From: Sarah
Activity_Date: Sunday
Remote Name: 207.154.99.100
Had somes friends visiting, so we went to visit the G. Dunes. Was strong but we trekked to the fav. area and watched the wind. I tried a little dune, then a bigger dune but the gusts were too much.. prob. fine for a HG. It was outstandingly beautiful out there!
I got dragged up a dune! It was only fun in that I didn't get hurt(not a scratch or bruise) and it was a huge challenge getting my wing to stop. If you *think* you've been ever dragged at the training hill, think again and try strong wind on a sand dune! It took me almost 70 feet of travel uphill to stop. My sequence of attempts started with brakes, then A's on one side(when the wing appeared to be off wind enough to try for a frontal collapse), then brakes+C's+B's on one side... Didn't work!! Finally just righted the wing and started hauling in the brakes and C's, with my right leg over and holding low the A's... the wing stopped in a low, but taught wall. It helped that no cell was exposed to upper air--as when it had it shot up very forcably.
I could have worked my way to the wing gradually but I accepted help. I directed my friend to the center and behind the wing and ordered him to lay on it and flatten the cells down and draw in one side of the wing at a time under him. --That worked!
We remained a while longer and I watched the guys get dragged a little with a traction kite. It got windier so we made plans for Happy C by way of beer and pizza in Buellton. =) Opted for sunset flights at Happy. Air was buoyant but unstable. I replaced and put up a couple of new streamers. Interesting how the wind can be north in the LZ and up high, but due to the topography and draw the main launch area attempts a forced west at the ridge. Also: far left knob with full blast of wind, while streamer on right knob is limp!
Congrats to all on the Bates flying! What a neat "little" site. :-)
Sarah
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