Leaving for California

Lauren Flies Bellyache!

Vail Valley Paragliding has special fall rates! Call 970-376-0495, or 970-845-7321 for more info.

We have had some great flying here in the Vail/ Wolcott area. Just the other night, five of us went up to Wolcott, and only Phil Horsman got off launch and had a great flight to Avon, topping out at about 13,500 msl. Chuck launched right after Phil and sunk out. That evening was one of the strangest and fastest wind direction switch I have seen in Wolcott. What also was amazing was the convergence and dust devil it created in the valley which worked it's way right up to launch. A cool dust plume stretching to the skies moved its way right up to the ridge. Once it reached the ridge the wind went from south and west to hard north at 25 mph. Karel was trying to inflate right at that point. His glider would yaw wildly and he didn't launch, which was a good thing due to the switch that occured.

Getting ready to make the big drive to California for the US National Paragliding Championships in Bishop, California. The Owens Valley! I am excited to see and fly with friends that I usually only get to see once or twice a year at these comps. Tomas, Karel, and Chuck with be there from Vail as well, being wind technicians for the comp. They will fly before the competition to show the conditions to the meet directors and comp pilots. Pine, Cherie, Loopy (aka Jan), Andy, Chris (xc skies), and myself will all be there to compete. Team Colorado.

Stay tuned as I will try to update daily. I just heard that Jeff Wishnie flew 100 miles yesterday. It should be a great time.

Cheers