Okanagan Tour - Monday, July 21st

Click image for more photosStrong SW winds were forecasted today but we didn't see anything on the ground so up to Coopers we went. It was cycling in nicely already but it wasn't long before we started getting the odd cycle from the back so we waited.

After a good length of time and consistent straight-in wind, I sent Romain off as 'wind technician'. He wasn't able to work the lift that was out there and landed in the alternate field, reporting that the air was a bit rough.

Natalie was game to fly and aware of the quality of the air and I sent her off in a good cycle. She controlled her glider nicely as she flew away from the ratty air near launch and I directed her to just head to the alternate. She flew into a nice leeside thermal en route and was turning nicely in it so I encouraged her to continue. And continue she did - clear up to nearly a thousand feet above launch height! Meanwhile, wind on launch had established itself over the back and everyone packed up.

Natalie then flew out further over the valley towards the Saddle before eventually making her way towards Randy's LZ. At one point she hit a serious patch of sink, using up most of the height she'd gained but was still plenty high to safely make her intended field.

This was Natalie's first extended thermalling flight and she earned it!

We decided to drive up the Saddle as the wind was consistently from the southwest on the ground but, once we made it to the launch, it was blown out.

After lunch and a long dip in Kalmalka Lake, we decided to give Mara another try. The wind was quite light in the LZ but it increased with every foot we gained in elevation during the drive up. Not good.

Conditions on launch were nearly identical to the night before and we decided that we wouldn't wait long before calling it a day. Trask and Chris began a game of rock baseball while the rest of us tried to convince ourselves that the wind was getting straighter and lighter.

And it was.

Click image for more photosKuno and I gave each other a knowing look and he got set up, soon launching off. The wind was still strong and he wasn't covering a lot of ground so he just pointed into wind. I suggested he fly further out into the valley which he did, slowly going up as he went. He flew straight for about half an hour, gaining or maintaining the whole way! Can you say 'glass off'?

Natalie was next to fly and her flight was more eventful - complete with lots of speed bar use, big ears, and even her own LZ! Kuno eventually flew back from down the valley and landed with Natalie to keep her company.

Trask was next in the air and, like Kuno, he found the air to be super smooth and lifty. He boated around for over half an hour in the nicest air he'd ever experienced.

Launch conditions had totally about-faced on us and the wind was dead, even threatening to come over the back. Hans was next to fly and it was his first forward launch - way to go Hans! Like Trask, Hans found the air to be silky smooth and he was able to fly pretty much carefree.

Now there was only Phil and Chris lift on launch and it wasn't looking good. Phil's forward launch was a bit rusty and the wind was light but crossing from the south and then over the back. After a few aborts, he dug deep, gritted his teeth, and powered his way off the mountain! You worked for that one Phil!

Chris had one abort and was successful on his next attempt which was a good thing as the wind totally started blowing over the back just as he was safely away. The sunset was beautiful during the drive down for Romain and I.

It was a fitting end to yet another great Okanagan trip.

We didn't get back to Vernon until 10:30pm and didn't end up eating dinner until after 11:00pm but no one cared.

Thanks to everyone who attended.