Whiskey Echo Journal

August 4, 2007 ...  The weather looked like it would be good today with forecast cloudbase at 6000' and lift 5 kts.  There was some probability of overdevelopment (which did occur) mostly north and northeast.  I declared a 386 Km FAI Triangle for the task.  Start Moontown, Hazel Green, Matthews Field, Gadsden, Finish Moontown.  This task should break the current Alabama Sports Class Triangle Distance and establish an Alabama Free 3-TP Distant Record.  If the speed is high enough, it may set a new 15-m 300 Km Triangle Speed.

I launched at noon and released at 1200' -- a mistake.  The first start was made at 12:28 and then I restarted at 12:44 at 3928'.  Cu were well formed south of the field and on course for a few miles but it was clear that the run from Hazel Green to the foothills would be problematic as it was still blue.  However, I did not feel as though I could wait as overdevelopment and Cb's were forming way to the east.  I topped off south of Madison Co Exec and then started at 22 ml glide around the Hazel Green TP contacting a 5 kt thermal north of New Market.  From there, I contacted the Cu and Cb over the foothills streeting for 46 miles, just short of Matthews.  This leg was 67 mph with 15% time circling averaging 4.2 kts. 

As I approached the Sequatchie Valley, it was clear that it had OD'ed and there was not a Cu in sight.  I made the turn and headed back to the west Plateau where I contacted lift at 600' agl over the high ground.  I was in gliding distance of Marion Co.  The next series of glides got me proressively lower as I mad my way to Sand Mountain.  Southeast was not good and it was seriously OD'ed back to the northwest.  I could see more Cu and Cb along the ridge line on the south side of the river so I continued on cautiously.  A 4 kt and 5 kt thermal put me in contact with this line of clouds and I was streeting again -- sometimes as 120 mph -- for about 25 miles.  Again, the clouds ran out and as I looked on course line, I could see OD in all directions, blowoff towards Huntsville that was shading the ground, be plenty of sunlight ahead.  A series of near Best L/D glides and slow climbs got me close to Albertville.  I was in reach of Guntersville and Cu was in that direction ... it was tempting to abort the task.  Visibility was around 5 miles at best.  I could see another small Cu ahead and plenty of sun on course to Gadsden and back to Guntersville.  Pressing on with Best L/D, I went from cloud to cloud and made it to Gadsden and relatively high.  This leg was 48 mph, 31% circling, 2.5 kts average and my task speed had dropped to 54 mph.

Now, all I needed to do was get home.  Think positive!  There is sun ahead on the ground and one Cu within reach.  Wow! this Cu provides 6 kts to 6000 feet!  My persistance has been rewarded.  I now glide, at Best L/D for 39 miles.  I pass over Albertville and Guntersville.  There is shade now, everywhere.  I continue on and watch my reserve for reaching Guntersville tick away.  At Grant Mountain, I must decide whether to turn back for Guntersville or press on.  There is sun on the ground just north of the mountain and a Cu above it.  I press on with confidence that I will find lift under that cloud.  800' over Grant and hit a bump.  Pressing on I take a turn and 1 kt.  This one is marked on the PDA so I move on to the far side of the cloud--2 kts, I home free with 18 miles to go.  Skimming across the back ridge I radio Moontown and finish the task at 4:59.  Gadsden to Moontown is 59 mph, 3 kts average, and lots of Best L/D glides.

Total Stats:  240.7 miles, 2.9 kts average with 24% circling, 20 glides average 13.6 miles per glide and 56.5 mph.  Click here to view OLC data ...

The flight was fun and interesting and required shifting gears many times.  I am rather pleased that I stuck with it and kept reminding myself that "sun on the ground means there will be lift ahead."  Today it worked.  ... WE