Big Spring, TX - Day 1

We are here in west Texas again for a week of hang gliding competition. Ricker, James, and I drove out together joining pilots from all over the country to find out who is the best pilot in the USA. You just can't beat the atmosphere around here. The town of Big Spring really goes all out to welcome us and make us feel special. Last night they had a BBQ dinner at the community center complete with a band.

Below is a picture of the centerpiece at our dinner table; colorful isn't it?

Day 1 came with a bit of wind at 15-20 out of the South. The task comittee decided on a task of 102 miles with 1 turnpoint making it a dogleg. Clouds were in the forecast but turned out there were very few. I think about 10 pilots made it into goal. I landed a half mile short of the turnpoint for a flight of 60 miles. I'm not sure where others made it.

The winds should be letting up as the week goes on. We shall see. Here is a picture of my LZ today next to the oil rigs. Notice the lonely cloud behind the glider, that was my last climb.