Chasing the wind The day started with Paul, Grant, and I missing the ferry by only 2 cars. Ugh. DayTaster participants Hans and Monica waved as they made it on. (Click image for more pics -> ) Two and a half hours later, we hooked up with them and headed up to Lower Bruce launch where conditions were good. By the time Paul set up, however, it started blowing over the back and after some waiting, we packed up and headed to Maxwell to have a look.
It was around this time that Charlie called to say that he'd been flying Dallas for hours and had hopped Finlayson Point TWICE, getting to the apartments both times! Congrats Charlie! ( <- Click image for more pics) On Maxwell launch strong thermals were cycling through from the right (as they do) and, after a couple of attempts and some help from Paul and Grant, Hans and I were off! The wind in the valley was strong and easterly so we didn't spend much time at the cliffs but instead, pushed forward to the lower ridge where we climbed up in a nice thermal with a bald eagle close by. We waited for Paul to join us but launch conditions had deteriorated and he wasn't able to get airborne. After flying our fill, Hans and I had a soft touchdown in the large field below. We still had some solo training to do so we headed off to Vesuvius to board the ferry bound for Crofton and this time we got on! An hour or so later we were greeted with near still conditions at the training hill and by nearly 7pm (!) Grant had bagged 5 solo flights and Hans 2! Great day all around with great people.
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