It's so pretty here in mid-Wales...such a pity the weather hasn't cooperated much. Yesterday was cancelled without going up the hill for rain and high wind. Today we all went up to the Long Mynd launch where the wind was howling. Nevertheless, they called a 82km task heading downwind - no other way to go really as it was blowing 20-30 on launch. I rigged and walked up to launch twice to give it a shot, but in the end it was just too much wind for my wimpiness. The flying here is so different than anything I'm used to and I can only recall one time launching (at the beach) in 25mph wind and that was in a rigid wing. I guess it's something I need to get used to if I plan to do much flying in the UK.
We heard that Gary and Grant made goal but were likely the only ones there. Quite a few landed back on top and others like me didn't launch at all.
Tomorrow's forecast looks like rain, rain, rain, so we will likely find something else to do for the day. Keeping the fingers crossed for Monday and Tuesday.
3 comments:
I wouldn't call it "wimpiness", Jamie. I'd say that "good judgment" is more appropriate.
Flying is so much fun! But it's important to keep in mind that flying is very unforgiving of mistakes, and a single accident, even one we "recover" from, can instantly change everything we've worked so hard to obtain in terms of quality of life.
I read a story once of a bush pilot who worked on the Alaska Peninsula, which has notoriously fickle weather, even by Alaska standards. He had stayed safe and accident-free for his entire career (as I recall). On the dashboard of plane, he had a small sing that said "When in doubt, don't." Good advice.
I really enjoy following you and others around vicariously. Glad you stay safe so that those of us who are "playing along at home" can continue to do so. :)
Come out to Utah and fly the Point this fall when it starts blowing. Walk to launch with the nose down, and maybe a wire assist, wait for a "good" cycle, raise the nose slightly and you're in the air. You have to remember to fly faster above stall speed than you usually do. First time is a little intimidating.
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