Hawaii Tour 2008 - Day 5

Nanakuli Thermalling for Charlie, Rick, and Paul
Knee Injury for Kuno
Sunset Soaring for Jayson

Another day of light winds so back to Nanakuli it was! Paul, Rick, and Heather had arrived so a good-sized crew was on hand. I had to go pick Lee up from the airport so the plan was for everyone to fly and we would join in later on.

By the time Lee and I got back, Charlie and Paul were playing at cloud base and Rick was just about to make a launch attempt. Lee and I drove dumpside to pick up Joey and Summer who had bombed out (Alex had toplanded to save a bombout himself) and, just as we were getting back to the trailhead, we heard on the radio that Kuno had aborted a launch and injured his knee. Luckily Heather (who is a health care professional) was onsite and she was able to provide assistance.

Rick had launched before Kuno and he was playing at base with a few other pilots. I decided to hike up with Lee to help with Kuno's gear. Fire Dave had just arrived in the LZ and it was decided that due to the challenging nature of the hike that a helicopter extraction would be necessary.

The local Hawaiian detachment did a great job and Heather, Alex, and I were able to witness their efficiency and skill first hand. They were incredible.

Our thanks and apologies to all the pilots who had to forfeit such nice flights - it was appreciated!

After all was said and done, I checked over Kuno's gear and flew it down in super smooth sunset conditions to end the day.

(As I type this, Kuno is recovering along with his wife and daughter in a beautiful beachfront house in Kailua. Take care and mend well Kuno!)