MFP (Morningside Flight Park) was blown out when I arrived today. The pilots wanted to gaggle at 4pm to consider flying Ascutney. When 4pm hit, word was, launch was blown out on Ascutney. Rebecca, Cooper, and I were up for a hike, and a view, so we decided to head over to Mt. Ascutney with Alan Stanish and wife Tawny.
We drove to the top, and just in case, I loaded my wing on my shoulder and we ventured toward launch. The launch is 1/4 mile through rugged dense terrain and with a 65lbs glider on your shoulder, and 35 to 40lbs of other gear, it can be a hike that deters many pilots from even flying here. When we arrived at launch, the wind was strong (20 gusting to 30) but mellowing a bit. Forecast said it was supposed to calm down, so I setup just in case.
We snagged a couple of late day hikers to assist as a wire crew, and then I proceeded to launch with Allen on nose and Tawny and an unknown hiker, on my wings. We managed the glider onto launch and once I had the nose under control Allen went to the wing and Tawny went to the tail. I sat on launch for a good half hour; watching the cycles, timing the lulls in the wind, and waiting.
I launched at 6:45pm. At this point I would not have been able to pack in and get the glider to the base of the mountain before the gate closed at 7pm. I watched the wind die down a bit, but not much. It was now blowing about 20 to 25 mph and dipping from there. I waited for a real calm lull (18 to 20mph) that lasted about 20 seconds, and went for it! I had almost decided to call it quits after 30 minutes of hanging out in my wing on launch with full wire crew. When all was said and done, I lifted off with one step and hit the ELEVATOR TO THE STARS! I made a few passes over launch before I quickly climbed to 4000' with a huge grin on my face.
We snagged a couple of late day hikers to assist as a wire crew, and then I proceeded to launch with Allen on nose and Tawny and an unknown hiker, on my wings. We managed the glider onto launch and once I had the nose under control Allen went to the wing and Tawny went to the tail. I sat on launch for a good half hour; watching the cycles, timing the lulls in the wind, and waiting.
I launched at 6:45pm. At this point I would not have been able to pack in and get the glider to the base of the mountain before the gate closed at 7pm. I watched the wind die down a bit, but not much. It was now blowing about 20 to 25 mph and dipping from there. I waited for a real calm lull (18 to 20mph) that lasted about 20 seconds, and went for it! I had almost decided to call it quits after 30 minutes of hanging out in my wing on launch with full wire crew. When all was said and done, I lifted off with one step and hit the ELEVATOR TO THE STARS! I made a few passes over launch before I quickly climbed to 4000' with a huge grin on my face.
The winds were stronger up above and at one point I was sitting still with no ground speed whatsoever, just going straight up. That was a rush. The winds were getting stronger and stronger the higher I went, and began pushing me backwards, leaving me with a feeling of discomfort in my stomach. I became a little concerned, pulled the bar in, and headed out into the valley with full VG (Variable Geometry) in order to make headway. My intent now was to get lower and head in.
I was past the ski slope out front and still level with launch. It was tough making headway out to the LZ (landing zone). Afterwards I was glad that I went when I did; as you will see in the photos, it was dark in the field by the time we were finished bagging my glider up.
Once I was below 1500', the air was like glass, or so it appeared after being in all the wind up above. I had one of the smoothest approaches I've experienced in hang-gliding. The sun was setting, the air was still and cool, the wing cut through the air like a razor blade through butter. The scenery is permanently etched in my brain. This was an approach I will relive over and over again for years to come.
30 minutes of Ascutney flying and a landing smoother than glass! Can you ask for more on your birthday?
I was past the ski slope out front and still level with launch. It was tough making headway out to the LZ (landing zone). Afterwards I was glad that I went when I did; as you will see in the photos, it was dark in the field by the time we were finished bagging my glider up.
Once I was below 1500', the air was like glass, or so it appeared after being in all the wind up above. I had one of the smoothest approaches I've experienced in hang-gliding. The sun was setting, the air was still and cool, the wing cut through the air like a razor blade through butter. The scenery is permanently etched in my brain. This was an approach I will relive over and over again for years to come.
30 minutes of Ascutney flying and a landing smoother than glass! Can you ask for more on your birthday?
