Rain

The forecast looked like we might be able to sneak in some flying on Saturday between the short waves radiating around the cut-off low to the north in Quebec. The chance of rain was less to the south but winds were also predicted to be more southerly there. Probably too cross at Ellenville to justify a 10 hour drive. The conditions at Brace looked the best but 6 hours of driving, a 2 mile hike in, and limited XC potential made that less than desirable. That left Mount Rhett at Morningside or West Rutland, Vermont.

Everyone was hungry to fly. Rodger and John B drove to my place and we were rolling north before 8:30 am. Since we thought the chance of rain was similar at both northern launches, we decided to try West Rutland since we could ridge soar and explore some new XC routes if we got up. On the drive we talked with PK, Dennis, Greg, and Jeff who were all heading that way. The sky looked sick was we entered Vermont; flat bottom clouds as far as the eye could see. The clouds were thick but not showing any over-development. It wasn't until we crested the last little ridge line did we see towering clouds over the Adironacks on the other side of the Champlain Valley.

We drove up the 4x4 road to launch, carried our gliders to the setup area, and walked over to launch were John S was standing with his ATOS VR. "Why the waiting? Oh. Yeah, that is a large wall of rain out there. Crap." I probably would have launched then if I had my glider rigged, but I didn't and John finally backed off. The rain was far enough away, but slowing creeping our way and killing the lift. The optimists in the group hoped it would rain itself out and active cummie development would resume. However, the cloud heights and the radar picture on my phone confirm my fears; this wasn't a spot shower falling from overloaded cumulus clouds but growing thunderstorms.

What are these guys waiting for? Look at the sky!


Oh, that.


John, Rodger, and I decided to bail early and give Morningside a shot. We still had time, it was the longest day of the year. However, Heather told us that Rhett had a lot of tandems scheduled and might not have time to tow us up. Oh well, maybe we could get up from the 450 foot high launch. Heather decided Morningside was a better bet as well as the rest decided to wait out the rain.


We met Dennis, Greg, Jeff, and Peter driving up as we were driving down. You should have heard their questions and seen the expressions on their faces! "Where are you going? What? Raining? How hard? You got to be kidding me. Are you sure? #%&@!"

It started raining on us as we drove out of town. Of course Gary and PK had to tease us with phone calls that included descriptions of blue skies with newly formed cummies and "staged" launches happening in the background. Nice try guys. In reality it cleared enough for a couple sledders and then trapped the rest on top in the rain.

The hour drive to Morningside was pleasant since we only looked at the nice cumulus field ahead of us. However, once there we saw the the dark over-developed pilot-depressing evil rain was hot on our tail. Everyone at Morningside was still flying, but no one had more than a sled-ride even as beautiful cumulus clouds retreated overhead. I drove Toni up top for her first flights after becoming a mom and talked with a few pilots as they broke down ahead of the slowly approaching rain.

After cowering in the hanger during a shower, Rodger, John, and I drove into Claremont where Morningside had a static display as part of a town festival. I tried to forget our bad luck by inhaling some fresh strawberry shortcake and then some beer and pizza. Sigh. Maybe next time.

Flights: 0, airtime: 0, miles: 330