[MT-ALES] XC at NATS

[Montana ALES reflector]

2 days of LSF XC are complete, and it was brutal. Yesterday was a sky popping small cumulus clouds, and today was a bright blue not-a-cloud Montana sky. Winds were manageable both days, but the Muncie lift was as fickle as ever. There were small shreds of thermals down low, but climbing up to a reasonable starting altitude of 1500 feet or more was very difficult, requiring acquisition of several thermals to span the altitude distance. Nobody was able to core a thermal and speck out. 2 of us flew yesterday and 4 were flying today. Good pilots. The best run completed was 10K out only. Almost all runs were down within 2K or less in huge sink over corn fields. I did a lot of driving and learned some strategies and techniques that way. Had fun and flew with some great guys. New friends!  Laundry is calling. Ales begins in the morning. 
CT

Soaring Euphoria in Montana.  Sent from my iPhone.