On Saturday for practice I attempted an out and return south down the mountain range to Castledale and back. Conditions were typical for Golden, (launch altitude 6300asl landing field altitude 2600). Strong thermals 1500fpm (30 kph straight up) at times... what a ride... tight grip on the contol bar, circuling and rocketing upward to cloudbase at 12000 asl. It was an easy 40 k until turning around at Castledale. That's when the 20-30 tailwind became a headwind and I didn't find lift when I needed it ater 15 k. So the flight was over after 3hr15 min and 55 k.

Today, Sunday is the first day of the comp. Similar conditions as yesterday but lighter wind so it's ideal for the task they call, out and return down the range to the south and back for a total of 85k.After 3h 45m I was fortunate to be the first to complete the task in my class (kingpost division). Flights are scored by duration to complete the task and as I took the last start time it looks like I won the day, subject to GPS verification. After landing we must turn in our GPS to the scoring committie so they can check the track log to make sure turn points were achieved.

So far the weather has been good and the forcast looks not bad as well... too good to be true as it has a history of raining here when they plan a competition for this site... we will see.