tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-293514282011-10-01T06:24:04.156-07:00Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.comBlogger1721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-50865827263413119222011-04-08T16:03:00.000-07:002011-04-09T14:47:31.082-07:00

It's finally starting to turn on a bit here in Leavenworth for some flights. The forecast was looking decent but a bit out of the North. I had just organized my gear for high and cold spring flying conditions the night before so I was all set to go. That North wind... usually, you want the wind to be blowing up the launch so it is easier to take-off. Since it was so sunny and the launch faces

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-48359991271379105982011-04-07T15:21:00.000-07:002011-04-07T15:37:28.254-07:00

Five of us, Joe, Tim, Derek, Carson and myself decided to check out the Butte. We managed to drive up 2/3 the way up until snow stopped us from driving any further. No problem, start hiking, as we like to do in Central, WA. 25-30 mins and we top out with no one in sight except for the silence of the wind and sky enveloping us. It was windy and strong cycle were blowing up the Butte from

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-79922802080061475622011-01-03T15:39:00.000-08:002011-01-04T07:07:47.945-08:00

After a week of interesting weather conditions, wind, clouds, mostly winds we all flew to Jovan. Mark and Bart's first cross country flights to the Jovan were perfect. Congrats guys on flying high, safe, and far!

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-3050830143773799912011-01-01T20:09:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:12:42.944-08:00

Well, the weather had been nice for awhile, but the last three days have seen some strong winds. Today dawned blue skies but then clouded over 100% as it progressed. Of course it was still flyable but just gentle thermals and light winds. Hopefully, the next few days will get better. Otherwise, Happy New Year from Valle! SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-91960000731606724882010-12-27T15:27:00.000-08:002010-12-27T15:34:23.603-08:00

We are back for another tour and excellent flying conditions in Mexico. The first couple of days were super high pressure, dry and rough air. It has since gotten back to classic conditions. Cloudbases around 11,000ft with fat and smooth thermals. Today my buddy Joe showed up from Chelan, Wa and we flew towards Los Saucos under some really nice clouds and then headed back towards the lake to the

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-47197145558949479162010-01-30T13:29:00.001-08:002010-01-30T13:31:45.498-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-68153607933555608822010-01-28T20:50:00.000-08:002010-01-28T20:58:14.407-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-49342002763128515242010-01-26T18:48:00.000-08:002010-01-26T18:58:27.737-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-7411443804733050802010-01-14T19:41:00.001-08:002010-01-14T19:41:59.125-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-40646630666129196042009-10-12T18:08:00.001-07:002009-11-23T21:02:36.251-08:00

Yet another winter is fast approaching. Time to take the annual tour to Valle de Bravo, Mexico this January. Only one of the most consistent thermal sites in the world. Come join us on a week long cross country clinic and adventure. Fly in the mornings and afternoons. We'll be providing site briefings, xc and thermal coaching, and in-air guiding in some of the nicest cross country terrain around.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-81862693111744740692009-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:002009-09-23T20:36:07.260-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-69457659299904853352009-09-17T22:11:00.000-07:002009-09-17T22:20:34.120-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-58107532397246510572009-09-02T12:33:00.001-07:002009-09-02T12:43:26.902-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-30681565625453730582009-08-25T09:21:00.000-07:002009-08-25T09:55:46.453-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-59311309166325807492009-08-18T15:45:00.001-07:002009-08-19T08:02:15.466-07:00

Some great mountain flying in the Cascades last weekend.some photos here:http://www.me.com/gallery/#100046http://www.me.com/gallery/#100039

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-7775821727829346332009-07-12T11:38:00.000-07:002009-07-12T12:47:12.535-07:00

Sometimes things come together in such a way that you cant decide if you are just lucky or that you made the right decisions every step of the way. It seems its a combination of both that work out in the end and that perpetuate themselves along the way.Standing on top of Chelan Butte on Friday with about 100 other pilots of various forms, bags and plumbers mainly, champing at the bit to get off

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-70338027720132144362009-06-28T11:43:00.000-07:002009-06-28T16:42:02.045-07:00

Photo Gallery

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-16307692010806312832009-06-21T19:08:00.000-07:002009-06-21T19:18:34.003-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-81426544341186679872009-06-13T14:23:00.000-07:002009-06-13T14:57:16.998-07:00

11am development.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-11419300035144632472009-06-06T12:52:00.000-07:002009-06-06T12:54:59.624-07:00

