Peter Kovari (PK):
I normally try to refrain from flying in extreme heat as was the case Saturday the 19th. However, the forecast from all three sources I pay attention to were exceptionally good; SkySight and Dr. Jack both were forecasting thermal highs to 17 k over the San Gabriel’s and 22k over the Whites with little chances of OD but with plenty of cloud streets. But XC Skies, usually with their more conservative predictions, turned out to be spot on this time!
Giving in to the temptations, I decided to go and rig early and try flying cross country despite the heat and unusually high humidity. And by the time we launched about 11 a.m. frankly and predictably I was nearly exhausted. Thank you Chris; for getting us off promptly, Karl (C3), Richard (TW) and myself were the three musketeers flying that day straight out.
I asked to be towed near the Labor Camp and pretty soon I was climbing well but not at the great rate as expected, but still managed to top out at 16k, and on my way about noon towards the Three Sisters near CalCity. Conditions were strong lift and tons of massive sink all the way to Independence where I crossed over from the Sierra’s to the Inyo’s running north between 14-17k, with the high at 17.5 near White Mountain Peak. Shortly after, I turned toward Mina.
Coming off the Whites on the lee side, I quickly lost about 2000’ but the long glide over the valley provided good lift under the scattered cu’s . About 15nm out of Mina, I stepped into what was the best thermal of the day; from 14k all the way up to 17.6k with the averager showing never below 10kn!
This took me at an easy glide to Gabbs. These good conditions continued all the way to Austin where there were cloud streets and winds favoring Eureka, and even Battle Mountain could have been possible. Only for one problem; I was pooped out! I think (C3) Karl had similar problems as we both landed at Austin. Fortunately Sean showed up in good time and assisted both of us breaking down and putting away our gear. Thank you Sean!
The moral of the story; if planning to fly in extreme heat it pays to put it together the night before, tying things down rather than struggle with assembling it the morning of.
Karl Sommer (C3):
Forecasts looked too good to be true, but verry hot on the ground. (Las Vegas 113) Consensus: go north. Four Musketeers showed up Mike CF, Peter PK, Richard TW and myself, Karl C3. CF was looking for an early start as promised, but low and high layer clouds spoiled that, so he opted out in the hope for better conditions on Sunday.
PK, C3 and TW got launched one after the other after 11 AM, and so the dancing with clouds began. I got a tow at 11:20, pulled the rope a bit premature and promptly found myself at 5.1K, when I found lift getting me to 13K at High Noon. Near the ponds, SW corner of the Restricted, my 1st thermal: 3K gain. Mojave to 14.5K, not much circling along the Sierra Ridge, 15K abeam Coso, 14.8K Olancha Pk by 14:00. All the time PK reporting lift locations, with me trying to catch up. Lone Pine 10K, TFR no problem, 15.6K near Mt. Whitney, beautiful but time to cross over the Owens Valley to the Inyo’s. 11.5K at the Foot Hills short of Mazurka (Radio “Good Lift there, PK, Thanks”).
Left there with 16.8K, got to 17.7K at White Mt Pk. 15:33, leaving the White Mtns with Gabbs in reach, E of the Gabbs Mine a little wisp formed in the blue: 17.8K! Lots of insurance to make Austin. While PK was landing I was relaxing flying over the Town and doing some sightseeing, there were still a few clouds floating around and some good Lift to be had. Thinking to myself “WHAT A DAY this was.”
We had to wait for the crews but didn’t mind at all. Gliders got boxed with the help of the two teams before dark.
PK team drove to Hawthorne to overnight, Team C3 set up camp, had dinner and beer and went to sleep.
After a cool Night and freshly brewed coffee, pancakes with blueberries in the morning, we drove to town for gas and back via Crystal, home by 5:30 PM. Posted flight on OLC.
Richard’s Smolinski (TW):
I have to say it was a joy to fly this weekend. I started last as usual, a house thermal took me up to 14k, and I started my journey through desert. East of Rosamond I found another spot that Peter called out and it took me to safe Alt. to get over Mohave to the mountains. Weather was awesome. Cloud street paved way above mountains so I keep cruising toward Cinder cone, where I got another thermal that took me to 17K. I passed Lone Pine at 14K, above 10K TFR there, and used a pyro thermal to get to 17 again. (It was a little dusty there.) I took my time this weekend, I have to say that. I was my first XC flight of this season, so I stopped on every 5+thermal to stay up in cool and nice temperature. I departed Boundary Peak at 17.5K and continued toward Mina and Gabs. I found a few strong thermals on the way to Gabbs and started considering my route to Austin, and then....Big surprise: Austin on my oudie is 1350 miles away what the hc...? Well looks like I did bad job on this season preparation and Austin just disappeared from my waypoints and airports. Thinking what to do, I was just bouncing around Gabbs waiting for my ground crew to arrive (about an hr. or so..), and saying hello to Rose on her way to Austin.
Moral is: NEVER forget about route planning and validation of your instruments before flight.(place it on your check list)
We also had a very interesting discovery in Gabbs. There is a nice bar there with good and simple home cooking food. We were directed there by one of the locals that came to look when I was landing. The Owner is Lee and he welcome us.
After a beer with nice people there and cute doggy called Freia, we were back on the road to a Hotel. If you ever land in Gabbs, please check that place. Lee says to call ahead SO HE WILL BE THERE FOR US WITH GOOD FOOD AND COLD BEER.
R&D Bar and Grill (775) 285-4221, 500 Main street. Ask for Lee.
