The Pulpit worked for PG today, but it was pretty windy and active. Laszlo, Ron, and I showed up on launch around 4:30. The forecast was 7mph NW. On launch It was 8mph NW, gusting to 13mph and a little cross from the N.
Launching far down in the slot in a straight-in lull made it pretty easy. I immediately got 1000ft over, but I was getting a little too close to the top of the ridge so I started to head out. I was penetrating slowly without speed bar, but I had it ready just in case. The air was active and I found myself looking up at my wing a lot. I still had speed bar ready over the LZ because at times it was hard to penetrate. I hit sink and landed a little hard 25 minutes later.
Ron was up and still gaining high over the LZ heading straight into the wind. He did one 360, but lost a bit. He also hit a bunch of sink on approach, but landed on his feet in the little strip of grass on the other side of the fence.
Laszlo was up high and appeared almost parked over the LZ. He mentioned that the landing was more difficult than usual.
Ron and Laszlo got about 30-45 minutes each.
We drove back up to launch, but by 6-6:30 the wind had picked up a bit more. We were all pretty happy with our first flight so we decided to bail. It would have been a good day for a hang glider.
Matt
PG Pulpit Thursday
Moderator: CHGPA BOD