Ecola 08-03-09

Light wind, measured 8-9 at launch, and south direction made for a narrow flight band. I sank out when going south along the beach to Cannon Beach, and made it north to Indian Beach, but was sinking all the way. The low tide made it safer to fly the south facing Ecola Point. Never got over 400' MSL, but was still a fun time. I made a TL at the spot noted in the photo, and it was typical: set up just north of trail, face south and float in like a gull.

This seemed like an unlikely day, almost did not take my wing. Roundup reports varied, with Astoria at SW14, but it never got that strong at Ecola. Usually they are similar. Newport, far to the south had O wind. The MM 5 lapse rate chart showed a dog's leg close to the surface that made prospects look impossible.

Ecola is a bit of a small flying spot, and when other folks are trying to find their outer limits and getting trained to handle the worst conditions I find it rewarding to fly not even close to my limit in conditions that are more likely to result in a hike instead of a record. Today I pushed the limits and I sank out. Not big news, but I was smiling all the way home.