Joe Myers posted these photos the other day. Brought back some great memories of the whitewater days. This sequence was taken at Maytag on the N. Yuba, a substantial class V at this flow (around 4,200 cfs), around 3 times the typical commercially runnable flow. We blew off our customers and ran it anyway. One of my most memorable swims shortly followed. Caught these Turkey Vultures sunning up on the coast just north of my place on the way to work. I'm pretty stoked on the new camera body I picked up (Nikon D90). I've had some nice glass hidden away since the film days and looking forward to putting it back to work.

Birthday Air

(above-looking South to Pacifica)
We've had a pretty marginal fall, conditions have been difficult to predict. The weather really turned on this weekend though and I got a great B-day present at Funston, and a perfect day at Marina (bottom). Good flying with great friends.

Above: over Daly City
Below: looking North to Ocean Beach
Below: Dune flies at Marina

KING MOUNTAIN 2010

Edit: FINAL RESULTS

Open Class

1. Dave Gibson (also longest flight award at 119 miles)
2. Kurt Bynum
3. Mike Daley
4. Scot Huber
5. Jonathan Dietch
6. Ken Muscio

(13th Wayne)
(I stumbled in at 26th I think)


Rec. Class (must have flown less than 75 miles to date in a single flight)

1. Dugan Gravage
2. LJ Omara
3. Fred Clement

(I landed 7th in this class)

I heard rumor that Scot Huber accumulated the most miles in all six days combined and will be the leader in National Rankings for Open Distance XC in the USA (nice work Scot!)

Day 1 was a great day, altitudes to 18k were reached, light clouds forming out of the mouths of the valley creating a cloud street to Duboise, followed by a blue hole, then OD before Henry's. Kurt waited around for 2 hours for it to pass before landing at Sunset at Henry's Lake. (I made it to the cement plant today 48 miles)

Day 2 was challenging and turbulent along the ridge. A turn point was called and Dave Gibson made the 52 miles, returned to King and then went out for another 10 miles. (I had a short flight to Pass Creek)

Day 3 (today): Some mammata and light virga overhead, looks like a late start may provide for some clearing of skies and decent flights. Forecast is for great weather 82-90 for the remainder of the week. (edit) Good day for a late start. Joe Evens won the day on his single surface, flying low to minimize the strong headwind. That guy is an animal! (I made it to Mackay Airstrip bonus LZ finally getting past Pass Creek Canyon. I flew the last 2 miles on full VG, no turns and just cleared the fence at the end of the runway by 50', whew!)

The last 3 days of the event were equally great though I didn't keep up my log. This is the greatest event that I get the opportunity to fly. The features and weather in this part of Idaho are as beautiful, challenging and exhilarating as anywhere I can imagine flying. And yet the greatest part of being here is the camaraderie of the pilots on hand. Some of the most gifted xc pilots and coolest characters make their way here from across the U.S. to gather in a summer camp for big kids. It is the best. I can't wait for next year!

Back in the saddle.. Waddell.

Spring is on.. Went out to Waddell on Saturday. 20 or more kite-boarders and a dozen surfers below. I was the only hang-glider out though. Sweet 3 hour flight with a couple of red tails to chase and a few whales migrating below. Right in my backyard, I will never tire of this view...

Istanbul

I had a great opportunity to head out with Mele to Istanbul last week and explore a bit. We stayed in the Bebek and Sultanahmet neighborhoods on the Bosphorus. I really didn't know all that much about Turkey prior to the trip, but the experience left me wanting to explore much more of the nearby regions/countries.
Mele was busy the first half of the week, so I went off and explored the coastal areas of the city. I found the Turks to be very hospitable, and even with only a handful of phrases I made my way around the city easily. The history in this city is incredible. A true crossroad of East and West. On the one hand Istanbul feels like a European city, cobbled streets wind through neighborhoods, great (I mean incredible) food can be found everywhere, and people are always decked out in their best. The influence of the Muslim religion is all around you and Mosques seem to around every corner. The Imam chants broadcast from the minarets (5 times a day) called the faithful to prayer starting at 5 in the morning each day.

One thing that I'm always reminded of in Europe is the importance of focusing on one thing at a time. Even/especially when that one thing is kicking back and enjoying the day.
Below is a picture of the Bosphorus bridge which is artfully illuminated with blue lighting at night. The bridge connects the two halves of the city and links the continent of Europe to Asia (Turkey spans both).
One thing Istanbul has an abundance of is vagabond bands of cats and dogs. The cats were everywhere. As Mele put it, Bob Barker would have a field day out there. Mele came to Istanbul to interview with Bogazici University for an associate professor position (Hoja) teaching in the department of Science Education. She had made contacts there during a previous conference visit and they flew her out and put us up on campus.
Bogazici's campus was originally started by the US in the the late 1800's as the first American University abroad. It has since become Turkey's most prestigious state university. The campus still has some buildings with American style and names. The students are nearly all Turkish, but classes lectures are in English.
Her interview consisted of teaching class, a job talk and an open presentation on informal learning. All of which went very well and I have a feeling the offer will follow in the next couple days. After Mele fulfilled her time at the University we stayed a couple days in Sultanahmet and visited some of the local sites. Below are a few pictures of the inside of the Blue Mosque, a significant site for Muslims. The Mosque is enormous. Six minarets surround the massive dome roof line with intricate design and paintings throughout.

Entering the mosque requires everyone remove their shoes. From that point on the men and women have a very different experience. Men proceed to the main prayer area in front of the Imam. Women who enter the mosque must wear a head scarf and be covered in clothing. They then have sit behind screens to perform their rites. This in the same city where mini skirts and winter boots are presently in fashion. The contrast in this city and in Turkey in general is stark.We hit the big tourist destination known as the Grand Bazaar for an afternoon as well as another spice bazaar. The Grand Bazaar has been around since the late 1400's and houses over 1200 vendors. It is an indoor market (once a stable) that covers numerous city blocks. Below is one of the many entrances.
We also stopped off to watch a potter work some magic.
Overall, it was a lot packed into a short vacation and really got the travel bug back into my blood. I can still taste the food. Visions of evil eye charms, backgammon, tea glasses, sardine fishermen, insane cab drivers, ablutions, and the people of Turkey will stay with me for a while. Can't wait to plan the next trip abroad!