Flying 11/29

[Leeside]

Rode up the hill with 5 others intent on committing some aviation today. As we were flying bags I really wanted to try to launch the new site of upper EJ Bowl again, but the Eagle van stopped at Eliminator/Skyport area so I figured it would have to happen another day. Well today ended up being that day- 4 times over. Once I was clearly high enough (4300') on the R&R to make the EJ bowl peak(3700') I glided back and circled around for a top landing. Wow that was easy I thought so I did it 3 more times. The last 2 were 'Touch and goes' actually as they were more fun as I was trying to see How quickly I could launch- thermal up and come back to land. The last 2 circuits took maybe 3-4 min to complete. Just launch 3 or so 360's and set up a short approach. At launch level my flytech 5030 was consistently showing a 5.6 glide required to make parma. To compare later I flew over to the Skyport launch and my vario showed a 5.1 glide required to make parma. Considering only with Altitude vs distance it is only a .5 to 1 glide difference in making parma. The real concern which I have not looked at yet is what the glide to St. Mary's is? As there is no postage stamp bail out at all, the only real plan would be to land in the brush next to tunnel trail somewhere. On the positive side though the power lines are very low in the canyon. This is not a new flying area at all as Hangliders have been flying back in the bowl for many years with success which is what gives me such confidence this is a good area to fly around. Anyone else game? I would think so as many Bag pilots are nuts in my opinion as they go East down range 1000' lower than I ever would even in my lawn dart.

[DBLD]

I'm game Even on a paraglide that should put you on top of the Tit and that's where it's at.