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