Monday, January 07, 2008

Classic Valle

This is our third day of flying in Valle. After two days of high pressure inverted conditions but good climbs, today was the classic Valle day. Cloud flying and clear air and strong. Meredyth and I did a standard lake run for lack of a better plan. We didnt fly together today over the mesa but we met just before the lake unplanned. The high pressure at Penon the last two days only gave us climbs to the ceiling at 9000ft at launch. Thats enough to leave and head where it looks good. We've been heading to Sacamacate 2 thermals away from launch and boosting to 12,000ft into the convergence line that has been happening daily. Climbs into the convergence have been a wild ride on something like a bucking bronco, but once established we hammer the bar in the convergence and get deeper into the mesa where it hasnt been working very well yet. Of course none of this means much if youve never flown here before.
The Niviuk Peak has been handling and performing well. The glide is really nice but the thing can climb. Good for me since that is my weak point being patient and staying in a long climb. I like to go on glide too early and dive in and dig out. Saludos SM

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