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We got to launch this year! There were some pretty nasty fires still burning up there, and Alan King can tell you more about that, but we got there and had some exceptional flying over the course of the weekend.
Kate and Eirik wrote a short story about their trip to Big Sur below, and
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Dave and friends soaring at
Sandollar Cove, Big Sur, Fall 1998
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here are some pictures to enjoy! Use your browser's BACK button to return.
Eirik and I had a great time full of new experiences in Big Sur. As new
pilots it was the perfect place to try many forms of flying. We enjoyed
smooth, beautiful sled rides the first day, and by the second day were
confident enough to try some thermaling and ridge soaring.
We arrived on Friday ready to fly, but were disheartened by the foggy
conditions. We optimistically drove up to launch anyway and waited for it
to clear, but it never did. On Saturday the sea of clouds looked similar
from the top, but eventually cleared. We got two wonderful flights in that
day, and then walked over to Sand Dollar Ridge to watch the other pilots'
launch and soaring techniques.
The next day was perfect from the beginning. On the first flight we each
found the thermal that other pilots had found, but quickly escaped due to
the large crowd that had gathered in it. Being new to the sport we haven't
gotten used to crowded skies. On the second flight we launched before more
people showed up and found the thermal again. This time there was no crowd
and I felt much more comfortable to explore the thermal alone. I actually
rose above launch, what fun! After landing we hurried over to Sand Dollar
Ridge again and were each able to launch, soar and land easily despite the
concentration of pilots.
Eirik and I have had a wonderful learning experience so far. We feel that
we have improved fast by learning from each other and by keeping a friendly
competition going between us. Big Sur was the perfect place to improve our
skills and boost our confidence. We have already begun to plan for the
next soaring trip, where ever that may be.
Kate and Eirik Stout
Venice, California |
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