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I just noticed Michael's report and I can't really match the detail and thoughtfulness that he put into his report but I thought I would post my observations from below.
Myself and David arrived at roughly 1pm to a very thick layer of fog. Kevin and Kyle were using the downtime to work on some kiting. Myself, being lazy, decided to wait and just let the fog-lifting thing happen. Eventually bordem overcame laziness and we went down to the river to kite with jason W, Vince, Rika, Jacob, Cody & Vince. The wind was pefect for kiting and I think we all really enjoyed the practice (I was having more fun kiting than I had in a long time). Most of us got a solid 30+ minutes in (I for one really needed it). At some point I commented that it didn't look good as the fog bank remained thick and low so I didn't think we would fly ... on the ride up in the morning I commented that I was sure the fog would lift at some point and we would have nice flights (we were getting reports from Michael, Kyle and Jason W about the precise nature of the condensation formations): As is usually the case when I give two opposite opinions on flight, I was correct :). There was a point were you could notice more power lines becoming visible from the river and eventually the road to launch was visible. We all headed up and met Jason L at launch. I think I missed Michael or I would have loved to chat and welcome him back (perhaps it was my enthusiasm at getting a rare chance at becoming airborn). We all flew in buttery smooth conditions getting roughly 200 feet over launch. There had been wisps of fog rolling through east of launch but visibility was pretty consistent (below the 300 foot cloud deck) until it wasn't. After 30+ minutes of flying, fog started rolling in above launch. As I was caught daydreaming, other more observant pilots landed. I thought for a moment I could sneak in under the fog (reportedly about 50 feet above launch). The fog spread out toward the highway pretty quickly, so once launch wasn't visible I decided it wasn't safe to land there. I played around in front of the fog which quickly moved me to the other side of the freeway where lift was still nice and buttery. After a few more minutes of playing, I began my approach to land by the highway. As I began my landing approach I noticed the fog bank moving back and leaving a little clearing by the parking lot. I noticed the headlight in the parking (intentionally left on to help?) allowing me to see where I needed to be and take a looksy for more visibility near launch. There was a nice little opening (not a hole but just a space south of launch and below a rising cloud deck) to work my way in. Of course we should always be completely OK with landing wherever it is safest and I had plenty of offers to get picked up wherever I chose to land out. We finished the day at the bottom of the road with a Landebier courtesy of Rika and David! I cannot describe how happy I was to be able to hang out and fly with many friends! The day was exactly what the doctor ordered!
I did take some pictures so if anyone wants to email me with their wing colors I can see if a have a photo of you! My wing memory should be better than it is ☹
Luke Danielson
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Great report Luke! I was able to land safely on the turn below
parking as the veil dropped. Turned some lights on for you
initially, and asked about picking you up at the lower lz, but was
told you would be taken care of so I headed out. Glad to hear you
landed and had a beautiful flight. Will pm you also. M.
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