Still blown out at Skull Hollow (good camping near Smith Rocks) on Saturday, so we did some shopping in Bend and climbing at Smith – Andrew and Pete easily remembering how to lead on the big bucket holds on Zebra Wall and the climbing didn’t even bother my shoulder.
Sunday was the day to fly! Wade showed us first the way up to Juniper Ridge’s south-facing launch, but it was still too windy from the N. On we went to Pine Ridge and were rewarded with spectacular ridge soaring. This site is north facing, just north of the Skull Hollow camp site and a 300 ft hike-up. After all the hiking everybody was ready for the excellent turkey dinner, prepared by Gab, Brian, Ryan, their significant others and the Metolius crew.
Monday it finally warmed up and the winds had died. Back to Juniper Ridge with Tim who showed us how the Oregonians ridge soar at Pine yesterday. Pete found good lift, tricking him and Andrew into looking for more – after lots of scratching (Andrew set a new record) they got to practice their side hill landing. The rest of the crew was satisfied with extended sledders and avoided the side hill. Andrei got one more flight than everybody else (to retrieve his GPS from launch). After a few hikes up we went back to Pine Ridge, but at 4 PM even the locals gave up hope and left.
Great weekend in the sun, excellent party and a taste of Central Oregon air that makes us want to come back for more!
Parawaiting at the Silos
Wind 45 km/h. Pete’s hair makes a good windmeter too!
Para-photoshopping. Click for full image.
Andrew landing, the Sisters in the background
Pilot and Smith Rocks
Bucket holds on Zebra Wall
