Woodstock XC opportunity on Friday 7/29

[Ward Odenwald]

Friday may be the day to fly far. Take a look at the soaring forecasts. Ward

[Ward Odenwald]

Headed to Woodstock tomorrow unless early AM forecasts suggest otherwise. ETA of 9:30 - 10:00 AM. Will post before I leave home. Ward

[dbodner]

Really? I'm not seeing anything but due West. Are you seeing something different?

[Ward Odenwald]

Both Nostepper and XC skies are showing WNW above 1 K during 11 AM to 2 PM. For me, its all about what’s going on between 500 ft below launch and above - plus the thermal forecast. As of now, Woodstock still trumps other sites for XC conditions. Surface wind direction in the valley is interesting but not a factor in my decision. What forecast variables are influencing your decision?

[Danny Brotto]

Ward

I was unsure about your excitement from a few days ago, I just didn't see it. This evening, Friday's forecast has improved. It should be very interesting if it materializes (as it should) for a thermal day. The index is strong and thermals should go high. The ridge may be working lightly although at Woodstock it should be quite light. Conflicting information about thunderstorm potential and I'm not getting a good feel for visibility though. Could be a very good day as you suggest. At the same time we may see imbedded cells. If I could, I'd give it a go. Let us know how it goes and good luck!

Danny Brotto

[dbodner]

What forecast variables are influencing your decision?

Maybe the wrong ones. I never thought of myself as an expert, and I'm easily swayed. You might see me at Woodstock. I'll check in in the morning.

[Roger]

I'm waffling between Tater and WS. Leaning toward Tater...

I'll decide early am.

[jyoder111]

I'm interested.

Ward, maybe we can work something out where you can observe me and I can help with the XC retrieve. Let me know,

Jesse

[Ward Odenwald]

Based on this morning’s Woodstock forecast (lousy thermal forecast and significant overcast), I’d say that David was looking at all the right variables. I’m going to the Pulpit and should be there around 10 AM. Jesse, conditions early in the day should be ideal for you. I’m adding the dbodner forecast site to my list of predictors. Ward

[dbodner]

Jesse, want to carpool?

[jyoder111]

I'm seeing the Pulpit as most likely blown out at 1700 ft. Woodstock ridge soaring conditions forecast looks better than yesterday (ie. a little stronger).

[jyoder111]

but I'm up for giving the Pulpit a try. Planning to ride with David. Leaving Arlington 8:30ish.

[Roger]

Staying home to get my truck ready for Big Spring. Have fun all and fly safe.

[RichH]

Good Luck in Big Spring Roger..I wish you good flying brother!!! Rich

[jyoder111]

Bodner graciously gave me a ride up the Pulpit. We met Ward there around 10:45am to find a lot of haze, few clouds, and a light gusty breeze coming up the pad. Velocity and direction got better within a half hour and I launched first to find big thermals and equally big sink. I hooked some good ones and got up about 1000ft over before being drilled back to ridge level. Headwind soon increased and I went out to land in the secondary for fear of penetration issues and sink. Ward picked me up and when we got back to launch it was howling! I think Ward clocked a gust to 31 on his meter.
We went for lunch at the Mountain House. Burgers took forever to come and were pretty poor quality compared to usual. Disgusted, we headed back to launch to find it similar to when we left. I took a nap in the shade while David and Ward hemmed and hawwed till late afternoon. Ward bagged it and David gave me some driving lessons on his stick-shift. Thanks Dave!!! Still no big change on launch so we headed home. Sorry it didn't turn out better, but at least we got out on the mountain and enjoyed each other's company.


Here's the video of my flight. FF to 3:20 for Launch.