Skyport 12/7/08

[Tyrone]

We had some new Eaglets and a couple visiting pilots hungry for mountain action so we rallied the Eagle Van to the “T” for the 10AM. Altocumulus cover was preventing maximum surface heating. We all did a sun dance and left for launch at 10:30. Kev Dog, myself, Marge-Arita, Bob, A-Ro, Ken the Genius, Steve, Ed, Parma, and Bob the Canadian all arrived at The Alternator and started to get our gear ready. Doug was set up to fly tandem with Jim. Doug waited for a cycle to build, but it started blowing down. The troops gathered up and headed over to Skyport after hearing reports from the Divers that it was blowing straight up. We arrived at Skyport around 1:30. We got ready to launch as we watched the divers getting some. Little John was the first off, and climbed out at the house thermal, and headed over to the play at the tit. Zach had launched, climbed out, and was playing around between the R&R and thermal factory for about 20 minutes before he decided to head back to Skyport for a fly by. We all saw him sizing us up and start his bomb run…It was like the parting of the Red Sea as bag pilots split into two groups as he ripped through nearly taking off some baseball caps. Leeside and Little John followed with some bombing runs a few moments later before making their way to the R&R. Bo and Doug had already launched and had been out to the antenna farm and made their way up to the R&R by that time. The sky was ruled by the hangies at that time. At some point during that madness, Bob Andersen launched his bag and was staying up over the antenna farm. After about 2:30, the cycles weakened and it was more difficult for people to climb out over launch. Next to launch was Ed, visiting from Georgia, followed by Steve for his 2nd high flight, then John Berger from Canada, Then Kev Dog who flew tandem with Allison (Stratocaster girlfriend), then Aaron La Plante, then Irene, Parma, Brian, Marge-Arita, Ken, and finally the Stratocaster. The house thermal didn’t take anyone higher than 100 feet over launch, but the glide out was very buoyant and most people were able to reach the antenna farm. I took one for the team and drove the Eagle Van down, and shuttled the party back to the T. Hoping to get some airtime this week so check the Eagle Schedule if you want to come play.

[Marge]

Thanks for driving Ty. It was a fun day!

Zac's friend Wolfgang didn't have room for his glider on the motorcycle he rode into town. I think he had a bit of a hard time getting into the harness he borrowed.

Even with all those lines, a hang glider pilot can find the clouds in a paraglider.

Lee Makes it look easy. Just something else to fly!

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The smile on Bryan's face says it all. You have to watch out for those Strattons you know.