This summer has been one of the most anticipated seasons for flying that I can remember. I'm not sure what started it. Possibly the lack of flying during the winter and spring months. The main effort has been flying cross country, and though our small band of local hang glider pilots have put together quite a few trips, we've yet to break the all to illusive 100 mile barrier. There were a hand full of 20 and 30 mile flights, as well as a 60+ mile flight flown by Cody Dobson and myself. Cody flew from Heber, UT to just past Evanston WY for his 60+ miler and I had a 64 mile flight from Moore ID to Chelan, ID. Greg billow has had some great flights from lakeview, OR as well as Utah sites, Heber and Inspo.
As a sailplane pilot as well as hang glider pilot, I try to get out to Cedar Valley Airport and fly sailpanes on days when hang gliding isn't happening. On Monday, August 8th I towed up behind Brett at around 3:30 pm, released at 1800 agl and climbed to 16,800 ft. After my climb I headed straight upwind on a southerly heading 15 miles and lost only 1000 ft.. I then flew back toward Commador Peak on the Okir Range and played in the lift. Flight time 2 hours.
The summer is not over by any means, and I'm still hopeful for great XC days ahead.
