Marshall hi-jinks

From: Randall
Activity_Date: 4/9/01
Remote Name: 216.86.200.221

Comments

After blowing one launch from Marshall Peak in the gusty, cold conditions, I inflated my Atlas a second time, only to be picked up and swept sideways by a shifty gust straight into a hang glider waiting to launch. Took out his right leading edge tube, which buckled at a 90 degree angle.

After helping him carry it back up the hill and reassuring him I would cover the damages, I attempted a third launch and pulled it off this time. Somewhat rattled by the preceding events, I left decent if bumpy lift earlier than I should have to get away from the gaggle at the hill and immediately hit a ferocious headwind over the canyon and fierce sink.

I got on the speedbar and made a bee-line for the flats out front, as it was becoming clear I would have a hard time even making that. Hit a couple pockets of weak lift but nothing I wanted to take the chance of turning in as I was barely penetrating.

The headwind finally lessened as I got out of the canyon but I came up about fifty yards short of the LZ, landing fast in the wind shadow of the LZ hill.

Damages to the HG: about $200. Round-trip drive from Santa Monica: about 3 hours. My flight: about 15 minutes.

I should have gone to Santa Barbara!