Crestline Soaring Society

Great flying in Santa Barbara over the last few days.

Friday: despite the fairly strong NW winds, Tony Deleo was able to get off launch and fly down the coast into Ventura (about 30 miles), reaching 8K above Carpinteria.

Sat: With the predicted moderate NE winds a couple of us attempted to break SB's out and return record of 58 miles. I managed to make it to the existing record turn point in Ojai, but was unable to go farther because the lower level NE blew me off the hill. But I was able to turn around and get reestablished in the mountains for the trip back home. Scott Angel joined up with me for the return trip after tagging a spine just short of the one I used. Unfortunately, the afternoon west wind established itself on our way back. At about 5 miles short of goal I got tired of fighting it so I turned around yet again and flew back east to my truck that was parked near Bates beach - a total of 60 miles. Scotty took his altitude at roughly the same spot and angled out to land at the beach in Santa Barbara. Most of the flight took place between 4 and 6k, with a high of 7k near Lake Casitas - and yes it was cold; my Camelback was frozen the whole way.

Tony Deleo, on an Atos, didn't seem to have the same problem that I did at my turnpoint in Ojai and so continued on to Santa Paula (roughly 40 miles)where he did end up running into a wall of wind.

Sun: Glad I didn't set a new out and return record on Saturday, because Scotty went ahead and got it on Sunday (62.5 miles). They weren't getting as high as we were on Saturday, but they had much more favorable winds.

Bo Criss took the day for the PGs landing just short of Piru for a 48 miler. He was out there Dean Stratten who landed closer to Fillmore.

Bo also had a nice flight on Weds, flying west from launch for about 5 miles and then turning around and landing in Ojai.

John

I know it is long way up there, but SB usually works on NE days. It often times thermal blocks on NW days as well. And if it doesn't you are almost guaranteed a flight at Bates and perhaps a flight down the coast to Ventura. Something to think about during this time of year.