"Over the Edge": Eliminator Wednesday

[Sweet Pete]

Trying to hook up with Nikolas, a new student, and show him what a Hang Glider looks like when it leaves the earth from a small turn out off of Gibraltar Road. How many times have people driven by similar turn outs all over the world, and had no idea about what kind of life lives just over the edge.....Some people find themselves at these kinds of places and just stand there with the sun and the wind in their faces....just completely at ease with the thought of going over the edge. There must be some common thread in all of us... the ones who have had that similar flying dream since they were kids...So my question...?what is it, in some of those people, who actually find a way to make that dream come true...to pursue the life that lives....over the edge....

Yeah, computers, forecasts, wind talkers, balloon lapse rates... all just players in this game...but nothing compares to the old fashioned get yer butt out there and feel the wind in your face for yourself...How many times have we looked at the sky, and saw something that "could be"?, instead of what "might not"...I often wondered what the wind and thermals would look like if each one had different color schemes...well that would be something for a different post!. Sometime these facts look so much better with a few primary colors thrown in.

As we were preparing to set up, Hammer rolls down, from the Brotherhood, and a report of light winds over the back. There were some light puffy clouds down range and the ones closer were definitely influenced by the North winds....Hammer proceeded to point out the incredible amount of wind that was pushing(white capping) through towards the harbor. This was a wonderful opportunity for all of us up there to sit back and listen to one of the most experienced pilots take some time and " break us all off" some wisdom of 35 years of flying experience. Brandon, Nikolas and I were able to soak it up.

After watching the slow progression of the wind line, and watching the south east flow at launch, this "eddy" was strong, and I thought....hey, "I see a window to get to the beach before the Chaos does." We all have choices in life and we must feel secure in the ones we make....whether it means putting our gliders back on our cars and driving down, or making the choice to fly. Both of these choices were exercised today, and I believe both were the right ones. Taking the time to lend a hand to ones just behind us, knowing that someday, they will be the ones teaching and helping the next generation of kids that are just twinkles in their parents eyes...

4200 at the Factory.....a very educational flight to East Beach.....landing 10 minutes before the West Pushed through at FULL THROTTLE....Today was a good day!

LONG LIVE FREE FLIGHT & THOSE WHO LIVE ON THE EDGE

Sweet Pete

[Sweet Pete]

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[Sweet Pete]

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