Saturday: To the Beach East of Mira Mar.

From: BH
Activity_Date: 04/27/02
Remote Name: 4.35.216.134

Comments

Benson, Sharon and I arrived at Skyport at 11:00 as cycles started up the front. Winds below were strengthening from the west and conditions all morning appeared to be questionable.

I launched about 11:30 in a good cycle (without my vario so altitudes are estimated), immediately rose aboved launch and just as quickly dropped back even with the roadway. As I headed to the TF I was gusted repeatedly, then hit sink just before the powerlines. I advised Sharon and Benson of the conditions and both decided to follow me on the ground.

I found good lift but strong winds over the by-pass; arrived over the round house with 200' or so, then gained 2000 over the monastary. I was getting reports of strong and gusting surface winds so decided to head east toward Westmont College. Arrived with at least 3000' so, with Benson on chase, headed for the beach.

I crossed 101 with 1500-2000,' made a few passes over East Beach, then headed east. Landed on the Summerland side of the Mira Mar, along the beach, within site of the Sheffield exit off 101, as the west wind established itself. With full speed bar and harness unhooked, I landed on the east end of the beach just before the rocks, moving slowly backward. As I touched down and stepped out of the harness, I began congratulating myself on a nifty landing a moment too soon. As I turned to secure my wing, one tip caught a wave and you can guess the result. For a good part of the afternoon, after lunch with the Lambs, I paid dearly for that moment of inattention. Thanks, Benson for the retrieve.