Blackhawk, no fly

We arrived to launch at 11:20 and wind was already too strong, abound 15 mph average, gusting to 24+. I and another two PGs opted not to fly. When first HG was in the air, barely moving forward, we was very happy to be on the gound.

Jeff and John ready to go
Tony waiting for better moment
Going down
Car after ride through salt mine
Results. Tony Deleo: Quayle Lake ~115 miles; Bob Anderson: Neenach 108 miles; Chris Smith/Jeff Chipman: Kagel 91 miles; NMERider Start Circle.

Discussion on SB forum

Pine Mt. over the back flight, 5 miles

I was three times on Pine Mt. launch during last 3 years, but never fly before. Today was different, light wind, good cycles become more consistent and I launched at 12:16. Straight up to could base and went east, following ridge. Convergence line, marked by nice cumulus, was deep in the terrain. I try to follow it, but did not find any lift and have to move back for a safe landing.

Did not quite make it to the road, but landed on a huge grassy plateau and hike down to the road. Jonathan landed close to me, but near the road and Tony made it to Quail lake. Fast Eddie justifies his nickname and provided excellent retrieve for everybody. After flight we stop by in Tony's house and I finally saw famous map:

My GPS track: http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/218891

NorCal XC League, Dunlap, June 2009

Adventure started at Friday when I was not allowed to camp in our usual camp site, next to launch, because of "reunion" private party there. So, I camp in forest. Saturday was excellent day for Cross Country flying with massive cloud development, good lift, but a little bit turbulent. Task was DNLNCH -> 49917 -> GRNY -> SAMPSO -> SQV508 (4 km) -> WOODLA. I had a good start, was a second until SAMPSO:

Small white dot under the cloud is Josh heading to 49917. At SAMPSO Timo catch up and we flew together until SQV508:

At Ruth hill he decide to stay with a thermal and drift back toward GRNY, but I push forward and continue south.

One glide from TUCKER I noticed Steve and waited for him, but he was very low and finally landed near Sand Creak rd. After TUCKER I also start getting low and there was no clouds in flats at that time. After low save near CURTIS I made my final glide to the next valley and landed. Maybe 15 minutes later nice clouds start to forming everywhere:

Only Josh made GOAL. Thanks to Jay for retrieve.

My GPS track:
http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/216682

At Sunday Josh was kind enough to wait for most of us, so we had small gaggle with easier flying for everybody. Task was challenging as usual: DNLNCH -> ORO117 (4 km) -> 63LZ -> SAMPSO -> RNGSTN. For me everything was good until TUCKER where I lost Josh and Timo and wait for good climb with Steve. I found one, but made same mistake and instead of waiting for few other pilots try to catch up with Josh and Timo, race to the ground and landed. Arnold and Steve also landed on the same field, Shad and Josh was able to get out from this hole, but only Josh made GOAL. Thanks to David for retrieve.

My GPS track:
http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/216683

Links:
NCXC League website
Timo's blog about this weekend