Hang Gliding Spring Flying

Those that have been able to get airborne this spring have been rewarded with great soaring conditions.  Larry put together a little video compilation of our efforts launching off the  pay-out-winch near Drumheller.  Awesome scenic soaring over prairie farmland and the Red Deer River drainages.  Thanks for putting it together Larry!

Check it out here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjA1MuxXOM

On one of these flights Kevin and I decided to attempt a triangle flight because we had virtually no wind on the ground.  The forecast showed a south wind switching to north.  On Kevin's tow I could tell, by the pressures on the winch, that there were some significant winds aloft.  When I launched, Mike dropped me right in a thermal off the end of the tow.  As soon as I released from the tow line I continued to climb.  Check out my track log on this link.

https://www.xcontest.org/canada/en/flights/detail:janssen/19.6.2020/20:16

That first thermal was a good starter and it was obvious from the drift I would not be attempting a triangle.  I topped out low (if that makes sense).   I needed something better if I was going to go anywhere. 

The week prior I had found good lift over the Carbon Cemetery.  Kevin always says graveyards have good lift above them from the spirits going up.  So I flew over to the cemetery again and just like the week before, up I went.  Not ready to take the elevator to the top floor just yet I got out at about 8 grand.  I cruised over Carbon for a closer look and then headed for some clouds that were turning a bit dark on the bottom.  They provided the best lift of the day and they did have me heading for their edges.

After leaving those I wandered aimlessly along HWY 9 looking for lift in all the wrong places.  Finally, I stumbled into decent lift to keep drifting downwind.  I checked out Rosebud and the Rosebud River drainage.  With all the clouds shrinking, I hit a couple more bits of lift before looking for a landing field.  A most enjoyable 2 hour, 45 km flight over beautiful countryside.

We have also had some great soaring conditions at Infinity this spring.  Here are a couple links to Matthew L.  launching off the dolly for the first time and his first taste of thermaling.  Thanks Matthew.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yDqHZrN7XRSu22vCUaD4iOcCr1vT1N16?usp=sharing

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CB7RQgfnx7y/?igshid=1ium6tch9378z

Golden

Forecast is looking promising for this weekend.  Let me know how it goes and be sure to get in some warm-up flights if you haven't flown this season yet.  Remember you need to be a current HPAC member and you need to have a "20" sticker on your helmet to land at GEAR.  Contact Keith at keith@mullerwindsports.com  to get one.   He will be out there this weekend but it is best to make arrangements prior by email.

Summer is here.  Enjoy.

Happy Soaring!

John