Going sailing and then off to Ridgely for a late day flight.
If it continues to brighten up, it should be OK at Ridgely.
Mathew
Ridgely Saturday 7/11
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Re: Ridgely Saturday 7/11
There was a lot of fun at Highland on Saturday evening, with a balloon flight nearby, a fantastic sunset, multiple first-solo flights, and an incredible bonfire later that night. A few photos are attached below.
Regarding his Saturday flight in the Charlie-Comp (this was one of the designated weekends), John Simon said it perfectly : Therapeutic!
I didn't participate in the tasks, but my soaring flight on Sunday (major kudos to Jim for an AWESOME tow) was in that same category. Flirted with a cloud for at least 20 minutes, soaring along its edge, and looking down on a little funnel-like wispy dropping down from the center. No video (sadly) because I just couldn't handle all that distraction.... But wow, that flight was way up there! Flew for about 1:20, topping out at 4950 MSL, and it really meant a lot.
I chased after Tom M and Dave P afterwards: They're getting into gear for Big Spring in a couple of weeks. But beyond that, I have to say that Charlie's Comp yielded *many* pilots, all totally into XC flying, on both days. I think there were at least 15 gliders in the flight line Sunday, and the energy level and enthusiasm was great! Hopefully others will post some details about their flights.... Especially those who had their first solo aerotows (three pilots!) on Saturday. Tom was one: an HG pilot from the 70's who is getting back into the sport. I didn't get to meet the others unfortunately.
Definitely all kinds of action this weekend, very cool!
MarkC
Regarding his Saturday flight in the Charlie-Comp (this was one of the designated weekends), John Simon said it perfectly : Therapeutic!
I didn't participate in the tasks, but my soaring flight on Sunday (major kudos to Jim for an AWESOME tow) was in that same category. Flirted with a cloud for at least 20 minutes, soaring along its edge, and looking down on a little funnel-like wispy dropping down from the center. No video (sadly) because I just couldn't handle all that distraction.... But wow, that flight was way up there! Flew for about 1:20, topping out at 4950 MSL, and it really meant a lot.
I chased after Tom M and Dave P afterwards: They're getting into gear for Big Spring in a couple of weeks. But beyond that, I have to say that Charlie's Comp yielded *many* pilots, all totally into XC flying, on both days. I think there were at least 15 gliders in the flight line Sunday, and the energy level and enthusiasm was great! Hopefully others will post some details about their flights.... Especially those who had their first solo aerotows (three pilots!) on Saturday. Tom was one: an HG pilot from the 70's who is getting back into the sport. I didn't get to meet the others unfortunately.
Definitely all kinds of action this weekend, very cool!
MarkC
- Balloon silhouetted against the sunset
- Recent first-solo HG pilot (Tom?) enjoying a great sky
- Fun around the bonfire