All-You-Can-Eat Soaring

Peter, Rodger, and I need a shot of airtime, so we loaded up and made the long drive to West Rutland, VT.  We met Bob, Beth, Brian, Louie, and PK at the parking area near the LZ.  Bob was kind enough to give the three of us a lift to the top on the newly graded road.  (Nice job Gary!)

Louie was looking for his first soaring flight there and I knew he wouldn't be disappointed when it was already soarable when we arrived on top.

Bob and Louie

Louie launched first and was soon above launch and on top of the ridge.  PK quickly followed, then Peter, and Bob.  Rodger and I took a bit longer on launch as we had more trouble getting our wings level in the crossing and mildly gusty wind.  (Thanks Beth and Brian for the help on launch.)

Green, as in the Green Mountain State

As usual the Green Mountains were decorated with clouds, but it was mostly blue above.  It was easy to climb to 3500 feet (1000 m) but more difficult to bust through 4000 (1200 m).  However, once above that, the climbs became very turbulent before topping out around 5000 feet (1500 m).  PK and I thought about taking off downwind but bagged the idea due to the turbulence, an unfavorable wind direction, and no driver.

 PK and Green Mountains to the east

 PK and launch

We played around the ridge for a couple hours in very soarable conditions before landing.

We were broken down and on the road long before we normally consider landing, leaving lots of soaring potential untapped.

Flights: 1, Duration: 2:20