Nuthouse Sat & Sun

From: T. Pipkin
Activity_Date: 3/10/02
Remote Name: 209.178.154.221

Comments

Saturday; Poor piloting combined with a weak cycle resulted in a quick flush. This launch is unique in that the transition between launching & thermaling is immediate.30 sec. of bad decisions almost guaranties a flight to Hwy 33. Every other local site that comes to mind offers some "chill time" to settle into flight. The NH forces us to change gears & focus quickly.

Sunday; Debbie reporting 5-13mph NNW averaging 8mph. Good draw up the canyon likely indicating a thermal block. Strong cycles at launch, in the air at 2pm. Easy climb to 3300', no indication of OTB near the back ridge. Cautiously started glide to spine 1. Back up to 3500', then pushed on to the Pyramid. Working a thermal on the SE spine, took a full stall, followed by 3 or 4 large collapses. Eddie watched from his house as I lost 200'. Haven't been spanked that hard in a long time. Threw in the towel & got the hell out of there. Turb most of the way out. Landed 1/2 mile short of the HS. Called wind talker Debbie as soon as I touched down. She now reported 13-27mph NNW averaging 18mph. Returned to my truck, noticed the wind was now blowing down the canyon. Checked the Ojai weather archive, light SW-W winds, It lied! Glad to be home.