Re: Wed, 5/30, Pine

From: Noel Wade
Activity_Date: 5/30/01
Remote Name: 209.179.135.76

Comments

Three pilots and our recovery person normally fly Marshll / Crestline. Arrived and launched around 1:30-2pm. Thanks to Eddie, we got a great tour of Pine Mt and some good ideas on how to fly the site. Matthew C. launched first and climbed then ran the ridge to Decision Point. I didn't launch well, but I did get taken straight up in a thermal, then worked my way into a thermal that took me to 10K.

I finally head to Decision Point with Eddie's help and encouragement. There was a strong headwind (normal I suppose). I have never been so scared at landing that when I managed to screw up and get down to 5300-5400 msl, between Decision Point and "The Splitter". I turned down the radio and focused on my flying. I climbed back up The Splitter and found the thermal I was looking for up to 10K. 

I headed North directly across to Pine Mountain Resort. I was in convergence all the way with some nice lift to 13,500. Got to the ridge west of the resort and the convergence effect was from every direction. I speedbared it through the crap and landed on the 18th fairway, Par 4., with the club members looking on and 30 children running out to great me from the public pool. 

This was a flight to never forget, and many lessons learned. Matt C. landed at I5 and Fort Tejon Rd. after going out into the valley toward Tahachapi. He decided not to risk going further. We will be back.

Noel