The various W->NW@5-10 forecasts for tomorrow would seem to favor The Pulpit on Saturday,
but I'm also seeing some indications of fairly strong NW winds at 3k, which might argue for
High Rock instead. So... What are people thinking, inquiring minds want to know!
I'm going to the Pulpit, probably be there around 11:00. And I believe John Dullahan is coming out also with a 11:30 ETA.
I'm seeing strong winds aloft until about 12:00 when it becomes entirely reasonable, and decreasing through the day. Hope to see you there! Anyone else?
I think it's a tough call. High Rock is probably the safer bet.
Ellis and I are going to accompany Judy to Kirshners early in the day and perhaps hit the Pulpit late in the afternoon.
Ann, if you get this message and are able to show up at Kirshners, I'll be glad to provide any feedback on your launch and landing technique that you desire. Kirshners is about 12 miles from the Pulpit up 522 as I recall.
I think I'll take a look at the satellite tomorrow AM.... If it's looking really strong (ie, wave)
then that might argue for High Rock. Guess we will see!
You've got P-40 directly behind High Rock. If there is any wave you run the risk of being pushed downwind into P-40! Better to be in wave above the Pulpit than above High Rock. You have more options. Bacil
TODAY
SUNNY. WARM WITH HIGHS IN THE MID 70S. WEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH...BECOMING NORTHWEST WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 MPH.
On the hourly graph, a gust factor is shown between 2pm and 3pm.
I suppose the front that's draped across the northern half of PA is
supposed to roll through? If so, seems more like a High Rock day
to me.
Having flown the wave in the area near HR many times in both hang gliders and sailplanes, I can assure you that it sets up in front of the as well as behind the South Mountain ridge. There is no reason to be concerned about being "pushed" back into P-40 by wave unless it is really honking (and then it would be due to just the raw wind strengh.)
The primany issues with wave conditions are the the rotor chop and the downwash in between the lifting bands.
Wave is not a static entity. And you must be concerned in a hang glider as there is the danger of increasing headwinds with increasing height in the wave, and some hang gliders don't go so fast and wouldn't be able to go forward. Bacil
a big thank you to mr. brotto for making himself available and for sharing a thoroughly enjoyable hour in the air.
(yeah, i know, understatement is a rare thing for me but somehow it seemed appropriate.)