Nicely done video and an interview with my Canadian buddy Jim about the 2009 Worlds PG Comp.http://www.xcmag.com/articles/2009/06/3187/

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-5173377931120142302009-05-27T07:30:00.001-07:002009-05-28T23:37:50.528-07:00

A wild air day was had by all it seems. Lots of West wind pushing through ahead of a small disturbance off the coast provided Tiger pilots with a strong convergence and slightly windy conditions. My flight consisted of making the small salvageable mistake of flying to Squak to get under some clouds and hang out awhile. Arriving there, there were small cu's but they werent working when I got there

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-69393043668966465872009-05-23T07:30:00.001-07:002009-05-25T08:53:04.367-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-81484149455389557982009-05-17T09:57:00.001-07:002009-05-17T10:28:59.327-07:00

After finally getting my lighweight flying kit back together I was ready to get it going again. The first hike and fly in the mountains this season. Finally a warm and sunny day with light winds. A great day for Banderra. A bunch of snow starting mid mountain elevation (3000ft or so) with dry patches near the summit approaching 5000ft. Nice firm snow conditions to kick steps in all the way up to

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-9687770876157416702009-05-03T20:58:00.001-07:002009-05-03T21:30:27.937-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-79330565607249824282009-04-30T22:01:00.000-07:002009-04-30T22:04:34.445-07:00

For you folks trying to find info on the Nationals at Dunlap.http://web.mac.com/macraeandy/Site/Andy_Macraes_Blog/Andy_Macraes_Blog.html

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-4026537229115538632009-04-25T07:17:00.001-07:002009-04-25T21:38:29.314-07:00

Some images from the day...

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-31819855505975256742009-04-20T13:17:00.001-07:002009-04-20T13:21:28.672-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-23722902633809085132009-04-16T22:11:00.001-07:002009-04-16T22:25:23.880-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-72661733931714435052009-04-15T22:51:00.001-07:002009-04-16T08:02:29.900-07:00

Some more Images Here

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-75855125320801984752009-04-12T11:42:00.001-07:002009-04-12T11:43:23.921-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-3800075456280037392009-04-07T07:25:00.001-07:002009-04-09T18:27:17.890-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-59165934464431722242009-04-03T16:57:00.000-07:002009-04-03T16:57:08.465-07:00

Apparently, Its Springtime in the Alps...!!!Paragliding Forum - LEONARDO

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-18295064562718738042009-04-02T13:41:00.000-07:002009-04-02T14:42:51.111-07:00

The green and yellow area of heaviest precipitation, in this case snow that corresponds with a convergence zone over the Central Cascades, WA. Notice: the NE and SW trending directional shape. Oceanic convergence zone, opposing current directions off the coast of SE Argentina showing densest phytoplankton convergence.Since the amounts of

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-87070803347345641062009-04-01T18:37:00.001-07:002009-04-01T18:38:18.829-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-10383733029901031182009-03-26T23:01:00.000-07:002009-03-28T14:16:37.504-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-7019353559436637002009-03-22T10:01:00.000-07:002009-03-23T09:13:49.944-07:00

Whats up with this for yesterday, this aint right...? According to actual flight information yesterday, it was light West wind and cloudbase was around 4000ft with 8/8 of sky cloud cover. Just another example of how to limit your dependence on forecast models. Even XC skies was entirely off. That's why when people ask, "where are you going today?" the answer, "North, South, East or West, just

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-57740194929477380972009-03-18T19:53:00.000-07:002009-03-19T11:49:19.536-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-69121531900226982082009-03-10T20:16:00.000-07:002009-03-11T09:10:33.694-07:00

Winter thermalling at its finest. Six inches of snow on the North launch, we slid off the hill into the cool air. Pienak was already airborne by the time I arrived and was maintaining well enough but it didnt quite turn on until about a half hour later. F. Henriquez and I declared a triangle hopeing for several km's out to the North then, West and South some km's to see what we could manage given

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-88230684670856872162009-03-06T21:59:00.000-08:002009-03-06T22:02:41.070-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-36370471658986728982009-02-26T16:32:00.000-08:002009-02-26T16:50:13.850-08:00

The lapse rate looked great for today, 10kts NW wind and base around 4000ft. Even though we had a big snowstorm last night that left a few inches on the ground there seemed to be enough instability to squeak out a few km's. Arriving on the South side of launch it appeared there was a big break in the clouds and we might be able to knock something off. It was crunchy and cold with light winds and

