Daniels 2/6?

[uplandann]

Any local pilots considering Daniels? So far winds forecast Sunday to be SSW after 12pm. I've got a good idea how to get there, and would just like to come out to visit (I'm not going to fly it yet).

Ann

[mingram]

PGers are hoping to fly Daniels on Sunday.

Matt

[Dan T]

I'm trying to talk some of the PG pilots into Daniel's today. Most of them are torn between Daniels and Dickeys. It looks to me like both locations will work today so I don't know the outcome. Is anyone interested in meeting at the LZ?

The road to the top is going to be muddy and slippery. It will probably require a 4wd. I have one that will work but it doesn't have an HG rack yet.

Dan

[kcarra]

Hmmmm--- looks maybe sledable there later in the day. We're waiting for the 11am forecast update before commiting because the forecast keeps changing from SW to West to SW to West-- UGH!!!!!!

Matthew

[mcelrah]

Noah, Dan, Laszlo, Randy (on HG - his PG is awaiting repair) and I all had nice flights. I had two 25-minute ones with 500 foot climbs in buoyant, textured air. Going back today (Monday) to observe Ann if others want to pile on... - Hugh
P.S. Dan's new jeep works good!

[mcelrah]

On Monday 7 February, it was relatively warm but overcast, blowing in at no more than 2-3. Ann's Subaru negotiated the road well. She had a good strong launch run and flew a *perfect* flight, approach and landing - first time at this site. I elected not to fly my paraglider, drove the vehicle down and we both got home on time.
- Hugh

[uplandann]

Ah... ya beat me to it, Hugh... What he said. lol.
Awsome first flight at Daniels! I came over to the site Sunday just to check it out (without my glider), and just happened to talk to Hugh right after he landed. So we ended up arranging to meet today. Forecast was for temps near 50 and light south wind, which Hugh said would be perfect. I was a bit nervous to consider flying since its primary rating is Intermediate (novice with observer), but after asking Hugh questions, and breifing him on my current skills, his reassurance eased my mind... Til he said I would be driving up the mountain. haha. Gulp. Okay.
We met at 11:30 to walk the LZ and set up my new portable windsok. Winds were very light. Hugh loaded his wing into my car "just in case it was brain-dead flyable".
Then it was time to head up...
The drive up was fairly easy, til we got to the rocks. I was on the edge of my seat as Hugh navigated me around the rocks.
Finally, having gotten to the top, I was much more relaxed and had a good feeling about flying. We set up, and waited for a "reasonable" cycle. Hugh reassured me that my Falcon would have no trouble clearing the trees. He tied a streamer to a lower tree on the edge of the slot so I could see what the wind was doing below. When all looked good, I launched running hard, and sure enough, had plenty of clearance. I turned left and stayed relatively close to the ridge. It sure looked I like I was going up above the ridge, but it was probably just an illusion as the ridge slopes down. The flight was butter-smooth, the air bouyant with gentle bubbles of lift.
Arrived over the LZ with about 300 ft., picked my landing target and set up my DBF, passing over the cows, who had kindly stayed at one corner of the field (thank you, cows). I ended the flight up-hill with a no-step landing. WhooHoo!

Thank you so much Hugh, for helping me. And driving my car down the mountain for me! I hope you have a safe and fun trip on Friday. By the way, when are you coming back??

Ann

PS
Just curious, why is it rated 'Intermediate'?

[Matthew]

Awesome!!!


Matthew

[mcelrah]

I have no answer to why Daniel's is a 3 while Bill's is a 2. Maybe landowner sensitivity?
-Hugh
P.S. When Ann asked Sunday if I could observe Monday, I reflexively thought "can I take the day off?" - then I realized: all my days are off now.
P.P.S. We get back the 20th. I have committed to sailplane "wave camp" at Petersburg (first harmonic of the mountain wave that comes down off Dolly Sods) the following Friday through Sunday, assuming weather/logistics come together. Then 2-6 March, Sallie and I go to Colorado
Springs for USHPA BoD. (Hey burglars: my son the Marine - and his boxer/pit bull bitch - wil lstill be home...)

[Dan T]

Ann, Congratulations! It's good to see your hard work and patience has paid off.

As to the H3 site rating, I'm sure site sensitivity has something to do with it. Also Daniel's can have a completely different personality on days when winds are a little stronger and a bit more westerly. Kinda like the Incredible Hulk or something.

Anyway great flight. I got a chance to shout and wave at you but didn't get to see you up close. Maybe next time.

Dan

[uplandann]

Thanks Matthew.

Thanks Dan,
Were you in the other field Sunday awaiting Hugh's help, and the one with the new jeep?

Hugh,
Sounds like a busy few weeks for you. Look forward to your return.

Thanks everybody. What an awsome site. Can't wait to do it again!
Ann

[mcelrah]

Bill's ain't so red hot in a cross - I've got the scar to prove it. - Hugh

[kcarra]

Hi Ann

Let me add to the congrats! I think Daniels has a somewhat challenging LZ. That big gulley in the middle can be intimidating. Sounds like you had no problems though! (and the road is probably more frightening than the LZ anyway!)

Karen

[Matthew]

Daniel's is a H3, P3 or H2, P2 with Observer for two reasons--

1. Because the LZ is a restricted LZ-- the big gulley that it is... and it's small.

2. Roger Rittnenour, the owner of the launch, says so.

Re- Bill's-- it's not a pure H2, P2 site. The site rules are that a H2 or P2 needs an Observer there for the first three flights at the site.

Matthew

[uplandann]

Thanks Karen! Yeah, nothing like a little fear to get ya focused! At first, I was concerned about the LZ with its sticker bushes, bones, cows and uneven terrain. However, the gully came in handy for the perfect flare...

Is there an H-2 site that doesn't require and observer?

Ann

[mcelrah]

I didn't know the nuance about first three flights at Bill's being under observation. The truth is we have nothing but challenging sites around here. - Hugh

[sailin]

Nice job Ann!!

Jon

[A0213]

Awesome!!!!!!

[uplandann]

Thanks, guys, and gals.

Ann