Just got back from a week on the Big Island of Hawaii visiting Natalie's mom. She lives in Kona (the dry side of the island). We took my sister and brother-in-law for their first visit so had a lot of fun showing off the island.
The best part about flying there is that the launch is only 20 minutes from my mother-in-law's. A close second is that the launch is someone's grassy back yard -- a dream compaired to any of our launches around here. Most of the pilots live much closer and fly several days a week, but typically only 1 or 2 flights each day - the flying window is usually 11:00 - 2:00. They fly over lunch, or go to work after flying (life is a little slower there than here). I got in 3 days of flying, albeit only one flight each day. Got there late on day one and had a sled to the LZ (near Captain Cook Monument). Days 2 and 3 I did some nice thermaling. I finally seem to be getting the hang of feeling and staying in them. Also took my first pictures while flying with the new camera I got for Christmas, which was made easier with the new cockpit I recently purchased from Ellis (thanks again Ellis, and I know I still need to pay you). I tried to upload one picture, but can't figure out how to do it. Not a big loss, however -- I still need some practice before I have some really worth sharing. Besides, the VOG (lots of volcanic action on the big island recently) made things a bit hazy.
Charlie
Flying in Hawaii
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Re: Flying in Hawaii
Way to go Charlie - I flew last fall on Oahu. Is there a lot of vertical on the big island? I'm thinking like a 6ooo foot sled to the beach... Ya, I get the same feeling: how did I fail to organize my life so I would be living in Hawaii flying everyday and going in to work when I felt like it? - Hugh