, explored the old southwest launch, and Jake held a short "introduction to the mountain" class for pilots with little or no experience flying Ascutney.

It made sense to wait until the thermals were robust and well formed. However there was a counter push to launch early since the winds were forecasted to become westerly and a west wind is not desirable for launching.

Time to launch?

Nick moved to launch first but backed down after Jake convinced him he might end up with a sledder. About an hour later Nick moved back to launch. Jon followed and both got up. I was next in line. Although soaring, both had dipped their wings to the west on their way off launch. Since this was my first foot launch of the year, I wanted a breeze that was mostly blowing in, not the strong cross being offered. After 10 minutes I backed down. Mike went up and launched a few minutes later. Jake and Jeff quickly launched after him. I moved back to launch, found good conditions and ran off into a climb with a good clean launch. I was glad I waited.

I had one short climb over the mountain and followed Jeff and Jake to the west under a line of clouds. We gave up after finding nothing and returned to the mountain.

I found a reasonable climb and was joined by Dave and Jon for awhile. They returned to the front as I continued to climb to a newly forming wispy. I thought about re-joining the gang out front, but when I saw them all banging around ridge height, I decided to leave and search elsewhere.

They hazy sky didn't look good and guess what? It wasn't! I found bits and pieces of lift but nothing that would entice me to head off for a long XC. I quickly decided to head to Morningside and show the gang my new glider that included a Morningside logo.

I had a mostly smooth glide over and a sweet spot landing on the runway.

Photo by Amy Lanning

About an hour later Jake came cruising in, followed by Ilya, Jeff B, Jon A, Peter C, and probably a couple more. The hero of the day was Dave P who had his first XC from Ascutney to Morningside. Congratulations!

Ilya, Dave P, and Dave B

I wish the flight was much longer, both in distance and time, but it was still nice foot launching and flying at a green mountain again.

Here is a short video of the flight,

Max wrote about his flight on his blog. Here is another perspective on the day,

Flights: 1, Duration: 0:35, Distance: 9.6 miles

Opening Day

2015-06-14T22:00:00.000-04:00

Lee and Peter met Jeff and I at my place for the relatively short drive to Hang Glide New England in central Massachusetts. Although I have been flying a lot, today was my first flight this year in New England. Also, it was the first time several months that I wasn't racing XC.

Rhett dropped me off in a weak, but consistent, climb to the south and I stayed relatively high for the next couple hours. I shared several climbs with Peter J and Max. A mature bald eagle climbed with us; at times coming in real close.

Max

Max and his new green machine

I played over the hills to the east until Lee mentioned he had a good climb just north of the field.

A bit later, Anna, rocking her new glider, joined the climb and I got to see what her glider looks like in the air. Sweet.

Anna

Anna, Matt, and I shared a lazy climb to the south of the field before Anna left to prepare for tandem flights.

Matt

I slowly drifted downward towards a landing when I spotted Max at the same altitude preparing to land. I quickly dove in to give him more room and ended up on final a bit too high with a tailwind and whacked onto the asphalt. Ouch. I ended up scuffing my knee and my once-shiney new glider. Sigh. Not the way I wanted to end my first flight back at home.

Max wrote about the day on his blog.

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:32

Pull the Plug

2015-05-06T22:00:00.000-04:00

Davis, Richard, and I originally planned to fly to Arcadia. However, as the day progressed we changed the task to Fantasy of Flight and back.

I was the first off and Mark dropped me into a strong climb that I rode to base. Malcolm, Richard, and Davis weren't so lucky and had to piece together several weaker climbs to get up. I waited around so we could leave together.

We started south but Davis pointed out several large cells to the east that were dumping copious amounts of rain. The cells were building to the west, but, as we found out later, were mostly moving to the south. We had to make a quick call and decided to return to the field before things got potentially messy.

I had a good landing and had my glider mostly packed up before the gust front swept across the field.

(No pictures today since I am preparing for the upcoming competition.)

Flights: 1, Duration: 1:11