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Andy Palmer
Owens Valley Weekend [Saturday] [Sunday] [Monday]

Monday, 9/25/06
Paiute

On monday we flew Paiute.  It was light north on launch at 1:30, good cycles, and crows specking out over launch.  I launched last about 2:00, Robin, Aussie Bob, Bridog, Kari/Cookie tandem got off and all climbed out and headed North- the flow had shifted to light south- and I launched and proceeded to sink out but managed to finally get something to climb out in.  We started out topping at close to 12k.  I was in full chase mode and was just about to catch Kari/Cookie when I got rejected in the lift they just skyed out in, so I kept going low and getting just enough to make the crossings all the way to Benton where it was crucial for me get something or flush.  Shazam there it was the lift of dreams that benched me up to Montgomery peak at 14+k I was right over the top of the peak and loving life.  So of on glide I went for the pass when I entered the best lift of the day north of Montgomery and up to 15.5 I went.

Unfortunately I didn't really dress for success and I was shivering so bad I could hardly control the glider.  Then it was an easy glide to the retrieve spot at the intersection of two highways out in the next valley.

I did find out how easy it is to go parachutal at 6k.  I was on final and coming in fast so I slowed the glider down and the gave a couple of quick snaps at about 30 feet over and what do ya know I was parachutal for the last bit.  I did stop the fall with full breaks prior to impact and landed pretty soft, but not pretty.  Now I know how to enter helicopters a lot easier than at trim speed.

Distance was 35 miles, 2:30, max climb 1500fpm, max alt 15.5, being covered in chalk dust in front of everybody...priceless!

Today I had to leave but it looked epic, clouds poppin a couple of grand over the Sierras at 10:30 as I drove past longing to be with the rest of the crew.