Sites starting with "D" on Sunday 27 December

[mcelrah]

A couple of PGers are talking about flying Dickie's tomorrow unless there is too much snow to hike up, in which case we'll try Daniel's. If you have a Shenandoah National Park hang-/paragliding permit, here's a chance to get more of your money's worth before the end of the year! - Hugh

[Pete Schumann]

I might be in if I can talk Tom, Steve or Joe into giving it a shot. I suspect the road could be closed at least from the gate above the Visitors Center. That's the usual if there's any chance of ice beyond Dickie's. It's also possible that the Front Royal entrance is closed if there's ice. A call to the NPS should be made.

I have hiked up the trail from the gate with the HG twice in 1' or so of snow not an easy task but worth it if conditions are right.

BTW, I got my new Permit last week. That's a first before the old permit expired they usually don't issue them until late January/March.

Pete

[Pete Schumann]

At this time checking the Skyline Drive NPS phone messages at 540-999-3500 (last up date 4:00am) no current time up date. The entire length of the drive is closed due to snow and ice.

Pete

[mcelrah]

Lessee: Ben Brooks, Laszlo, Noah, me, Matt, Dan Tomlinson, Ben and LE, Ellis flew in approximately that order. We convened at Daniel's since Dickie's road was closed. Some difficulties getting past a mud patch on the upper part of the Daniel's road. Dan and I were wishing for our hang-gliders at first when it seemed a bit strong for PG, but things quieted down about 3 PM and Noah pioneered with his DHV 2 wing. Conditions proved to be *perfect*, everybody flew, although Ellis, having sacrificed her flying time to observe the P2s, ended up doing a forward launch in very light air as it began raining gliders in the LZ around 4 PM. I got 45 minutes and 600+ above launch. Matt and Dan, as P2s (this was Matt's site introduction and first east coast slot launch) received all sorts of advice before they launched (no radios) and worked low and out front, but maintained for 25 minutes or so in the buoyant air. Laszlo and Noah took tours of the valley out front. Visibility was nigh unlimited. I think it hit 57 degrees F... Aaaahhh! - Hugh