Flight Report: My 2010 Owens Valley Trip

[Len Clements]

A couple of pilots asked me to post something about my recent trip to the Owens Valley.

This was my 15th consecutive year of traveling to the best place on Earth to fly a hang glider!

Okay, I'm into the place................

Anyway, this was a sub par year, for OV flying but you must consider that the bar is set pretty high.

This place is known for epic conditions.

Here's a recap, by the numbers:

June 23rd thru July 13th: 21 days (2 driving, 19 available for flying)

Only 8 flights, total: 7 "decent" flights and one sledder.

There were many more soarable days but, hey, I'm picky!

Of the 7 decent flights: average duration = 3 +07

Best 4 XC: 88, 94, 102 and 122 miles.

For comparison, in 2007 I flew 118, 153 and 184 miles in three, consecutive flights.

My best flight ever was in 2004: 189 miles.

I go there hoping to fly 200 miles: but that will have to wait until next year!

The fun is in trying...........

Plus it's just a beautiful place: the deepest valley on the North American continent with the highest peaks (many at 14,500 MSL) anywhere in the U.S. outside of Alaska.

Your flight route is along the crest of the rugged Sierra Nevada mountain range: the view is absolutly magnificent; snow capped peaks, over the back, as far as you can see with no roads, it's all national parks and wilderness.

My strategy is to go there and hang out, waiting for the really good days.

Usually it pays off but this year El Nino put a dent in things.

Still there were some really sweet flights and there's always the anticipation of what next year might bring.......

BTW, over the past 15 years I've lived in a tent, in the OV, for about 7.5 months!

It's my summer place!

[jkjohnson]

Your a lucky man My friend! Welcome home looking forward to more!

[DavisChappins]

[Jeff]

Nice Len, but I want to hear about the one sledder?

JBJ

[Len Clements]

I launched too early, sinking out to the bailout LZ appropriately called the "postage stamp" as a reference to it's size.

Others launched a half hour later and flew up the Sierras without difficulty.

That's what happens to wind dummies!