Mt. Howard update 9-30-12
Dan Wells
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
