Smithsburg Redux

[XCanytime]

Saturday is looking like another good day could be had at Smithsburg. Any interest? Bacil

[Eric]

I'm planning on being there and set up by 1:30 pm.

[Ward Odenwald]

If the forecasts hold (wind speed and the projected near straight in direction), I'll be there. With the right clothes and physical movement, the forecasted temps are not an issue.

[mcgowantk]

I may be there or the Pulpit. Tom McGowan

[Dave Gills]

I'm interested.
Anyone have a physical address for Smithsburg?

[Eric]

Best one to reference is the house just beyond the drop off area, which is 22135 Leitersburg Smithsburg Road.

[markc]

Still not quite air-hungry enough for sub-32 flying... But giving some thought to a possible T-Hill day at Smithsburg on Sat. Couldn't hurt to run off the top of the hill a few times!

[Dave Gills]

Found out Smithsburg is nearly 4 hrs away for me.
Ouch!
Not so appealing now

[markc]

Leaning toward 'go' for a practice day at Smithsburg tomorrow, given the forecasts as of just now. Supposed to swing S of W in the afternoon though, so looks like earlier rather than later.... Perfect for some post-flying brews and such! Others still in?

[mcgowantk]

I am looking at it but flying the Pulpit would be fun too.

Tom McGowan

[markc]

Yup, good direction.... But high of 34 predicted in the valley at 3pm. Just not sure I'm that air-hungry, esp with just 4 weeks until March!

[Ward Odenwald]

I’m going. Yes, it’s going to be cold and there’s a predicted 20 to 30 degree cross during the afternoon but it’s most likely going to be flyable all day. Think of it as an ideal physical training day in preparation for the rapidly approaching 2017 season. Surviving a winter’s day at Smithsburg is uplifting, empowering and fundamentally important for future safe flying.

Ward

ETA 9:30am

[Eric]

Anthony and I are still planning on making it out. I won't be there and set up till 1:30 p. He has something to do in the morning too. I saw some PG-ers might come out to kite. Didn't see a time posted to the Google group for them though...

[markc]

ETA: 10:45 or so.... Latest hourly now shows no hint of SW until near sunset, great!

[A.Lloyd]

ETA 12:15

[A.Lloyd]

Good day. The wind was crossing from the west and once in a while it blew straight up the hill. 5 HGs and 1 PG knocked some rust off.

[markc]

Surprisingly strong and cross-W, even SW, very early in the day. Go figure!

15+ on the top of the hill, pushing 20 for some of the stronger cycles. But there were also some lulls, and the winds would eventually swing into the hill. So after seeing that pattern, both Ward and I decided to stick it out.

Tom McG arrived, and then Eric and Anthony by early afternoon. A new-ish PG pilot named Tom also arrived, with the intent of some strong-wind practice. And that's actually what we all got..... Strong even for the HG'ers, assistance needed to get into position. But there were also some totally sweet cycles, and even some nearly-calm cycles, you just had to wait for them. As much as 20-30 minutes sometimes, sheesh!

My final flight of the day was 45-cross at the top, 90-cross halfway down the hill. But also very smooth and laminar and light.... Gave it a go and had a really good one, very happy that I stuck it out.

Ward flew earlier when things were gnarly and wire crew was needed, so I'm afraid I don't have any photos of his flights. Sorry dude! But I have some pics of everyone else, enjoy!

MarkC

Tom McG launching his topless

One of Anthony's launches

Eric takes flight

[mcgowantk]

Thanks for the pictures Mark. It was worthwhile to get out and knock some of the rust off. I think everyone had some nice flights!

Tom McGowan

[Ward Odenwald]

It was good! Once we were in the routine of flying and helping others get into the air, the sub-freezing temp coupled with the wind chill wasn’t an issue. As the day progressed, I became more concerned with overheating than freezing.

Ward