It was windy all last night so it looked great this am with light wind forecast and puffy clouds in the sky.
We took the early lift to launch and set up our shade tent thanks to Rob. The sky clouded over and we wore all our flying clothes to stay warm while waiting for the 2nd group to come up.
Eventually some sun came out and 65 km task with 3 turn points was called. By the time the start rolled around it shaded hard, forcing those who launched early to land and the rest of us to wait 45 minutes after the official start to finally launch into slow climbing giant gaggles. It was spectacular.
Eventually we got to cloud base at 7000 feet or so and pushed east along the range to the first turn point.
The gaggles split up and I was behind the leaders as they tagged the first TP and groveled back under me as I cruised to get it myself. The gaggle split again and some flew to the valley to the next TP. The rest patiently climbed back to base and Arnie and I were were among them. The gaggle unwisely chose to retrace our path back and we flew into shade and everyone scattered and landed. Turns out 25 or so made it into goal and they chose the valley for the whole flight. Maybe I wasn't with the leaders after all!?? Rob was there to pick us all up and rolled up to me and Arnie just as I finished packing. Nice!
Rumor has it I went the farthest today, a mere 600 feet farther than Arnie. Woo hoo! Tomorrow is another day and I hope to make goal. Having the time of my life. Grateful does not begin to describe how I feel as I sit here chowing down with the team right now. Yum!
Gotta finish my food, so hopefully more fun news tomorrow.
Cheers,
Marty
Yours truly killing time after making goal in my first Category 1 meet. 
Calling off the day. Local weather seminar this evening. Hot springs for those who are interested. Gear tweaking opportunity for many. 
Josh holding the laser at the end if the line where it mets the canopy, and aiming it at the target on the other end where the risers are attached. 
Arnie manually entering data (measurements) called out by Josh for each line. 
The target for the lazer is on a moving track attached to a 5 liter water bottle in the back to provide consistent tension. It took all day to measure, enter the data and then interpret the lengths and make corrections for Josh and Eric on their Boomerang 9s. I'm not sure if Arnie worked on his or not. 
This is the back of the target looking toward the glider being checked. 
Peter was helping the other guy (whose name i didn't get) who was doing all the measuring. They had a blue tooth lazer that entered the measurement automatically to the laptop on the table next to the target. They already had the spreadsheet for all current gliders and it would populate the spreadsheet as fast as he could shoot the beam to the target for each line measured. 
When finished measuring, they would both discuss the results and agree how to trim it to make it within spec for fast neutral or floaty (slow) all within legal tolerances. 
The checking of the final trim lengths on my wing after trimming at the quick link of the risers. 
Notice the extra looped part of the lines where they attatch to the quick link. Extra loop on the middle lines and double loop on the outside A-lines to speed up the tips. It worked great on day one. I can rest assured my glider will pass if checked now too. Priceless. 
Ladybug girl 
The parade took us up to the chair lift station (about a mile walk) as the sun went down. Once there a circus troup with mimes and performers on stilts entertained us as we enjoyed bratwurst and fries with beer. 
Eventually the sky grew dark and the stilt walkers performed with fire and smoke. It was really enjoyable to watch. 
The windy forecast was all too accurate and the wind was blowing early the next morning, taking away our official practice day. The extra time we have had has allowed for pilots to put the required numbers on their gliders, put stickers on our helmets and tweak our gear. 
We have quite an assortment of animals living at our house we rented. There are two cats, one black, and one gold and white. Two small turtles roam free and a coop full of pigeons too. 
Upstairs covered porch area outside my room with Rob. 
Looking down at Canadian pilot Brett Hazlett and Josh Cohn below through the grape vines. 
Lunch ensued and we ate with the British and German teams. Ordering is a challenge and you are wise to keep a sense of adventure and come hungry!
There is a fountain in the main square that I'm told is excellent drinking water. 
Thanks Carmen, Mia and Darla. Now I can decorate my room! Love you all!
Josh sorting it out in lost and found. 
The room with antlers will do fine. 
