Pulpit Redux 12/3

Post by **XCanytime** » Tue Nov 28, 2017 10:23 am

Targeting the Pulpit on Sunday. So far so good. Pulpit's getting a lot of action lately. Bacil

Post by **wmelo** » Wed Nov 29, 2017 5:20 pm

I am hoping to have a good flight this weekend. It looks like our fellow pilots had a great time today at WS. Let us hope we will have a good flying weekend.

Post by **silverwings** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:53 pm

As of this evening it is still looking fairly decent there on Sunday. I am going.

Post by **markc** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:14 pm

I'm in too (assuming no major tank for the forecast). Pretty light, but at this point I'd be happy with a sled.... Let's fly!!!!

bustedwing2 · Post by **bustedwing2** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 12:52 pm

With limited comparisons/observations of indicated weather station and actual at launch windspeed with the new weather station I would add 50% to get a better picture of actual windspeed at launch.

Post by **Ward Odenwald** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 8:43 pm

Predicted wind speed is "on the fence" for reliable soaring but close enough to go see. If there are no significant negative changes in the morning casts, I'll be at launch around 10.

Ward

Post by **Ward Odenwald** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 6:45 am

Morning forecasts are now suggesting mid-day wind speeds to be lighter (at launch and below) than the speeds predicted last night so I'm out for today.

Ward

Post by **markc** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:40 am

I'm still willing to give Pulpit a try, if John, Walt, Bacil are still in... What say you, guys?

Post by **XCanytime** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:05 am

I'm out. Next weekend is looking good for Smithsburg. The PGers will be at the Pulpit today. Bacil

Post by **silverwings** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 8:48 am

I am going. ETA about 1 PM. Thermal lift looks decent between 1-4 pm

Post by **markc** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:06 am

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.... ETA about 11:30 or so.

bustedwing2 · Post by **bustedwing2** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:11 am

Was just up top about 9:45am with Kestrel and wind speed in the slot was mostly 8-10mph,on the big ramp 9-12 with 1 gust to 13.5. Looks pretty good to me.

Post by **markc** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 11:51 am

Same conditions as of 11:45am ....

Post by **A.Lloyd** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 7:33 pm

Nice December HG/PG day at pulpit. Everyone soared that wanted to. I just took off cruised down the ridge and landed. Still had fun though and it was good practice.

Post by **markc** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 9:09 pm

Pretty cross N in my opinion, far from a no-worries type of day.... But then again, my flight count this year is pretty low, so take it with a grain of salt

Launched second, from the old ramp. North cross, lots. Headed down to the spines near the secondary and worked them for a bit.... Happy with a brief soaring flight, landed in the HG secondary.

A ride from Ian got me.back to my vehicle, then up top to help with Anthony's launch, then picked Charlie up at the elementary school. Back up top, the PGers were soaring on sunset magic, many cool photos that I will post later.

Great day!

PS: Need details of Charlie's flight, he did damn good!

Post by **Dunegoon** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:18 pm

Thanks to Anthony, Rich and John for launch help and Mark for the retrieve. Moderate conditions with a slight north cross made it a good PG day but a challenging HG day. I was the first HG off and made my way down the ridge. Light ridge lift made it tough to get more than a hundred over. Mark launched and I was hoping he would join me by the primary where the lift seemed a little better. Looked like better judgment prevailed and he landed in the secondary. Did not see John or Anthony launch.

I teamed up with a lone PG and we worked a few light thermals. After benching up a few times, I made it to 3,750 msl and was still climbing going over the back. The PG pilot radioed he was going, and I was not far behind. He had a nice line to the south east and I headed in the general direction of the elementary school at 3,950 MSL. Such a beautiful glide over the back into nice air. Reminded me of flying at Highland. Cruising around and sightseeing. Did not find another good climb, but nice floaty air that extended my glide for another twenty minutes. The house by the school has a flag in their front yard which is easily visible from the air. I was very patient and set up a good pattern instead of stuffing it in and rushing things. Had a nice two stepper that was so soft it felt like I just walked onto the ground. Wish they all ended that well.

A modest, but enjoyable simple flight with no stress OTB and landing. Good practice for XC next year. Thanks again for the retrieve Mark!

CF

Post by **silverwings** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 10:47 pm

I met Mark in HG lz at 1:15 then up top. It was moderately breezy 10-14 and cross from the right but also lighter periods. Decided a little strong for my PG comfort level so I decided to setup HG. Watched/assisted on Jim and Krista PG launches and Charlie & Mark's HG launches. As I was setting up HG it seemed to be getting lighter. Kinsley launch PG and got up some and I think all other pilots were down or over the back. When I got on the right ramp around 3:40 ish it was fairly light (3-6 mph) with cross at times. Thanks Rich B, Anthony and another for assistance. Had good take off and cruised down the ridge staying mostly ridge top level, going up 50 feet, down 50, up 100, down 75, etc. Once I got about 150 below launch I headed out and landed ending a 27 min flight. Anthony landed a minute after me. Rich picked us up to go and get our cars and we saw 3 pg soaring in nice conditions. I was tempted to fly my PG but with the sun setting in 20 minutes decided it wasn't worth it. Sort of wished I had not set up my HG and just waited for more suitable PG conditions which happened but at least I got had a pleasant HG flight.

Post by **wmelo** » Mon Dec 04, 2017 12:22 pm

I am glad that both PG and HG could fly. Charles, congratulations for your XC flight...it is still in my bucket list...

Post by **markc** » Wed Dec 06, 2017 7:17 am

Here are those photos I promised. I don't know most of the PGers wings/colors, so can't tell who is who.... But if anyone sees a pic which they want a higher rez version of, just let me know. Cheers!