SCPA & SBSA Discussion Board

9:30 review: Looks like today is our best opportunity for the new year weekend. The wind is in transition from Post Frontal to Pre Frontal, so expect it to back off. The lapse rate looks robust, but there are some approaching high clouds associated with the next frontal system. I'll try to get to launch as soon as possible, but we're all still in our PJs. Expecting Parma sometime between 10:30 and 11, but it should work earlier.

Turned out to be pretty good! I grabbed OJ and met the Fly Above All crew at Parma at 11. On launch by 11:30ish where Cormac, Truax and a few others were already setting up. The Orange Man and Truax were off early and I followed 4thish back in the pack. Most chose to go West with altitudes into the 45s but I was focused Eastbound so opted for the TF. Got stuck under the ceiling at 4250 for 30ish minutes. I knew Truax would be coming back so held my ground, hoping for the magic 4700 before continuing. Sure enough, Truax joined just as I topped at 4350, which was the best I could get, and took the glide across Shadow to Montecito. Poor glide but Shadow was working back to 4300 making Montecito easy. I think it was Little John already over Montecito, and climbing, but when I arrived I was greeted with "Pine in July" style climbs and exceptional chunk and probably messed with his jive a bit. It was all I could do to keep the glider flying straight and mostly open. Finally escaped in the mid 4s and continued on, now a ridge or two behind Truax. It continued on like that all the way to the powerlines, Truax opting for the fast and low route, while I chose to stay higher but a bit slow. Peak altitudes improved but the high clouds had us a little doubtful. I expected to get shut down any minute but that never seemed to happen despite wide shadows. We were getting into the 5s but but just barely and as I hit the Powerlines (not literally!) Tom reported some NE coming around the corner and opted for Carp. Figuring that if the master was throwing in the towel, I'd be wise to follow suit. Set down at the Surf Dog within 30 seconds of each other. Stellar day, great climbs with a few spooky exceptions, and minimal radio chatter. Would have loved to see more of the downrange crowd join us on such a great day!

It sure did!

Sunday’s Santa Barbara News Press, 1/2/11
Section A, Page 9 has a Color photo spread from
The Skyport on Friday, showcasing multiple pilots

What an amazing day! Thanks to everyone for making all the driving logistics happen (tom, Marge & others) I had an opportunity to "try" to follow Taliban and Truax but chose to do the cozy glide to the beach where my truck was waiting. Launch attempts: 3! Time: 1:15 Max alt. 4750' Happy New Year

I made a little video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjXsmE84evI

Great way to finish 2010!









Here's to an even brighter 2011!

Rad pics zippy! I got you on film buzzing the tower on my vid around 1:22. So shocked to hear it was you!

Nice pics Zippy! Couldn't make it down there Friday... Man I missed out! It's going to be a great 2011 everyone!

Great pics and video guys! I was at work (downtown) watching it all unfold with binocs, silently weeping I couldn't be part of the festivities. Happened to catch someone buzzing launch, but I thought from my distant perspective it must have been an illusion and he wasn't that close... guess not!