With a slight hiccup at launch, I was off once I found a safe moment to get off the hill. In no time I was in a nice smooth thermal getting me above launch, then well above the butte. Brian had already radioed that he was crossing the Columbia River...I still had some work to do before I was there.
For a brief moment I thought I had the butte to myself, but soon caught up to those who had launched before me but not yet crossed.
Patience was the key to a successful flight today, and I could have used a little more of it as can often time be the case in my flying.
I tried to cross the river twice, but felt I was way too low at 6000 feet. Those who have flown Chelan are laughing as they know that is too low, as well. On my third attempt and with about 6800 feet, I made the crossing...still too low.
There is a huge difference in glide between the T2 and Sport 2 and that was the lesson for today in addition to the thing about patience...
I reached the other end of the river and was above the rim, but could have used another 1000 feet to get me further onto the rim to work whatever lift was available. My goal now was to get past the power lines, but I was in a lot of "blue sky" with little to work...the dustys were another 3 to 5 miles to the east and I was sinking out. In no time I was on the deck after a nice landing.
Final resting place for Day 2...Wendy was soon on the way for a retrieve and a cold beer was waiting in the cooler for me...all was good.
The waiting...Brian had a nice flight to Farmers with a landing back at the Soccer Field LZ...full write up HERE on Pilot Needs Ride...
Tomorrow is Day 3 with somewhat similar weather then it is supposed to heat up with the possibility of conditions improving...
Time: 53 minutes...
More later...