I just can't seem to get enough of that sweet Funston XC hang gliding...Today I dominated the ridge for quite some time, then pulled on 3/4 VG on my trusty Wills Wing Sport 2 and headed south.
Rumor had it there was a shear setting up above Westlake, so I had my crosshairs set on maybe landing by the pier at Pacifica...
Or, better yet, maybe I could land at Taco Bell in Pacifica. A taco after a nice long XC to Pacifica would have tasted great today!
As I headed along the lower dunes, I could feel the nice southy winds resisting my Sport 2's penetration. ACP's hate it when we can't penetrate, but we keep heading south nonetheless.
Brad was along my right flank as I made my way down toward Westlake. He had a great smile on his face...almost as if he KNEW I was going to go far today!
For some reason I couldn't get up at Westlake...
ACP's, even when they can't get up, will still continue onward...
I whipped my trusty Sport 2 around, worked the lower dunes a little more to get a little higher, then decided to head on south toward goal...
The winds were still quite south, just like last Sunday, but I continued onward despite not getting up...within minutes I was on the beach...again.
I wasn't sure if I had hit the 1/2 way mark, so I decided to walk back to launch this time as opposed to last Sunday. Nothing beats hiking on the beach with a nice light Sport 2 and coccoon harness. Dogs were really excited to see me and I them, as well...I love dogs that run up to me on the beach!
After about 45 minutes of hiking, I saw a familiar neon yellow jacket running toward me...Wendy was on her way to congratulate me on my awesome XC!
I hiked the glider back up to launch with an assist from JT, Wendy, and some guy who just wanted to help. I then dried out my clothes, and went for another flight after all the handshakes and high fives for my awesome XC flight to the base of Westlake...again.
Mark Grubbs was really impressed and compared my flight to Westlake today to the 100-miler he had in the Owens Valley once...at least I think that is what he was saying...not sure exactly.
Anyway, I'm home now and drinking a beer after a great dinner with Wendy.
We had a great time seeing some old friends from Minnesota today, as well.
XC Distance: Really far!
Altitude: Really high!
Flight time: Really long!
Boogity, Boogity, Boogity...can I get an AMEN?!