Lauren and I flew here in Big Spring in 2006 but there had been much rain and soaring conditions were less than great so we didn't get the real Big Spring experience. This year is very different. Yesterday was probably the best day of hang gliding I have ever had. Climbing at 800 to 1,000 fpm to 12,000 plus msl was something I have never done before and I liked it a bunch. The triangle task with a 24 mile upwind leg into 15 mph winds would have been impossible in most locations but not here. Yeah.....it was tough pounding upwind two steps only to be blown back one and a half but if you found the right lines and the strong climbs, eventually, you could win.
Most of the Sky Gods didn't seem interested in the first start time even though we were all high and close to the start cylinder so I held back with most everyone else. But when everyone headed out at the second start 15 minutes later, I was low and totally screwed so I had to wait by myself for the 3rd start. I did manage to recover and get in great position for that start but was then faced with flying by myself. I later found out that Dustin Martin had taken this start too but I never saw him. Anyway, the first leg was easy with a quartering tail wind and good clouds. I got high at the first turn point and headed into the strong winds. I could see several gliders climbing high above on course line but got there too late and found only the leftovers of what had been a great climb for the others. There was a good looking cloud to the north of the course line in a nice line curving toward the second turn point so I turned 90 degrees off course and headed there. The whole time I was gliding there I was afraid that I was making a mistake and would land out by myself in the blistering sun but my decision was good and I was rewarded with a monster climb to cloud base at 12,000'. The street was working great so my altitude loss going upwind wasn't too bad and occasionally, I would find a boomer to get me back into the cold air. Even then it seemed like forever covering the 24 mile leg. I finally found myself diving into the second turnpoint at about 7,000 msl and boring into a huge climb just as my 5030 said I had the TP. After another great climb, my instrument said I had the 20 mile away goal on glide but it was a string crosswind so I took one more climb before heading home as fast as I was brave enough to go. I'd stuff the bar and see 60 to 65 mph but then hit more lift and have to slow down to keep from scaring myself. I finally hit the goal way point. with over 2,000' agl and drifted down to an easy landing into the strong winds.
I was third fastest of the day. This was probably my best comp day ever and I had a ball. Unfortunately, I was back to being mortal today and landed short of goal but it was an overcast day and many didn't make it. We'll see tomorrow how I fared.I have had a couple good days here and a couple bad but the flying is the greatest you will ever see. You guys should really try to get down here next year.
Paul
Flying in Big Spring
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