Today was a perfect day for a hang-glider at White Peaks in Plymouth, MA. This was a new site for me and, an infrequent occasion where I can squeeze in a flight on a work day. Being only 1.5 hours away, makes it very easy to take a flight and make it back in time for work. A healthy spirit helps keep me motivated in the other things I do, and, flying gives me a healthy spirit.
I showed up at Plymouth and met with Matt Melvin, who I had not previously met. Nick Caci who I had also never met, showed up 30 minutes later. After we hiked in and set up, Matt found out his down tube, ate his VG cord and would not give it back. He opted out of flying, and when I was ready, he and Nick helped me to launch.
Things were on the upper end of the wind graph that day. When picked up the glider to carry to launch, I needed the assistance of Matt and Nick on my wires. As we traversed to launch, Nick tripped while holding with nose. This caused my glider to pop up and we almost lost control of my wing. To be claimed by the brush behind launch, or rt 3A, or wherever it decided to come down.
Luckily we managed to get the glider under control - thanks to Matt quickly moving to the nose wires. Nick recovered and continued to assist Matt and I to the cliff edge. Once on launch we were holding the wing down with all we could. The glider wanted to fly and there was no stopping it. When the wings were level, I rocketed off launch, with a loud TWANG!!! as Nick and Matt let go of my wires. I shot like a bullet up off the cliff.
I immediately began exploring the ridge line after making a few passes over launch. I followed the ridge to the North, hitting 700' over launch at one point. Nick joined me in the air soon after and we flew up and down the coast. At one point in the flight, I was flying along and I spied a pair of Red Tail Hawks flying below me. They were preoccupied searching for lunch to pay any mind too me.
As we patrolled the cliffs along the ocean, one of the hawks finally spotted some small game in the brush below. He immediately tucked his wings and tore into a steep dive. I watched his hunting prowess from above with amazement. He struck like lightning, piercing his talons into the animal below, unaware of the impending doom. I'd flown with hawks on many occasions, having experienced unique and beautiful sites, but never before had I witnessed their hunting practices from 150' over their heads.
I continued on with my flying, coming across the occasional falcon, and dogs, that would bark at me and chase me along the ridge from below. As the day wore on I had a reminder in the back of my head that I had to leave for work. I was having a hard time putting the glider on the beach as I was having so much fun, and the conditions were perfect for hours and hours of flying. Eventually my responsible side took over and I came in for a smooth landing. Nick joined me shortly thereafter and we broke down and headed out.
I made it back in time for work and had an excellent feeling the entire night.
Total Airtime: 1hr 42 min.
