First Flights of the Season
Yesterday I had my first official flights out in Cochrane this season.
I got out there early in the morning, and the wind was cross and strong. Yes, I called the windtalker before going, and yes it said those exact same things, but hey, there's always hope. But lo and behold, the wind only got stronger by the time I got out there. Instead, Thomas and I went for coffee out in Cochrane, so at least my trip out there wasn't completely wasted.
On my way home I got a ticket for doing an illegal u-turn at a set of lights (this is perfectly legal in Manitoba, but not in Alberta. Apparently motorists are expected to abide by laws they may be unaware of, so naturally, I was ticked), but despite being agitated, ventured out to Cochrane again closer to the evening. The wind seemed to have died, but by the time I got out there this second time, the 'window of flyability' was gone again. Some hangies were in the air though, but again, way too strong for the flexi-wings.
Anyway, a few of us went for some food and non-alcoholic bevys, and returned to the hill. This time around, things were sorable. Man, my ridge-soaring skills need improvement, and so unsurprisingly, I didn't stay up long. I found the conditions a bit tricky to soar in, and as I wasn't the only one to sink out, maybe they were. I did do a pretty good side-hill landing though, although both flights were really, just sled runs. Crappy, but hey, a flight is a flight.
The Panorama Easter Meet is a definite no-go for me this year, once again. Two weeks ago there were some issues that were preventing me from going, and although these sorted themselves out, a friend who I haven't seen for years is in town that weekend and that definitly takes priority. I'll say it again - "next year!"
All, in all, I'm still optmistic about flying this season. I gained 5 hours airtime in the Dominican, and although the additional airtime amount doesn't sound impressive, I learned a lot. I'm really looking forward to thermalling again...
I got out there early in the morning, and the wind was cross and strong. Yes, I called the windtalker before going, and yes it said those exact same things, but hey, there's always hope. But lo and behold, the wind only got stronger by the time I got out there. Instead, Thomas and I went for coffee out in Cochrane, so at least my trip out there wasn't completely wasted.
On my way home I got a ticket for doing an illegal u-turn at a set of lights (this is perfectly legal in Manitoba, but not in Alberta. Apparently motorists are expected to abide by laws they may be unaware of, so naturally, I was ticked), but despite being agitated, ventured out to Cochrane again closer to the evening. The wind seemed to have died, but by the time I got out there this second time, the 'window of flyability' was gone again. Some hangies were in the air though, but again, way too strong for the flexi-wings.
Anyway, a few of us went for some food and non-alcoholic bevys, and returned to the hill. This time around, things were sorable. Man, my ridge-soaring skills need improvement, and so unsurprisingly, I didn't stay up long. I found the conditions a bit tricky to soar in, and as I wasn't the only one to sink out, maybe they were. I did do a pretty good side-hill landing though, although both flights were really, just sled runs. Crappy, but hey, a flight is a flight.
The Panorama Easter Meet is a definite no-go for me this year, once again. Two weeks ago there were some issues that were preventing me from going, and although these sorted themselves out, a friend who I haven't seen for years is in town that weekend and that definitly takes priority. I'll say it again - "next year!"
All, in all, I'm still optmistic about flying this season. I gained 5 hours airtime in the Dominican, and although the additional airtime amount doesn't sound impressive, I learned a lot. I'm really looking forward to thermalling again...
posted by Veronica at 12:05 AM
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