Free-Flying Fun!!

Wow! So much fun!!
If only the launch site were closer. Lenin, Mariyan and I drove to Hager City Wisconsin Thursday which is just across the Mississippi River from Redwing Minnesota in search of some soaring. This bluff faces south overlooking the Mississippi River valley which means nice smooth air flowing pretty consistently up it’s face.
Upon arrival we met three local pilots also there with a fledgling flyer. After getting a quick introduction to the flying site by our new friends we all took to the skies. This is considered a cliff launch and requires some serious commitment because you bring the wing up and run straight for the drop off! It’s a nice adrenaline rush as the ground rapidly disappears under your feet and is replaced with trees far below. Once aloft the feeling turns into a mixture of freedom and challenge. Floating in the sky with a pair of Bald Eagles circling with you is amazing! The challenge is to make this last as long as possible. Without the motor that I have become accustomed to keeping me off the ground, we are instead actively searching for rising air. Everyone enjoyed the conditions and made nice long flights in the cool winter air.
The guys from Minnesota shared the location of a promising launch site that is an hour closer to us, just past LaCrosse. Looks like we will be headed there soon. Let me know if you want to come along!