www.sahga.com

The forecast is for surface winds of 15-20 kts SW between 11 and 5 tomorrow, higher aloft. Peak winds are predicted around 2 PM. It looks good for HG at the Whetstones.

I'm planning on meeting Eric Smith <s>at his place at 11 AM, and we'll probably be passing Houghton and I-10 around 11:30 or so.</s> at the intersection or I-10 and Route 83 at 11:30 AM. We should be down in the Whetstones LZ by 12:30 latest.

Anyone else interested?

John
520 444 8105

I would like to go...

John and Orrin and Shane an I arrived around 1. Hiked our gear up,The Stones were ripping 20 gusting to 25 +SSW. We waited till a little after two an set up, ADDS said it would let up an it did. I launched at 3. John launched shortly there after. Shane was off next then Orrin. I flew for just short of two hours . Top of lift for me was around 9K over the Red and Gray peaks. Spent over an hour full vg working some nice thermals. 3K gains were common. Then glide out in front an do it again. I soraed the hills SE of the LZ for a few passes as well. John landed first for probably an hour flight? Orrin must have had 1.5hrs an Shane said it was his best flight ever!, 1.5hrs as well?
Shane got his first flight in a U2! over an hour! Everyone had good landings. We all packed up to view an incredible sunset!

Eric

It was a really nice day, a little gusty but just beautiful out. It was cool enough that the hike up wasn't as much of a chore as usual.

There was a high, thin overcast that moved in late in the day, but it didn't seem to shut down the thermals, it just took the edges off a bit.

I spent a lot of time looking up at the higher-performance gliders and pilots. I only got to 7500, but it was easy, low-stress boating around. A completely enjoyable flight.

It's been a while since I last flew the Whetstones, my logbook says mid-June. It was nice to get back there.

Congratulations to Shane on his first flight on the U-2, and thanks to Orrin for taking on the last-to-launch-with-no-wire-help role.

John

I was very happy to get a good soaring flight. it was my first since i have been home. it was a lot of fun sharing the air with my dad and john, i didn't really share much with Eric cause he was always about 1000 feet above us. he sure did kick our butts. but i really enjoyed the performance of the U2. Eric and I had done some runs in the park previous to Saturday and we discussed the difference of the launching characteristics between the Eagle and the U2. so i felt more prepared for a mountian launch in my new glider. thank you Eric!

I still cant stop smiling from saturday. hope to see more guys out for next weekend!!