Launching Black CapDay 5 brought us some westerly winds, so the task committee chose Black Cap as our launch site. The route sent us over the back along Hwy 140, the same route Wendy and I explored on Wednesday.
Jeff O'Brien came in first at goal today with Zippy second and Bill Soderquist third.
I was one of the first 1/2 dozen gliders in the air and within time we were all dodging each other for that thermal that would bring us over the back. A few made it over the back early, but the rest of us fought for quite a while before we had our opportunity. A couple pilots sunk out to the bailout LZ and I thought I'd be joining them, too, if it weren't for a low save just before I was about ready to unzip my harness and get ready to set up my approach. That low save really got me stoked to stay in the air and do what I could.
The traffic was incredibly congested and it really tested me personally with regard to my comfort level and other gliders hunting for the same thermals. Finally I hooked the thermal that took me over the back. I thought I was on my own, but discovered about 3 other gliders had followed me, including Christine Nidd who made it to Adel...she's smoking in the Sport Class. Actually, she's smoking in this meet overall. It's been fun flying with her and Chris Culler.
After going over the back, we all hooked the same thermal that brought me up to 10,897' msl. That would be my peak altitude this flight as the remainder of lift became too illusive for me to safely cross the canyon into Adel and beyond. I bobbled along, then opted for a safe landing and a 21.2 km flight, finishing 23rd for the day. Fortunately, I landed next to another glider who had beer in his pick-up vehicle. Hydration is terribly important in the high desert...
Wayne Michelson dislocated his shoulder on his landing this day, so unfortunately he will not be flying anymore this meet. That was the big downside to an overall great day. He's doing well, though, and his spirits are up.
Friday looks like northerly winds, so there is a good chance we may be flying Hadley's Butte and a southerly route task...we'll see!
Site: Black Cap
Time: 2 hours, 16 minutes
Altitude: 10,897' msl
Distance: 21.2 km
Day 5 Flight at Black Cap