it was a really nice day!

[bill arras]

Rick, Scott and I decided yesterday morning to go flying.  We agreed to try an early start.  Rick found another new driver for us, John, who turned out to be great.  We all got together at Millican at 10:30, then went right up and got ready.  While we set up, 4 paragliders launched and sank out.  I was first HG to launch.  What was it, guys, 12:30?  Whatever, it was the earliest I remember ever launching at Pine.  We had time to do a later re-launch, if needed.  I got close to that reality, but got lucky while very low over the little hump by the rock L, climbing in smooth lift to 10,000'.

Launch winds turned north after I took off, so it was a while before Rick and Scott followed.  They also got up.  We all got to fly together for a little, but I insisted not too close because the 2nd thermal wild a wild monster that threw me all over the place.  The conditions during the balance of my 5 hour and 45 minute flight fell in between these two thermals; it was a variety pack!

Cutting to the chase: I landed at Buchanan, 116 miles from launch.  Rick set down a mile shy of that, while Scott joined John for a long drive after severe ground suck a few miles east of Hampton.

It was slow going, which made it the perfect flight for sightseeing.  It was an incredibly scenic day, to the last minute, with a sliver of a moon playing with really cool clouds as we drove back to Pine.  To top it off, a long string of Starlink satellites streamed over us as we shuffled gliders around at Millican before going home.  Wow!  Life is good!

Bill

[Rick Christen]

Dizzy in Burns😵‍💫

[bill arras]

Video by Rick over Burns airport attached and group photo in Buchanan:

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Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 7:28:02 AM
To: pine-mount...@googlegroups.com 
Subject: it was a really nice day!

[Patrick Kruse]

Well done gentlemen, well done. 

Thanks for the update and inspiring flight info. 

Bravo,

Patrick 

On Jun 27, 2025, at 10:28 AM, bill arras <bill...@hotmail.com> wrote:



Video by Rick over Burns airport attached and group photo in Buchanan:

<1000075197.jpg>

<1000075132.jpg>

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<1000075198.mp4>

[bill arras]

Last night was only my second time seeing the Starlink 'satellite train', both times by chance.  I just found the website that tells the viewing times and dates.  As per the website, https://findstarlink.com/#5713587;3, the satellite train will again be easily visible passing over the Bend area tonight and tomorrow night:

10:11 PM, 27 June

BRIGHT, for 4 minutes
Look from NORTHWEST to SOUTHEAST

Elevation (from horizon): start: 10°, max: 71°, end: 32°

10:09 PM, 28 June

BRIGHT, for 4 minutes
Look from WEST to SOUTH

Elevation (from horizon): start: 10°, max: 35°, end: 25°

The SpaceX Starlink website also tells of other viewing possibilities that aren't as bright as what we saw last night.  I will go to a dark place tonight to see the satellite train again.  It's beautiful!

The International Space Station will also be visible twice tonight, but in the wee hours of the morning:

1:41 AM, June 28

for 1 minute, max height of 13°

Appears: 13° in the east

Disappears: 10° in the northeast

3:14 AM, June 28

for 5 minutes, max height of 77°

Appears: 77° in the north

Disappears: 10° in the northeast

For ISS viewing app:  https://www.nasa.gov/spot-the-station/

Bill

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From: 'Patrick Kruse' via Pine Mountain Pilots <pine-mount...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 6:40 PM
Subject: Re: it was a really nice day!

 

[Rick Christen]

Thanks for sending the Starlink info.

We’ll l be out watching tonight.😀

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 27, 2025, at 10:31 AM, bill arras <bill...@hotmail.com> wrote:



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