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-30963846649958969242009-02-21T11:16:00.000-08:002009-02-21T17:00:59.944-08:00

Living vicariously through blogs and pgforum posts for the Manilla, Australia XC Open. The final and only valid day after eight days was rewarded with some excellent flying it seems.Our very own Meredyth Malocsay sent it in big with 88kms open distance for the top female at the event. Nice work MM.ResultsSM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-70877888866518819542009-02-18T18:16:00.000-08:002009-02-18T18:35:16.955-08:00

So far, the weather forecasts for the past several days havent taken into account the dirty Low pressure system that keeps pumping clouds our way from the South. Today it seemed that it was the same ol thing happening with "predicted" sunshine. Around 2pm it cleared finally. Non-existent wind and sunshine equals a good day of flying. Some of us flew off of the South side, my preference, others

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-2772828564238437332009-02-09T17:14:00.000-08:002009-02-09T18:15:25.089-08:00

After a soggy and unmotivated heavy hike up Tiger with my XC kit. I found only one other soul on launch. Gilead. Chilly with a light South breeze, some low cumulus clouds it looked like perhaps a floaty sledder to the lz. After launching it was mildy working and weak just maintaining altitude above launch. Working this weak windward face I managed to surf a bit higher up the ridge each time.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-78134975647685720562009-02-05T12:25:00.001-08:002009-02-05T12:33:04.771-08:00

contact:Alpineflight

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-91846931873820358612009-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:002009-01-31T16:48:51.363-08:00

RC and I hiked up to the Tiger South launch early in the hopes for a mellow sledder. Upon arrival it was blowing in 10-15mph from the South with cumulus clouds filling the sky. Right after I launched a young Eagle was flying in front of me and slowly working its way up the ridge. Since I had no instruments I just followed and hoped I could keep up. He led out and I followed until I saw him get a

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-54520545527477663942009-01-31T09:18:00.000-08:002009-01-31T09:20:59.778-08:00

See report here

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-15107690622870711812009-01-29T07:53:00.000-08:002009-01-29T07:55:54.593-08:00

Daily news and interviewsRob is doing a great job reporting on the event with interviews, maps and task summary's.Pg Worlds NewsSM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-70068779974718562112009-01-21T08:23:00.000-08:002009-01-21T12:57:52.024-08:00

Normally, In Valle this time of year the winds are not too strong. But this year has been all over the place in terms of weather. The last few days, we have had some strong winds which have produced rougher conditions and lots of drama near launch. The convergence has been strong but it has been pushed further South near launch and the Penon with lowish cloudbases. The World's pilots are just

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-4657853282143502382009-01-18T20:05:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:55:19.273-08:00

Today was my first day-off in awhile, so I spent it by flying of course. Dougie and I hanging on launch with lots of World's Team pilots that have been showing up. All the top dogs from all the top countries flying around in every which way. Just stay away from the Slovenians, they will rip their brand new gliders into the air and turn every which way they want at any ol' time. But they are easy

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-84516328030177668832009-01-10T17:40:00.000-08:002009-01-10T18:05:59.612-08:00

The final results are in.Good times had by all. Yassen Savov 1st, Stefan Wyss 2nd, Brad Gunnuscio 3rd. Good job guys.The best Monarca ever. Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers. Especially, Oscar, Calvo, and Juancho.We capped off the awards ceremony with a party at the Enebro. As the name suggests (Enebriate) yes it was.Some awesome shots of the comp by Amir Izadi here:Peace.SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-48558939524162824962009-01-09T14:58:00.001-08:002009-01-09T15:15:06.539-08:00

The last day appeared to be similar to yesterday with a lowish base and high pressure. As the day progressed it got way better. The classic VDB convergence line with a few clouds showing the way. Start was 5km Exit cylinder at Maguey then out to Divisadero. Then it was on to Los Saucos, back to Iglesia, cross the lake to La Pena and goal at the lake. A mad start gaggle over Espina and Crazy

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-36422856334101964102009-01-08T17:40:00.000-08:002009-01-09T06:00:34.094-08:00

Great task call today. Another high pressure day though. Climbs topped about 10,000ft only but better than yesterday. First TP was to Stater, then back to launch, out to Lapila, then Aguila, then beeline to Ramon. It started out with some ass-kicking thermals at Crazy thermal waiting for the start. Finally it was on and we blasted to Stater with nice lift lines and then turned 180 back to Penon.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-5668572562521205822009-01-08T06:12:00.000-08:002009-01-08T18:22:36.183-08:00

