It started so well! I launch and locked into something light but climby immediately. A good thing since Black Cap launch in Lakeview is notorious for sending you to the LZ and a ride up for re-launch.
Once I got over launch, I punched north where the spines coming off the hill tend to produce well. A few hundred meters ahead, Karl Decker, pilot extraordinaire and meet photographer, was climbing well.
I slid in, a a few turns later we were tip-to-tip coring some very strong lift. Within a few minutes, we topped in out somewhere north of 9500ft.A beautiful climb and a great view of about 30 gliders climbing out of launch several thousand feet below.
Waiting for the start was easy. Just hoping for thermal to thermal staying high.
I hit the start high and on-time.
We had to continue deep for the 400m turn-point in the middle of the start cylinder. Again, cake.
From there we headed north until the terrain petered out. I chose to stay east on small hills. Hayden Glatt went deep east to the higher hills and I cruised after him—it seemed like a good idea.
The bulk of the field stayed off the hills over the valley and weren't doing very well, but they were staying up.
Hayden hooked something, but looked far away, so I decided to veer off and stay on the low hills. Probably a bad idea in retrospect.
The folks in the valley started climbing slowly, and then some folks nearby and low hooked a good one.
I put on speed and cruised toward the close 3 gliders expecting to hook in.
beeeeeep whoosh! The lift washed right by me. I figured it was a gust and the core was ahead. Nope. That was it. I should have banked hard and chased it, but it as too late. I as in wash and sinking very fast.
I figured a run to the valley where the gliders that breezed by had caught there lift was my best bet. Probably should have turned back to the hills.
Hindsight and all...
I dirted. 9 miles from launch (I know this from the road signs).
I may very well be in LAST place. First time for everything :-)
On the bright side, I restrained myself and did NOT:
- throw my helmet
- stomp my glider
- curse Tim and Greg as the passed over head ;-)
I did pack up, wave off 3 offers of rides, and hike about an hour carrying my gear to work off the frustration.
I was only 9 miles out, 3 hours walk with a pack, and figured I'd get in some exercise, but about 4 miles in, a family of 3 (including a 8 year old boy), drove past, stopped, back-up along the _highway_ and offered me a ride.
I did the polite thing, got in, and didn't swear once (audibly that is :-)
