April PG Epic - April 3

Even with March this year being the ‘gloomiest’ in recorded history and April staring not any better -  if the sun comes out spring days can be epic. Last Monday (April 3rd) was one of these epic spring days. And it was probably an all time record for cross country flying activity in the Fraser Valley.

There were 4 flights to Hope and back. The return part is rare since the west winds often kick in and make it difficult. A couple of the Hope flights were extended to the west and north. Peter S. added a leg to Dewdney, making this the longest out-and-return from Woodside posted on Leonardo (116km). Alex R. was just 5km short of a 100 km triangle. At least seven pilots did Fraser Valley triangles (Woodside-Bridal-Woodside) and 3 of the Hope guys came back on the Bridal side too. Some of us got up close and personal to snowy summit slopes of Mt Cheam. Several others also made the crossing to the Bridal side (including a tandem) and many flights went to Agassiz and Bear Mt.

Pretty amazing that was just a few years ago the ‘Raymont challenge’ was announced, flying the triangle Woodside-Bridal-Woodside. Paragliding gear has improved so much that it is possible to fly these routes on EnB wings new. And even more important is all the exploring and pioneering pilots did to establish these lines over the last few years.

Approaching the Cheam range. Later we fly along the snow slopes just below the pointy peak on the right.

Lots of flying activity. And this are only the pilots who use spot trackers.