Today is one of those posts that isn't about skiing, but many turns are involved as well as going up and down.
Sid Lindquist called me this morning and said that a few local pilots would be gathering at the "Big Johnson" for a day of flying followed by a delicious BBQ. Conditions really couldn't have been better. Despite many clouds lingering around the convergence of the Nooksak River valleys, the lift was very forgiving and buoyant.
Two years have passed since my most recent flight at this location, but I'm well acquainted with the productive thermal locations. This of course was going to be at my advantage for the afternoon.
Doug Marshburn would be the first paraglider pilot in the air. Two hanglider pilots (Jeff Beck and James D.) were already in the air upon are arrival.
Doug set for take off with a little help from Nick.
Shortly after Doug took to flight, Nick had a text book launch. My launch although not pretty, was successful nevertheless. Much of the lift was ridge lift, but some thermal activity was found during the brief moments that the sun made it's appearance.
>V>Looking down at luanch at Doug attempting to "top land".
Brief video footage looking back at the Big Johnson from high above the Nooksak river and the Mt. Baker Highway 542.
One must understand that the 1 hour hike to the Washington Pass PG launch is perhaps one of the most scenic hikes in the state of Washington. However, the nearly 2000' of climbing is rewarded by the opportunity to thermal around the Liberty Bell and Early Winter Spires. Pilots also have to accept the fact that conditions may not prevail in their favor and might require an ardous hike down the mountain. On this particular Fall September Day, conditions were not the most favorable for the pilots. Only Chaffy, Bill and myself would be flying on this late Friday afternoon. The flight ended up being what is known as a "sledder". If you're going to have sledder...nothing's better than landing at the meadow at the Washington Pass Overlook, especially if you have cold beer waiting in your car.
The launch, which faces NW, lends itself to easy two step take-offs, but also is not for the faint of heart. Bill Morris was the first pilot to take-off and the air wasn't very foregiving. Plenty of surge control was required for wing stablization. Bill's flight was probably under 10 minutes, but most flights up at the pass are probably in excess of an hour. Chaffy launched second and had a little cleaner air than bill, but didn't attempt to extend his flight any longer than needed.
My flight was short, but sweet. I had an excellent hike with great views and was rewarded with a nice evening with Bill and Darlene in Winthrop. The NW flying season is soon to be over, and I was happy to have at least one flight up at the pass...even if it was a sledder!
