I've been flying a lot over the past month. Mele took off to spend time in Turkey following a conference and I've been home all alone with my hang-glider. The Sonoma Wings put on a great fly-in as usual at St. John and I had some gratifying flights out there. Conditions were smokey but cross-country flights were in order and beer suck propelled me into 1st on the short race on Day 2.Labor Day we headed up to Indian Valley and spent a couple days hiking during blown out days, followed by a good day with localized lift that allowed us to drift in the direction of Lake Almanor before cruising back down to a nice field near Taylorsville. Quite a turnout this year. Great to see all the Sonoma, Bay Area, and Reno pilots converging for a good party at a spectacular site. Lots of inspired new pilots on hand as well.
Above and below: Lake Almanor from South of the Burn Launch.
Ben, Wayne, Joe and Mario (driving) down near Taylorsville enjoying barley pops on a country road after landing out.
This past weekend we did a double-header. Went South with Tom (Dogboy) deep into the San Benitos. The forecast had fallen apart on us, but it ended up producing a rare glass-off that lasted late into the afternoon. The terrain down there is incredible, potential still immeasurable, and the 200+ quarter-horses in the working ranch below remind you all the while that you are in a special place.
Above: Ben and gliders at launch.Below: Cruising around 4-5k' in glass-off conditions Big Sur/Coastal range in the distance.
Topping off the weekend we got a call from Chris Valley to rally for a one day trip up to McClure. Chris' intuition was spot on and the conditions were great. McClure is always challenging. The landing zone is the primary thermal generator most days and always induces some exciting approaches and landings. As a result this site breeds some of the best most aggressive pilots in the Golden State. Some really great guys to hang out and fly with. You can't beat a day when KM gives you a nod as you core up with him on his turf. Good to get in an overdue day in with the Ma'Lode clan.
Above: Trey and KM at launch.Below: Looking past launch (left ridge) over Lake McClure.
Above: Trey hooks up with a thermal in his, my, and previously Chris' experienced U2. In capable hands.Below: Looking out over Don Pedro Lake.
A great month of flying. Flying frequently with Ben this summer season has really helped me to become a more knowledgable, and competent pilot. Hang-gliding is one of those activities where there is no substitute for experience, but having good flying mates sure does speed up the process.Mele gets back into town tomorrow! When life is good, it's really, really good.
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