Chris Grantham

Friday, 12/31/10
Skyport to Viola Field in Carpinteria

Turned out to be pretty good!  I grabbed OJ and met the Fly Above All crew at Parma at 11.  On launch by 11:30ish where Cormac, Truax and a few others were already setting up.  The Orange Man and Truax were off early and I followed 4thish back in the pack.  Most chose to go West with altitudes into the 45s but I was focused Eastbound so opted for the TF.  Got stuck under the ceiling at 4250 for 30ish minutes.  I knew Truax would be coming back so held my ground, hoping for the magic 4700 before continuing.  Sure enough, Truax joined just as I topped at 4350, which was the best I could get, and took the glide across Shadow to Montecito.  Poor glide but Shadow was working back to 4300 making Montecito easy.  I think it was Little John already over Montecito, and climbing, but when I arrived I was greeted with "Pine in July" style climbs and exceptional chunk and probably messed with his jive a bit.  It was all I could do to keep the glider flying straight and mostly open.  Finally escaped in the mid 4s and continued on, now a ridge or two behind Truax.

It continued on like that all the way to the powerlines, Truax opting for the fast and low route, while I chose to stay higher but a bit slow.  Peak altitudes improved but the high clouds had us a little doubtful.  I expected to get shut down any minute but that never seemed to happen despite wide shadows.  We were getting into the 5s but just barely and as I hit the Powerlines (not literally!) Tom reported some NE coming around the corner and opted for Carp.  Figuring that if the master was throwing in the towel, I'd be wise to follow suit.  Set down at the Surf Dog within 30 seconds of each other.  Stellar day, great climbs with a few spooky exceptions, and minimal radio chatter. Would have loved to see more of the downrange crowd join us on such a great day!