Coyote Howl '09, What a cool weekend
By Carmela Moreno
What a COOL weekend. Cool as in fun cool because it was stinky HOT. Saturday was just under 100 degs and Sunday was just over. The Skyriders did a fine job keeping everybody hydrated. They had plenty of water, Gatorade including up at launch and who can forget about the alcohol. Glen did an awesome job with the food.
The speedgliding had minimal competitors what were there were fast. I do not think the record was beaten but the comp pilots made a gallant effort at it. The Big Guy Chris came in first, with Brian and Chris following close behind. The falcon class had a few competitors John from Sac winning the race and a mug.
After they finished with the speed gliding contest the pilots were loading to head up
the hill. I was waiting for the later in the day the 4ish launch cycle. I hung in the LZ filming the
landings and drinking lots of water. Later in the day I slowly got my gear together to get ready to
go up. I was still wtg on a friend. Roy finally arrives and I am just about ready. An hour later we
head up the hill with Victoria and a friend as drivers. Thank you!!
It is a mix bag between pilots landing and catching the convergence. I finally get
launched it is looking like it might be tough going. Not the glass off, I was hoping for. I waited
to launch for the birds to start flying again. It has to be better when they are circling rather
than sitting on a rock to launch. I was being patience waiting to launch. I get launched it feels
pretty buoyant more so than it felt like on launch. I do get over launch for a little bit then slowly
start to sink. It was a slow ride to the LZ. Especially since I was wtg for someone else flying
around at trim speed making an approach from 1k up. It was okay I got into his approach pattern
as I was looking for lift on the way down. I slowed my decent while he continued his way down to
the LZ.
I had plenty of time for him to scrape his body off the dirt and move. Okay my turn to land
it is blowing a little northwest at 5-8 and did I mention it was HOT? Can you say high density altitude
landings? I set up my approach to land on Brian's dirt circle I am looking and feeling good.
DOH! That last three seconds can really bite you. I should have flared but I was trying to keep it
level so I can flare. It was just brut forced that I kept my nose off the ground. I had to take some
quick steps. I got crowd noise and was very happy to only have my feet touch the ground.
It was a fun flight I survived and got me a little sum.
Sunday they ran the speed gliding and had the reward ceremony. Then it was time to
fly for some. Not me I survived Sunday and I would like to get home early. It is best to be flexible.
Ben needs a ride to Pleasant directly on my way home. He wants to fly first. Oh baby look into my
eyes. How can I refuse I guy like Ben? I agree it looks like a day you can land on Hwy 132 directly
on the way home. I might as well make myself a driver. After I was replaced in Chris's truck Glen
is the lucky guy. Not saying you are my 2nd choice Glen. I wanted to be up top where it was cooler.
My guys all get launched and BOMBED out including Brian H. I can hear Glen yelling
expletive language as he is sinking out. Ben rode up in a different truck. A newbie gets his first
soaring flight. Josh what a feeling it was for him. It was so exciting I was glad to be part of it.
Oh the memories of Glen getting his first thermal flight. How cool it had to be better had stayed up
longer than Brian, Glen and a few others. I head down after I realized my guys are all gone. Ben is
still flying so I radio I am ready to go anytime. He agrees and starts heading west. I am in radio
contact repeating his location. "Continue on course hwy 132" got it. I finally get a visual and pick
him up on hwy 132 on my way home the sweetest retrieve EVER. I am telling you, if all retrieves were
that easy we would have groupies in this sport.
Ryan likes it
I (Ryan) just wanted mention to those who did not attend this month's meeting that they missed out. Eric brought in a media projector which enabled Ben to give a great presentation on Competition/XC flying formats and strategies. The slide show really added a lot to the meeting. Carmela brought in a new edition of her famous Steeplechase video and we got to see it on the big screen, and McClure Howl photos were shared as well. I really think Eric is onto something with his new meeting format and I hope that it leads to more regular attendance by members. The business of WOR has been condensed toward the end of the meeting.
I think it is time that WOR seriously considers the value of having such a media projector at all of our meetings (I'm assuming that means a purchase). I think that incorporated properly, it could have a great impact on member attendance, and participation. I think it would be a great way for newbies and experienced pilots to share their experiences at different sites, and significant flights in a way that makes the stories come to life.
I would really like to see an introduction to xc skies and other forecasting tools explained in more detail by those who use them with regularity (Wayne?).
How to get a Golden Eagle (Karl?)
Perhaps a Google Earth introduction to Anderson and the emerging site near Morgan Hill? And the same for Diablo (I think Robert said that is a fair place to fly).
I'd like to see some more new pilots sharing their photos / videos of first flights and experiences.
Maybe other local site discussions (Funston, Tam, Sonoma sites)
I'm sure their will be many ready to share first impressions/images from the Owens and IV this weekend!
Thanks Eric, Ben and Carmela for your efforts!
Ryan
Love the lift you're with!