cliffside today

[Luke]

The winds proved heavier than forcasted today (roughly 10-18mph). It
should be noted that their was a stagnant air advisery on NOAA today
also. I arrived just before noon and practiced kiting ... first
successfully then unsuccessfully. Dave Nutter showed up shortly after
then practiced kiting by the river. Soon after that Eric and "Mother
Henzi" arrived and flew off the hang launch. I then attempted to
launch from the traditional launch ... first unsuccessfully then
successfully while Matt was impressing us with his wing-overs and Eric
was riding the lift. Eric and Matt had 50+ minutes during round
one.

As round two approached Dave Cantrell, Jason Russ and Chris(I hope I
didn't rember the name wrong) showed up and Natt was ready to launch
his hang. Matt (Mother) Henzi and those previously mentioned launched
While myself and KC observed and took notes ... The winds were now
stronger and lift was everywhere. I launched again unsuccessfully
then successfully while the rest of the pilots where 500-1500 feet
above launch. Once in the air it was hard for everyone to come down
with lift everywhere. The second round flights lasted at least an
hour in heavy winds with big ears neccesary to come down near launch.
Myself and Matt landed by the river While Jason and Chris probably top
landed but I didn't see them land as they were playing around near
launch when I headed for the river LZ

The downside of the flight for me is that I only got a .67 rating on
the 5dog scale for my first top landing! This was due to lack of
penetration and not getting more than 5 feet above launch. I hope
tommorow bodes well for cliffside!