Re:Pine, 7/8

From: Benson
Activity_Date: 7/8/01
Remote Name: 208.3.185.54

Comments

Seven pilots flew Pine. We got an early start and began launching around 11:15. Brendon went first, found some lift on the spine but flushed between cycles. I was third or fourth, getting off in a light cycle I was able to ridge soar the back and come in high on the spine. I found some weak thermals near the campground, but went half way down before I found anything worth turning on. I took this one up to a few hundred over launch and saw Bill B in a better core on the small spine just to the E of launch. This one got me to 88 and I flew for the front knob of the main spine, which seemed to be working now. I got back up to 9 here and kept gaining as I headed for the campground. My plan for this flight over the back was to leave with more alt than last week's 10800, but cloud base was low. By the time I got to 96 I was whited out. Ears got me some visibility but just a few minutes later on my way towards the Ranch I whited out again, pulled ears and kept going up. I grabbed another handful of line and could see again shortly but the canopy was looking really small.

I flew over the small lake and ranch and into the canyon some but the air was just smooth. I still had 82 but needed to connect with something to head towards Lockwood. I headed for the ridge at the end of Dry Canyon and found a nice core and got to 86 easily when I saw Ron F below me heading for the thermal I was working. I decided to let him climb by me so I could follow him, he has made the flight before. I kept an eye on him for several minutes and them lost him and couldn't get him on the radio or visual. I was sure there was no way he climbed by me without my notice so I focused my search on the terrain below. Meanwhile I lost the thermal and altitude so I landed in Dry Canyon for the second week in a row.

Turns out Ron had climbed by me while I was looking for him on the ground. He made it to the 50/50 as did Bill B.

Edie ran down the hill and brought Brendon back up for a second round. Tom P, Brendon and John landed on the S side.

Eddie came by and on the way to retrieve the pilots at the 50/50 he gave Allen, who also landed in DC, and I a lesson on flying this area. Now that I have driven part way up the road, and had a on ste briefing, I will feel more comfortable flying this area in the future.

On the way back Fast Eddie suggested that we stop by launch and fly the S side. Ron and I flew to Caltrans in pleasant afternoon air, except on RF's landing, and Bill B made it to Rose Valley.

A big thanks to Eddie for helping make a good day a great day.