AZ Flats day 2

For me, the day started out OK. I launched early again and quickly got up to about 6,000ft with a group of pilots. We were waiting around for the 1st start but the wind was blowing us out of the start circle so I decided to go back up wind to find another climb. I went to some gliders over the hotel but their climb was diminishing. Searching around I found nothing and was back on the ground for a re-light.

Now the whole area was in a flush cycle and lots of pilots were having to tow back up. I was unable to stick on the second tow and had to re-light yet again. I tried not to get frustrated. Launch closed at 2:15 and I barely made the window, being the last person to tow for the day. Finally, the tug pilot found a climb for me and I was out of there.

I found a few pilots near the 1st turnpoint to fly with. We made that one pretty easily but going to the second turnpoint proved to be quite difficult on account of a stiff crosswind. I lucked out and found a climb to 9,000ft and then went on glide to the second. After tagging the turnpoint, I dove into the big mountains to get a climb where I saw some gliders turning. I was right up against the mountain that I admired yesterday. Climbing up and over the peak was incredible. That climb took me over 9,500ft and I headed toward the 3rd turnpoint. I saw some gliders turning up ahead but realized I couldn't make it to them. Looking off my right wing, I noticed a decent sized dust devil tearing up the ground so I dove towards it. By now I was down to 1,200ft and desparate. It was a rough start when I found it but I held on.

This climb was taking me over what I thought was an airport but I noticed no terminals, and few hangars, just lots of big 747's and a runway. I later found out it is a 747 boneyard. They fly in but can never check out! I wish I had a picture but I was really busy getting out of there.

That climb got me back up to 7,500ft with 12 miles to goal. My instruments told me I had goal by 2,200ft so I left feeling good. On that glide my numbers steadily decreased and I was getting nervous. The air was not as bouyant as I had hoped and I still couldn't see the small RC airport goal. Finally I found it and arrived about 400ft over. PHEW!!

So it turns out I had a great flight after a frustrating beginning. Since the last start was 1:45 and my last tow started at 2:15 I had a huge penalty on my time. I actually ran the course pretty quickly but it doesn't show that in the results. I'm just glad I wasn't sitting in the hotel watching a movie or something.