Smithsburg 4/1

[XCanytime]

Charley and I flew at Smithsburg today. I went first, and test flew the new glider for 4 flights and received objective feedback from Charley that was very valuable. Charley flew 2 flights from the top at the end of the day, and watching his flights reminded me of Eddie Miller. Pure precision. My first flight was a short mushing flight near the bottom of the hill, bellying in unceremoniously. I did the remaining 3 flights from the middle of the hill with progressively better takeoffs, better airspeed management. and much better landings. There were noticeable wind gradient pockets that I flew through, not being that high above the ground. The glider would drop and I almost made contact with the hill twice with the wheels on the basetube. This is a danger that exists when taking off from the middle of the hill at Smithsburg. Bacil