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Hangola March 2, 1999

Terry, Ray and I arrived at Daniel's at 1200 to light winds in the LZ, switching from south to west and back again. We noticed many soaring birds, but curiously saw none on the ridge. Ray offered to drive since he had forgot to pack his harness and we headed up the "not too bad for a 4x road" and picked up Liming who had previously driven up in his 2x van and was busy cutting blackberry bushes that were encroaching on the road.

At the top we watched 10mph winds blow straight up launch with consistent thermals coming through. Liming and Terry didn't think it was ridge soarable, but since I thought that it was easily thermal soarable, I launched first, straight into an approaching thermal. I usually won't launch into a building thermal due to the very switchy air that precedes the center of lift, but because the lift seemed light and relatively small, I made an exception.

After about 4 or 5 steps the lift picked up my right wing and lifted my feet off the ground, banking my Fusion about 10-20 degrees to the left. I calmly pulled in and easily shifted my weight right and flew straight out of the slot. There were many thermals mixed in with the not quite soarable ridge lift and I "s" turned in the lift slowly gaining altitude. I moved away from the mountain a little to have more room to work the thermals and could finally 360 and climb above the ridge.

I eventually climbed to 3600" over and drifted past Rt 33 while Terry got a thousand over and Liming flew an extended sled ride. I came back to Daniel's and flew to the south end of Parker Mt, finding nearly sustainable lift. I landed after 1:15.

Spring conditions are beginning to arrive, hurray!

This weekend I'll go to Manquin on Sat. or if it rains Sat. then Sun. I'll have my new video camera and will videotape landings and will critique them on the spot for a nominal price for anyone who is interested or will critique them sans video, gratis.

Fly safely,

Greg DeWolf
Fly America Productions

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This page last updated March 4, 1999