A low cloud base over the Sacramento Valley scrapes the 2130' high Sutter Buttes right in the middle, causing skepticism on this unusually wet September day. Moisture and energy are clearly in the air, so I'll play what I'm dealt, get off tow in "JH" near the gliderport and under clouds, expecting a valley day. Conditions are fun, but bases are low as I push West into the foothills.
But wait ... Why soar under the clouds and not above? "DR" states he is in wave over Rumsey Gap, so I work the area like mad. It takes discipline and patience as I slowly climb the windward side of clouds in 50 fpm up.
Then I break into that wonderful wave and climb high above the clouds.
Thanks "DR." Without any visible signs in a sky full of Q, I would have never looked for wave and likely flown right through that half knot of lift without turning.
With the sky as my limit, I follow wave South across the Rumsey gap and check out Cache Creek Casino and Golf course to my East.
Lake Berryessa through a gap in the clouds.
Northbound on the ridge I hook up with the Duo Discus "MG" for a few turns.
After a fun time above the clouds it is time to head towards Williams and duck back under. With a perspective from above I'll be sure to stay away from that cell.
Below the clouds, I see the cells furry from a safe ten miles away.
Base has risen over the valley so I decide to play. Approaching Colusa and the Sacramento River with the Sutter Buttes in the distance.
Back on the ground at WSC pilots have almost as much energy as the sky after this unique day getting above the clouds.
But wait ... Why soar under the clouds and not above? "DR" states he is in wave over Rumsey Gap, so I work the area like mad. It takes discipline and patience as I slowly climb the windward side of clouds in 50 fpm up.
Then I break into that wonderful wave and climb high above the clouds.
Thanks "DR." Without any visible signs in a sky full of Q, I would have never looked for wave and likely flown right through that half knot of lift without turning.
With the sky as my limit, I follow wave South across the Rumsey gap and check out Cache Creek Casino and Golf course to my East.
Lake Berryessa through a gap in the clouds.
Northbound on the ridge I hook up with the Duo Discus "MG" for a few turns.
After a fun time above the clouds it is time to head towards Williams and duck back under. With a perspective from above I'll be sure to stay away from that cell.
Below the clouds, I see the cells furry from a safe ten miles away.
Base has risen over the valley so I decide to play. Approaching Colusa and the Sacramento River with the Sutter Buttes in the distance.
Back on the ground at WSC pilots have almost as much energy as the sky after this unique day getting above the clouds.
2 comments:
patience
good flight and nice fotos
I think you made the right choice yesterday. A cloud capped Diablo all afternoon and was covering Juniper from 2:00 until late. Today is a different story, but we're working, of course!
RM
Post a Comment