Dave Teal on launch with help from Double D (left wing) Tony? (right wing) and Skippy looking on
Sundowner flew from Upper Bates in Carpinteria to Marina Park in Ventura
Sunday  9/19/04

Dave's posting to the SBSA forum:

About 9:30 today, I stop and take a look at launch.  Seems fairly strong (thought it was 15 or so, but my wind meter later said 9-11) and SW.  Called Jim Wickstrum & Tony/Skippy and we all agree to meet.  Once we were all there, it looked good.  Took my car to the parking lot below and then started to set up.  Dust is blowin in my face the whole time and I struggle to set up quicker - I knew it was getting stronger. Finally hook in and start over to the cliff.  Tony, DD, Skippy, and Jim help me up to the edge.  By this time it's honkin at 20 with gusts to 25. It's scaring the bejesus out of me. I get some advice on launching in a cross wind from Tony, EJ shows up and I start hyper-ventilating. It's really strong, cross, and I can see myself going straight up and backward.

So, after about 10-15 min, with no lulls in the wind, I toss in the towel.  Dad-gum!!  I wanted to fly so bad, I could taste it!!  Bad Bates!!!  BAD BATES!!!!  So instead of reflecting on my wonderful ridge soaring flight for the day, I'm sittin in front of the computer, releasing tension, sharing with others, and glad that I am on the ground, wishing that I was in the air, instead of in the air, wishing I was on the ground!!!!!!

[SD's Comment]

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