8/3 Woodstock Report

[charlieg]

Tom C., Laszlo, Paul and I flew Woodstock today. Steve (HG), plus a small gaggle (~4) of hang gliders from Kitty Hawk (all new instructors getting in their first mountain flights) flew as well -- drove all the way from Kitty Hawk this morning.
It was an epic day. There was strong lift everywhere, accompanied by strong sink. We started launching ~1:00.
I had a personal best flight. After launching and immediately getting halfway down to the LZ and starting my approach, I caught a thermal that took me over the top. From there I proceeded to fly for 2 1/4 hours, getting to 4,370 ASL at one point.
Tom flew all the way to Shenendoah, flying ~4 hours and 25 miles. See pictures of Tom from a sailplane near Luray in Hugh's post in the HG section.
Laszlo flew for over 3 hours -- was still up when I left -- may still be knowing Laszlo.
Paul had a good flight as well.
I heard one of the Kitty Hawk HGs say he had a 1.5 hour flight, his personal best. Steve was enthusiastic about his flight as well.
What a great day.
Charlie

[pink_albatross]

Didn't think I'd get to fly, having guests. Took them hiking at Big Schloss, across the valley from Woodstock. Passed a possible east launch there (with a little cleanup) for PG. Anyway... it was still light when we got back to the car, so I thought I'd show them Woodstock, where it was coming in nicely.

And wouldn't you know it there was a wing in the back of my truck...

My guests got a strange impression of a paragliding day: you hike your gear in a short way, lay out, launch and fly for an hour, chat with your friends, then land and continue on your way. Heh..

Got over an hour in magic air. Could have had more, but even at 2300 MSL the sun was setting. The Kitty Hawk Dune Goones were there in force and enjoying the magic as were Hugh and Laszlo. It was fun joining them.

I think the wind god took pity on me and threw me a bone for missing such an awesome day at Woodstock. Laszlo and I flew wingtip to wingtip and had a nice little conversation (sans radio) talking about our day (he had been flying for 5 hours, getting 4000 over and where the heck had I been all day? )

Ahh.... still a smile on my face. Where is the temple of the wind god, so I can make my proper offering of appreciation?
-- ellis

[pink_albatross]

Awesome pictures of Tom (in the HG section). Too too cool. I just looked up Shenandoah on the map.
Tom continues to impress me

-- ellis