Today's forecast called for a 12,000ft plus base and light wind, so they made a big 87km task. Out to Llano after Divisadero, back to Jovan, Iglesia and Valle Lake for goal. Well, the wind report was good but base was at 9000ft!!! Lots of pilots going down all over course line racing too hard in the extremely weak conditions, stratus and low base. Some of us managed to make it back to launch and

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-64226072036748458652009-01-08T06:07:00.001-08:002009-01-08T06:12:22.061-08:00

Task 3. Started out with strongish wind report so we did a tour withing close proximity of the mesa. No scary Divisadero. We topped 12,000ft at base and raced between launch, Maguey, Diente, Penon, Ramon, La Casa and back to Ramon goal. Pretty straight forward to goal with a few windy spots in lee. About 60 pilots in goal spread out through the field. Fun day and seemingly more relaxed racing as

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-11467160661559113502009-01-05T17:33:00.000-08:002009-01-05T18:08:58.096-08:00

62km task today with the usual Divis TP thrown in for good measure and one out in the flats, Diente, across the mesa to Mesa D and back to La Casa before goal in Ramon. About the same amount in goal today, so I heard. A few pilots under reserve, and some not so smooth lift. Big convergence, low base 10,000ft or so and strong lift. I hit 8.5 m/s on the averager. Results not in yet but Brad G.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-72445129285486861832009-01-04T17:53:00.000-08:002009-01-04T18:25:23.930-08:00

72km task today. Seemed kinda big at first since the recreational gliders were only 500-1000ft over launch when the window opened. With everyone off and waiting around for the start time at the Piano lz TP, it finally happened. Next it was on to Divisadero, Lapila, then all the way across the Mesa to Ramon, back to Escalera and then on to Valle lake lz and goal. Low cloudbase day, 10,000ft or so

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-69780468041955331542009-01-04T05:43:00.000-08:002009-01-04T05:54:42.612-08:00

Started off with a nice practice task to La Pila. Out to Divis then out on the flats back to the mesa. Fun hanging with the lead guys. Need more wing though. Yesterday was a rest day and I just flew to the lake with an Icepeak I was trying out from E.Reed. Flies almost exatcly the same as my Peak but better performance and a little bigger. Mashed the bar pulley to pulley to the lake and it was

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-18753089436813960692009-01-01T19:09:00.001-08:002009-01-02T06:56:22.878-08:00

Today was our third flying day of the trip out of three so far. Conditions have been awesome. Yesterday, we had a little task that put lots of people on the ground in various places and some of us grovelled in various places for a long time before completing the practice task. Today started out with big New Years Eve hangovers, and sweating. We still managed to make the voyage up to launch though

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-36819635297425860842008-12-30T20:57:00.001-08:002008-12-31T13:53:44.986-08:00

Robbie S. and I hanging around base near EspinaClassic Valle day today. Base aeound 11,000ft, 1200ft/minup thermals and convergence. A little bit on the OD side for long XC's but nice thermic air to warm up to. Classic VDB day. Happy smiling faces and lots of old friends to fly with.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-33168294456492333872008-12-26T15:10:00.000-08:002008-12-26T15:29:28.583-08:00

The future is holding tightly on to the past before the start of our annual migration down south.The simplicity of the Monarch's migration for warmer climes in winter and something cool to drink whence its there, is how I'm approaching this years tour to Valle de Bravo. Yes, there will be many friendly faces to see on this annual migration, yes, there will be a paragliding competition to fly in,

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-68475513165524974722008-10-27T20:11:00.000-07:002008-10-27T20:12:47.362-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-23963222821514374332008-10-02T14:59:00.000-07:002008-10-02T15:00:26.471-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-39035176948766925352008-09-11T19:24:00.000-07:002008-09-11T19:28:07.940-07:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-61657129682176472422008-09-09T15:23:00.000-07:002008-09-09T15:32:54.686-07:00

Time for some mountain flying...

