Kathleen is the only girl in goal so far and will likely be the only
one period. . Very well done Kathleen!!!

Looks like Robert Reisinger was first and Alex second for Class 5.

Of course Manfred was first for the Swifts.

I stumbled out the door at 5:00 am Saturday morning so I could be at the base of Mount Ascutney at 7:30 to help with the bike race. (The race climbs 2300 feet (700 m) for 3.8 miles (6.1 km) for an average grade of 12% but with several 19% grades. Bikes included full carbon toothpicks, more common road racers, a couple mountain bikes, and even a single fixed-gear bike). Jake organizes volunteers from the Vermont Hang Gliding Association and we had a great turnout this year.

Shaunia and I getting ready for our morning flight.

Looking sw from launch over the LZ

On a day that was too windy to fly, Dr Paul took a few of us on a beautiful hike upto Bear Lake. We started off in a valley with small meadows littered with varieties of wildflowers. Most of which I had not seen before.

We headed off to St Andre as the forecast predicted no wind there! As it happened there was wind on take off and up to 20mph in the air – very St Andre!

The King Mountain meet this year was the most enjoyable yet. It is so fun to be surrounded by like minded folks in such a rich geological and climatic and fun environment. I saw some dramatic and new to me terrain (more about that later).

Here is John Kangas giving the final day's weather briefing. He is increadibly insightful and entertaing to boot. The last day was a high barometric pressure, making a late start and difficult thermals to work.

After seeing so many forecasts filled with showers and thunderstorms, I was really psyched to see last Wednesday's forecast. I tried to generate enthusiasm by ignoring the usual "lets go to Ascutney" suggestions the day before and instead suggested we go to West Rutland Vermont, fly over the Green Mountains, and THEN fly over Ascutney and continue east to the coast. Only Dennis and Greg were willing (or able) to go. Oh, we didn't have a driver either.

Some launches from Chabre during the worlds. All photos by Nathalie Fevez.

Zippy.