> Dave, Jake ( Central Oregon), and I joined Todd for another four hour work
> session on the launch before flying down.  Nice to get a free ride up in
> the gondola and be rewarded with a smooth flight down to land at the river
> delta on the edge of the lake.  Sun angle and the length of the days didn’t
> get us a lot of great thermaling.  At least that’s my excuse  I think the
> peak I saw on my vario was only about 300 fpm.   The scenery is fantastic.

> Progress was a bit slower on Sunday.  We spent a lot of time digging
> around some of the monster rocks remaining.  Still a number of big rocks
> became small rocks and were rolled down the hill.  Todd hopes to pulverize
>  the monsters with a gas operated jack hammer this week.  If it works it
> will make things much easier this coming weekend.  He has a “take no
> prisoners” attitude on the rocks.    No wind launches will be much easier
> and safer with all the rocks removed and the slope made more consistent.  

> I’ve attached a few pictures to show progress, where to land now etc.  If
> I get a chance I’ll put a video showing a landing approach up on you tube.  
> (very busy in retirement you know)   Todd has to put up signs and I’m not
> sure what he will call the launch but I think “Persistence” would be a good
> name.  This has been a decade long effort to develop this site to its full
> potential and we are nearly there.

> Weather forecast out there looks good for work and fly days  out there
> through next weekend with sunny skies and no rain in the forecast.  Lots
> more work to do up there.  If you haven’t considered it think about showing
> up with a rake, pick ax, and shovel this coming weekend.  

> Dan Wells

> 503 804-1077

> danb...@comcast.net <javascript:>