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-53509537215011159152008-08-03T14:20:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:41.362-08:00

Racing to Farmer right after the start.121km Triangle was the order of the day. The task committee didnt let us slouch. The first leg was to Farmer, then all the way across to Leahy and then back to the Soccer field LZ below the Butte. Clouds, light winds, and cool temps high made for the best day of the year so far. I was in

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-38381286985923018362008-07-31T20:31:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:41.557-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-33858028778284999742008-07-13T12:16:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:41.930-08:00

Well, another RR has come to a close. We ended up having a final task on the last day. Another grovel fest it was but with convergence happening along the course line to the Northeast. The main gaggle suffered at Burnt at the start while the few of us got high over Woodrat and took lifty lines to Rabies ridge. The whole valley had converged and it was an easy couple laps around the bowl before

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-19946638099107891802008-07-12T08:24:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:42.061-08:00

...and also the most violent convergent air I've been in. Lee side North winds putting gliders in trees along the course line. Broken lines and flapping gliders were the norm. The broken line thing put me on the ground after Well-RG. I had to land due to a broken stabilo line on the left side and a broken brake line on the right side. The thermic air was so strong I sawed through my lines just by

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-2441467694899489822008-07-09T09:30:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:42.877-08:00

Two tasks completed so far. Yesterday was called off due to East winds and a strong inversion keeping the wind techs near launch level if they were lucky. Today is the fourth day. Hottest day of the week and not sure about the conditions for the task yet... SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-85385027688644515702008-07-03T07:44:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:43.157-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-10432296876445108012008-06-30T22:35:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:43.550-08:00

Some of the best non-task flying I've done the last three days. The Butte is "on" and the flats are workin. SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-59793317529637134362008-06-27T18:03:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:43.729-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-25528522266878023062008-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:43.899-08:00

Eyeing the sky yesterday it appeared to be clearing up after the low CIGS (ceilings in meteo speak). Then, it got shaded again. The warm SW flow down low was colliding with the NW flow aloft thus creating a massive convergence zone over Tiger Mountain and beyond to the East and outskirts to the North and South. Made for a great day with some strong lift getting up to cloudbase in this air.My

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-22885587531510557222008-06-25T15:42:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:44.294-08:00

Popping out of the clouds trying to not get sucked in over Tiger I decided to head out on glide, 5500ft or so and clouds ahead of me to the East. Classic. Another pilot, Matty, in the vicinity cool, looking at some options. I decide to head in over the terrain on a nice glide line to some clouds out over towards the first Rattlesnake. Getting there bobbling around trying to find a nice core, good

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-2898671133411665662008-06-16T22:15:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:44.609-08:00

Looks like the summer pattern of blue skies and strong lift are starting to come to fruition. Been wanting to fly this route to Chelan for awhile now. I thought it could be done. With a classic leeside thermal taking me to 10,500ft over Tibbets at 3pm, I blasted off to the North over Burch Mountain where I dont wanna ever be low again If I can help it. Luckily I was high today to just keep on

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-43108687645334446152008-06-15T07:24:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:45.160-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-53779803448428499472008-06-12T21:58:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:45.325-08:00

Tiger Mountain to Buckley. Cloudbase 3500ft! Nice and gentle, green...SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-8232212041280235232008-06-10T13:26:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:45.482-08:00

Looks like they're getting some good days in so far at Woodrat and the West Coast Paragliding Championships. http://www.flyxc.org/wcpc.html

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-37534526204133080882008-05-30T17:57:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:45.608-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-19097639541049637012008-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:46.356-08:00

It was a windy day on top of Tibbets mountain as we arrived on launch. Thinking it was getting a little too strong on launch already it was time for me to go, the sky looked good anyway and developing. I hooked in and hopped in to the air where I got battered 500ft over up and down for awhile in the blown apart thermals. It was like ridge soaring with thermals blasting through and never really

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-3342550600242731402008-05-24T21:53:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:47.175-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-15754218777076744522008-05-21T07:56:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:47.325-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-5145091636909265022008-05-15T20:12:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:47.466-08:00

Take the tour here

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-71643996402053293742008-05-13T09:49:00.000-07:002008-05-13T10:18:58.760-07:00

Here's a great resource for weather maps, thermal indexes, and cloudbase data.XC SkiesXC skies local datasign up and donate a little for the latest forecast products available on google maps.I like it better than Dr Jacks Blipmaps, they are extremely hard to read versus the google maps.good luck.SM

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-33307280089987356152008-05-10T14:30:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:47.659-08:00

Dave Wheeler coming in to land, Leavenworth,WA

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-47093068988344597592008-05-07T13:17:00.001-07:002008-05-07T13:17:23.958-07:00

