2/9/12 Nuthouse

[Chris G]

Met with Doug Stroop and Dave Wheeler from Aerial Paragliding in Cashmere, Wa for a quick run up The Nuthouse. We got a late start because they were coming up from LA but we were on the trail by 10:40. At launch by 10:30 with consistent cycles. The spread was pushing 29º so it should have been an epic day. Winds aloft were forecasted light NE. I was off first and climbed easily to 3700 over launch. Not enough for a Westbound run so continued over to the Pyramid in minimal wind and very punchy lift. Easy climb to 4500 and bonehead glide to Nordhoff ridge. Doug and Dave got stuck on launch in some weird East that was probably due to the draw up the canyon. Finally got off nearly an hour behind me and by then I was tired of getting bounced around. We had high hopes given the lapse rate but had trouble breaking 4500. Arrived near the LZ at 2600 and promptly found a boomer back to 4k which NEVER happens. Very buoyant and was able to make a pass over Pipkins house with enough to make it back to the HS with 1k+ to spare. Meanwhile Doug and Dave were playing at the Pyramid and Nordhoff ridge. Doug ended up soaring the ridge behind Pyramid, which I didn't think was possible, at least not with a viable LZ. Fun day with good folks, 4500 max, with 1k+ climb rates. Pretty rowdy air but to be expected with that kind of spread.

Fly Above All is doing the Thermal/XC clinic with Kari Castle in SB this weekend so the van will run but space will be limited. I'll post the schedule at the usual places in the mornings!