More Mesa Between Storms 2/25

From: BH
Activity_Date: 02/25/01
Remote Name: 4.35.216.158

Comments

Benson, Tom B., Chad, Kevin and I took a chance on the weather and, with the airport reporting 110 at 9 knots, we hit a winner at More Mesa. I launched at 11:40 a.m. with Chad already in the air, wind at 11-13 mph cross from the SE. For the first hour or so we were confined to the west bowl, each taking turns with no more than 3 pilots in the air at a time. At 1:00 or so, the wind became so strong that launching became very difficult. Then, suddenly (unfortunately, just moments after Kevin left for the office), it backed-off, smoothed out and shifted more westerly. I flew east toward Hope Ranch, 200-300 feet over the ridge. Thinking I'd give it another 15 minutes to shift further west, I headed back past launch to the grassy park near the end of Patterson Road,at one point flying 100' or so above Tom, Benson and Chad who continued on toward Hendry Beach. Before the wind suddenly backed-off and the rain began, Benson returned to the stairs and top landed; Tom landed just short of Hendry's; and Chad flew to Hendry's and back to the stairs before sinking out on the beach. My attempt to follow the gagle eastward was cut short and I landed just east of the Hope Ranch gap at 2:47.

Interestingly, before the wind shifted south and while we were still confined to the west bowl but having nice flights, the airport was reporting the wind at 100 at 5 knts. All in all, a great and very unexpected day (appropriately concluded at the Beidler's over pizza and beer).