Just wanted to touch base with the flying community in Tucson. I hope some of you are able to fly the coast of central California if you haven't already.

Just flew several miles of sweet sandy ridges. Unfortunately I sank out and found myself with a long barefoot hike to get back.

The ridge predominantly faces West and the winds were NW(around 12 mph). I should have known better than to go so far south!

Standing on the soft warm sand, feeling the individual grains between my toes, this would be my first barefoot flight and first coastal ridge soar - I was stoked! With a stiff breeze to my back I tugged my As and instantly had a wall. I pulled the wing up over my head and while leaning and driving forward I got popped up a couple times before making my way to prime liftband territory.

There were some guys launching Ram air parachutes just north of me so I decided to stay clear by going south. I was moving fast and before I knew it, my GPS was showing 3 air miles. I had to cross a large gap and promptly sank out while having a surprisingly soft landing onda beach.

I made one more attempt to relaunch but the winds died down so it turned into a sledder. My smooth scenic flight would now be followed with a long hike back.

Giving it another shot tomorrow then heading up north to a site in Pacifica for a clinic.