Chilhowee
Stories
Once
around the Field?
No, Down the Ridge and along a Cloud Street.
Jamie bringing her ASK-21 in for a landing.
Here's my story:
It was a windy day at Chilhowee ,(20 kts) at least, and at first I had planned
to do all the T.O's and landings I would need to finally take my check ride. But
it was just perfect for ridge soaring and I had never done that, sooo...I enlisted
the aid of my partner, Chuck Patterson, to fly in the back seat
of our ASK-21, who I knew would teach me well, then I could do
my hops and go home.
Take off was very turbulent but a fun kind of challenge. Got off tow at 3000'
and immediately was soaring the ridge. It was so cool to get in that particular
groove and just stay there all the way around the south point and back up again
to the far northpoint. I did that three times, and looked to the SW and saw a
multitude of cloud streets. I could not resist and headed that way with an altitude
of about 5000'.
I looked to my right and my instructor, David McGaughey, was
on my right wing in his Blanik L-33 Solo saying," follow me".
We took turns playing "follow the leader". My highest altitude for the day was
6300'. Did I mention how cold it was? The ground temp. was 40 at takeoff. With
every 1000' you lose 4 degrees. Where I was it was around 20 degrees or so, there
was a very small but lethal hole somewhere in the front of my ship that was blowing
extremely cold, icy air on my inadequately shod feet (I was wearing sneakers).
After about two and a half hours of this kind of exhilarating fun I could not
feel my feet, even though I was wiggling and stomping them at every opportunity.
Chuck, by the way, was flying when I was stomping, but he
didn't bring any gloves so his hands were cubes. The altitude and the cold combined
to make me feel a little queasy and Chuck flew us back to the gliderport and did
the landing.
I couldn't feel my feet when we got out of the ship so I walked as well and fast
as I could to the club house and plunked my fanny down in front of the woodburning
stove with my feet on it.
What a day! I loved it, frozen feet and all. David McGaughey
stayed up 5 hours...he was better prepared for the weather at altitude.
Next time I'll be dressed with all this in mind. I highly recommend this sport
to all who would wish to challenge their bodies and brains. Some days you only
challenge your brain, some days the challenge is to your body. Come properly dressed
and well hydrated. You won't regret it.
Jamie Baker . . . . . . . . . . April 1997
Chilhowee Gliderport