Flying to the beach in FL!

[Paul Tjaden]

Friday, four of my British friends, Dustin and I flew 109 miles to the SW and all landed near the fishing pier at Venice Beach on the Gulf Coast. As far as I know, we may be the first group to do this from Quest. Word is that Bo Hagewood and Curt Warren flew to the nearby airport but not to the beach. It was an incredible day with climbs of up to 1200 fpm on a 20 second averager up to 7,800 feet or so. We almost didn't get started when stronger than forecast surface winds kept us all on the ground but when things calmed just a bit, Dustin launched followed by the Brits and myself a few minutes later. We flew SSE to Fantasy of Flight about 25 miles out (which was difficult due to lake effect from large bodies of water to the NE, then took a direct heading to Venice which kept us clear of Bartow, Lakeland, and Tampa air space. Once we hit Fantasy, it was fairly easy going. My total flight time was 3.5 hours with much of this spent just boating around along the shore trying to loose altitude gained in the incredible convergence line that had set up about a mile inland. Winds at the beach were 15 to 20 mph from the NW. With the shore line running NNW, we pretty much just hovered down until we could put our tootsies in the sand. VERY FUN FLIGHT!!!

[John Simon]

Wow,

that sounds like a dream flight. You guys are spoiled down there. Congrats! We earthlings had some very good early season flying up here in MD with a large crew on hand for opening day at Highland and mindless soaring to 5000' in cold skies. Tons of gliders stuck to the roof when I arrived. A few went XC and got some miles. Sunday was not nearly as good but was easily soarable with 300 fpm widely available and warmer temperatures. Lots of fun and psyched to have the season under way.


John

[mcelrah]

Wow on both counts: Ridgely and Florida! Gotta reorganize my life to be in the right place at the right time... - Hugh

[Paul Tjaden]

Forgot to mention that Lauren and Jamie drove for all of us. Lauren arrived just minutes after we were on the sand and helped break down and carry out in the strong winds. After a nice sea food dinner she climbed back behind the wheel and got us home while Dustin and I rested up. I really hate that she is injured and couldn't enjoy this great flight with us but it sure is great to have a knowledgeable driver chasing us. Her shoulder is improving but her range of motion is still limited especially when she tries to raise her arm above her head (like she will need to do to land her glider). Her physical therapist says that he will get this fixed and it will just take time. I do like his positive attitude.

[Pete Schumann]

Cool Beans! You guys rock down there. Must be nice and not so cold

Pete

[Dan T]

Fantastic flight Paul. I want to go with you again!

Wishing you the speediest of recoveries Lauren.

Dan T
almost out of Baghdad