Vindication, Hook Set, I am all In

Reluctantly I signed up for a comp. I was told by by my fellow airmen that it would improve my flying and I would learn something from the experience. Boy did that seem like a reach but I bit and signed up.

Task 4: two in the dirt, one with a half loop, one in goal

This will be an informational update only. The funny story about a bear, a cooler and a Russian will come later today. The Task 4 day was super light. The views from launch are spectacular, but unfortunately my camera skills are lacking. Flystrong and Bonnie could do this place justice. And this computer I am using is not the easiest to see or type on so I want to make sure you all know that Alex is working overtime fixing these blurbs up.

Larry Gets Paid for Time Served

Task 3 was initiated after a moment of silence for our fallen compatriot. It was a light day and the task they called was to be a long one but within the valley. My task was just to get up past Owl and at least take a peak at where the Big Boys fly.

A Solemn Second Task

I thought I had my GPS finally figured out, with some help from Riss: he jammed through it really fast and then showed me how to manually go to the next point. All right, I got this! Well, I got up again, super high, with Jorge as my wing man. I looked down at the GPS, and it was pointing to go to the third way point even though the start gate was not open yet. Shit! I can do this manually. NOT. Couldn't get it to work again. I am guessing the crack I gave it at Manics, many moons ago, must have rattled the inside, and when you reach elevation it goes quirky. I said the hell with it, and just tried to get high again.

One Ball at a Time

I got my first task ever on Saturday, the practice day. Still not sure how to work the GPS tasking part, but I launched any way. Another perfect launch and got up quick. There were not too many pilots flying this day so the crowd factor was not too bad for me. I finally had enough elevation to make the first little hop down the ridge to Fraiser peak. I said little hop - about the distance from Kahana to Kualoa. Like crossing the bay it has been a hard one. The right lie and enough thermals to keep you afloat till the 'Bermuda Triangle'.

Trains, Bears, and Mosquitoes

Dave and I arrived in Vancouver bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for an adventure. It started with the rental car: they gave us a mini coupe. Although we thought it would be cool, after a quick look at our gear and the prospect of picking up more, plus Jorge, we realized an upgrade would be needed. We stopped first in a local Super Canadian, their version of a Walmart. Although there are Walmarts up here too, we thought we would give the Canadian version a try. We loaded up with camping supplies and headed to the North American Alps. As we grew closer to Pemberton, the views were apparent. This is big air country. We both exclaimed, “This is gorgeous!”

Down and Dirty

This will be the down and dirty cause I'm typing on my phone. Great first flight at Pemberton today. Approximately 2 hour flight downrange to the north, about 13 miles away from launch. Strong thermals, increased my bump tolerance and great practice at active flying. One pretty good collapse but didn't look up in time to see it. Got a little over 7 grand. Landed in a hay field (just harvested). Flew with about 30 pilots including CJ and George. They said to say hello to everyone. Uploaded a few pics but can't attach them. [Consider them attached - Editor.] Can't wait to do it again tomorrow.

Data Collection Log

Thom asked me to set up this online log as a repository of data from the upcoming Thermal Research experiments he will be conducting at our remote Pemberton Testing Facility, along with the other Hawaii monkeys: Dave, Jorge, Pete, Kevin, Harvey, Larry and possibly others. I hope the data presented here will be detailed and timely, with copious illustrations and other visual documentation! Good luck guys and have fun! Fly safe, high and far!