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On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

Launch
It has been a long Winter as far as flying goes, especially since all of the good Spring days seem to fall when I am unavailable.

But eventually my day came and the long holiday weekend was my chance.

Saturday was forecasted to be the best day of the three, and it looked like we were spoilt for choice with light South-Easterlies, high base and good thermal strength.

First choice was Moir Hill, a comfortable site which I had ample knowledge and which in the right conditions can handle light SE, and secondly Bridges which I have never flown, a more technical launch through a narrow cut in trees, but taking SE straight in.

Wayne, Evan and Roger opted for Bridges while myself, Don, Kyla, Cam and couple of others opted for good old Moirs.

What are they doing?
We where expecting a later launch as we had to wait for thermal activity to swing the wind around to up the face for launch.

Don was first to go and although I was ready to go with him, I missed-judged the effects of the Southerly component of the wind and it took me a few attempts before I got away, about half an hour after Don.

Don wasn't far ahead when I launched straight into lift, and began my climb out over the back. Looking down at launch I pondered why the others weren't right behind me, but only for a second.

As I drifted back I could see Don in a big climb, so I proceeded to head his way. Latching onto a good ride I topped out at around 4100ft. then glided on the same line toward Kaipara Flats.

They are still waiting!
Once at Kaipara Flats I was faced with the choice of continuing the same line toward the hills and Hoteo maybe a jump over the hill toward Wellsford, or a turn to the East following the valley edge toward Matakana the main road and the direction Don took. Both appeared to be slightly cross wind, and I opted for the "safer" option.

Unfortunately I hadn't factored in the Kaipara Flats airfield, which I was going to pass nearby. As I approached I noticed an airplane taxiing for take-off toward the East. I determined that if I continued on my course I could be in the vicinity of its flight path as it took-off, so I opted to not go pass the airfield but to lose height and land.

A great start to my season, the best altitude gain I have had at Moirs, a glorious day at altitude on a cloudless day with views forever.

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