Paraglidetv.com

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-65218334514232850132008-05-04T22:08:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:48.093-08:00

low saves. Me above, Joe below.Just another milk-run to Leavenworth from Tibbets. Had to be back to work! Doug, Joe and I made it there. While Doug and I headed back to the Ranch, Joe was still hanging out over Tumwater. If you click on the photo you will see Joe down low in massive lee side sink just before he boosted up like a rocket! Heard there were some other good flights at Chelan and Baldy

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-62780651254196941132008-05-03T18:25:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:48.347-08:00

Lake Chelan from 7000ft. Nice, mellow XC in marginal conditions, overcast with a float and boat to Azwell Dam past the airstrip.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-9784229356970364522008-05-01T22:12:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:48.558-08:00

First flight of the year off of Tibbitts Mountain above Cashmere, WA. Doug and I waited for anything to come up launch, since there was virtually no wind coming up the face. Finally getting off launch it was one quick 180 and then crank up in a fat thermal. Climbing and slightly drifting over to Blag Mountain where I hit cloudbase at 8500ft. Staying along the lift line was taking me in to the

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-30829901394483398692008-04-27T20:32:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:48.660-08:00

With High Pressure and sunny conditions firmly established over Central and Western Washington (unlike the day before on the West side) many pilots appeared on top of Baldy Butte launch. At launch the SW winds were gusting through with broken lift in between and not quite ready to go off. I launched at the beginning thinking it was just going to get windier and get out of there. I was getting

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-49209010071263647222008-04-26T07:42:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:48.841-08:00

D.Byrne gliding into "no man's land."Tiger Mountain to Enumclaw. Some pics here.Good cloud flying and strong lift provided many pilots the means to leave Tiger Mtn. Pilots scattered about on the way to Enumclaw and Buckley. Dave Byrne and I flew together and landed at the Enumclaw fairgrounds with Dave Wheeler showing up

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-74386808097508159292008-04-21T10:03:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:49.021-08:00

An interesting exploration of the issue, here. Kudos.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-655854089927058092008-04-19T19:34:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:49.150-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-5194979036367871112008-04-14T16:08:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:49.821-08:00

Better flying weather ahead.here's a couple of weather page links I use:Unisys Weather PageMountain Weather Page(from my old weather mentor in Jackson Hole,Wyoming, Jim Woodmency)

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-662282539712407272008-04-02T09:10:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:50.049-08:00

Bearing, 180 degrees South. Every time I looked at my compass thats what it indicated even though I felt as if I was following a zig zag pattern of trying to follow the clouds. The theory of "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line" does'nt apply in cross country flying unless you wanna be on the ground sooner than later.Escaping the massive flush cycle at Tiger Mountain by

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-77944456726948631172008-04-01T20:25:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:50.311-08:00

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-26207301446480500652008-04-01T08:55:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:50.485-08:00

Hiking up to launch was more of a mountaineering objective today. About a foot of snow slowly greeted us as we arrived on the South launch. A cold wind was blowing and the puffy clouds thought highly of themselves. We waited on launch as these beasts puffed up a little too much. Squall lines formed, graupel came down, and the wind was blasting. The air just felt crazy. Shouldve known after

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-43691994140653329512008-03-24T20:50:00.001-07:002008-12-10T08:28:50.711-08:00

best day of the year so far...Cb-2000mLift-6.4 m/sWind-SW@5ktsFlight-Open dist.Fun-Max.As the stats show it was a plum kinda day, this time maybe more of a cherry even. We just had to be a little patient on launch since it was shady most of the time. When that sun did eventually shine it was going off and up! I climbed out to over 5000ft just off launch and drifted around a bit and over to Squak

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-65688409036894960312008-03-22T08:23:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:50.839-08:00

Can you tell which way the wind is blowing from? The two Northenrmost tracks are mine from this week and the Easternmost one is Meredyth's from yesterday.Yesterday was looking iffy as usual but turned into a real plum. The South winds were blowing pretty strong with some thermic gusts on launch around 14-18mphs. Slightly puckering and once in the air you had to grin and bear it till you got up.

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29351428.post-57385058280282468002008-03-19T17:48:00.000-07:002008-12-10T08:28:51.059-08:00

Going by the forecast today, I thought we were in for the normal windy, dreary rainy, type stuff although there was some of that. Looking outside it was time to go no matter what the forecasts were saying. These are the plum-like spring-type days that you have to be ready for.Hiking up I could feel the South wind blowing a little. Once on launch it was cycling through with some real strong gusts

Stefan Mitrovichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05389829744212795095noreply@blogger.com0