Stopped by the Pulpit to “observe” Bacil. I arrived by 8:30am. The winds were strong: gust to 26mph and average winds around 16 mph. The winds died out for a couple of hours. When we decided to go home, Njord turned on the fan and it started blowing very strongly again.
Andy and I helped Bacil prepare to take off. I never saw anyone taking off in so strong winds! I do not remember seeing him running, since as soon as he said clear the winds took him at least 5 feet above the ground. He managed to penetrate and got away from the mountain: it was really impressive but also very scaring.
After rescuing Bacil, I went to Woodstock. The conditions were also strong at the LA . Tom, Jon, Gary, John (another young pilot who was visiting the area), and I waited until 6:30pm-7:00pm. Tom was the 1st to take off. I took off after him.
The conditions were very smoothly with a weak cross from West. I flew for 1h, but did not get very high: 1K feet above the ridge. I was the 1st to land at the main LZ with almost zero winds. Gary, John, Jon B, and finally Tom landed safely at the main LZ a little bit after me.
We ended the day having dinner at Strasburg: it was a great day!
My special thanks to Jon B who observed me, Gary for helping on the wire, Tom for his valuable hints. I apologize I forgot the name of the PG who also helped me on wire.
Walt
Walt Melo
walt.melo [at] gmail [dot] com
+1.804.walt.743