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Hangola
Labot Day Weekend
September 4-7

A few of us stayed local Saturday, and headed up to HR to take advantage of the 5-10 NW forecast.
I arrived about 10:30, finding nice launchable air, lots of wuffos, and no other pilots.
A little before 1:00 Dan Tomlinson and Joe Gregor arrived, and Tom McGowan pulled in right behind them. Tom had started the day at the Pulpit, but had no company there, so headed to the Rock. After a car shuttle to the LZ, Joe threw me off as Wind Dummy. I caught some nice lift south of launch, then worked a thermal just north of launch. Eventually made it to 800' over launch, and a total time of 25 minutes. That turned out to be the flight of the day.
Marvin arrived while I was in the air. On his first flight he got 18 minutes and 500' over. Dan, Tom, and Joe got extended sleds. We headed back to the top for another try.
Kurt (Kemerer), the local Waynesboro pilot who was at the HR party last week joined us, as did Steve Padgett and another pilot (sorry, I missed the name). We began the second set of launches around 4:30, figuring that a late day magic was not in the cards. Tom got an extended sled by working thermals over near the silo. I flew straight out, and picked up a thermal at the RR tracks. I was able to get back up about 250' in that one, almost back up to launch altitude. That one was really fun to work, with tight 360's. I logged 8 minutes for an extended sled on my 2d flight.
Most of the day was extended sleds, but some fun flying.
Thanks to Joe G for observing me off on both launches.

Craig

Just got back from the Mountainteer's flyin at Seneca Rocks, WV. We were blessed with two good days for flying; three if you got there on Friday. I didn't fly today, so don't know how others did. I got there Saturday morning with Kathy and Christopher just in time to set up the tent and join the caravan to the North Mountain LZ. In attendance were Marc Fink, Bacil, Mike Balk, Mike Chevalier, John McAllister, Stretch, Larry Ball, Jim Rowan, Judy, Mark Gardner, John Dullahan and Brian Hardwick and families, Tom McGowan, Kevin and Kelly, Ed Reno, Fred, Will Jenkins, Christy and Doug, Greg DeWolf, and Greg Beyer. (Hope I didn't forget anyone!) Many people had great flights, working down the valley, soaring the rocks and landing near the campground. I launched just before a flush cycle and got a sled. It is really beautiful watching gliders soar the rocks! I only wish one of them had been me! The pot luck dinner on Saturday night was great and Will, Mark, and Jim entertained us with guitar and banjo pickin'. Yesterday, Brian Hardwick was first off and up, followed by Greg DeWolf and Christy. Then, Kevin launched as conditions lightened up and struggled to get above launch. I launched next and did the same. Will wisely backed off and let Larry launch. The three of us were soon on the ground packing up for another flight. As we were heading up top, we stopped to watch Ed land. Then, Kelly came in right behind him. She had a bad landing and broke her left arm. It was awful to see her in so much pain. We did our best to keep her cool and get her out of her harness until the rescue squad arrived. Moving her to the bed caused another round of excruciating pain for her. Greg Beyer is an ER doctor and arrived in time to offer some advice to Kevin about treatment. Kelly had a fantastic flight before her accident, getting really high. I hope Kelly is feeling better and will be in the air soon! Most of the other pilots had great flights, landing out. A couple went 11 miles North of the rocks (John and ?). Ed, Fred and I went up at the end of the day for beautiful hourlong sunset flights in strong ridge lift. This morning, the forecast was not promising for North Mountain, so everyone packed up and went their own way in search of airtime or recuperation at home.
Mike Buckley

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This page last updated September 9, 1998