Owens Meet Day 1

Post by **tomceunen** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 2:09 am

Well today was nice. Winds were strong on launch but we managed all to take off. There are 20 pilots in competition. Soon cloudstreets started to form with base at 4000masl. The thermals were 7m/s, some reported more. It was kind of turbulant at the edges. There is a low pressure with cold temperatures so the temperature difference makes it quite turbulant. The task was a 105km race to goal. The last 30km I catched the cloudstreet in the valley at 3700m and turning was not needed anymore. Well after this first comp day I must admit this place is magic. It's like high desert mountain flying. Tomorrow weather looks good as well.

Photos
http://users.telenet.be/xet/PG%20Owens%20Comp%20day1/

Juan had the retrieval of the year with canal crossing, swamps, wet, mosquitos, 3h walking, we got him back when it was dark already. A great story with a great flight.

Spark · Post by **Spark** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 12:19 pm

Hi Tom,

Great photos.

I'm guessing ... but it looks like y'all launched from the White mountains and flew southward across Westgard pass, onto the Inyo mountains, past Tinemaha reservoir, then southward, then westward across the owens river to the Lone Pine airport. dscf4637.jpg appears to be looking across the Alabama foothills towards Lone Pine Peak and Mt. Whitney.

It's been a long time since I've flown there .. couldn't coerce the trip west crew to go.

Your photos have encouraged me to return.

'Spark

Post by **mcelrah** » Sun Oct 08, 2006 8:17 pm

Huh? I don't recall turning down a chance to go to the Owens Valley! In any case, would be interested in a guided introduction someday...

Great job and pix, Tom! I drank the beer - need more - and more PG time. Got an hour or so of trike time today in sunny, calm, clear conditions.

Cheers - Hugh

Post by **tomceunen** » Mon Oct 09, 2006 12:45 am

Less clouds today but more turbulant conditions. The task was a 102km race to goal. My final glide was not really what I expected. I landed at 97km. But hey, we are not going to complain after this beautiful day. I also had a GPS glitch which affects more scoring.

some photos
http://users.telenet.be/xet/PG%20Owens% ... index.html

Tomorrow the last day