On May 1, 2008, at 12:26 PM, Allen Priest wrote:

> I agree. It's much too windy today. I was just out there and it feels pretty rough.

>

It was indeed windy today, but not that rough. I was lured out by Allen's flying report from yesterday when winds were less than expected, but I was greeted by conditions that pretty much matched the forecast, 22mph base and gusty. Still managed to squeeze in a couple three hours today before the hi-start rubber broke (on tow, not stretched on the ground!)

Set-up a high-start because I figured it shouldn't have any trouble with a little wind-assist, even with a fully-ballasted Pike Superior. Turns out, no trouble at all, with launches over 600'. But the trick became what to do after launch because the wind made it difficult to reach any tree line for sloping. There was a limited window to work lift because although the thermals were strong, they moved downwind very quickly and large areas of sink seemed to follow close behind. Robert once told me about flying under low, dark clouds to find lift because something is holding up the cloud. Seemed to work today, and the clouds were plentiful.

I found out I need to use less rudder than usual to make efficient thermal circles in the wind and also had plenty of opportunity to work the trailing edge camber settings. Landings were challenging, especially when the wind abated suddenly and I had a lot more speed than I expected. All in all, a good practice day for what are expected to be similar conditions on Saturday. See you all then!

Chris