Cloud Play

Turned out to be a really nice flying day out at Kahana Bay with plenty of friends to share the air. As seems the norm these days, I called a bunch of people early on my way across the island. McStalker Jeff, SideHill Thom, Maui Doug, Ginny, Don, Joey, Rich and Torrey Bob. I got off low launch just as Jeff was arriving at the trail and flew around in some cloudy conditions but no rain and nice smooth air.

As luck would have it a squall was making its way in as Jeff got up on launch. I debated top landing to wait it out but opted instead to try and fly around it. Turned out to be a good choice this time around since the squall brought very little rain or gust front.

After it passed Jeff got airborne and soon we were reminiscing about some other days we had "surfed" the clouds there. We heard some chatter on the radio from Frank at Makapu'u - some people were getting good airtime over there too. Ginny and SideHill had chosen to go that way for a variety of reasons.

Jeff and I kept flying around playing in the clouds and generally having some fun waiting for other folks to show up. Torrey Bob and Joey (with Cherie) showed up soonest, but by the time they had hiked up, Jeff and I saw an opening in the clouds and set off on a short downrange cruise toward Pounders. Also got word that JD and LeeAnn were coming out to join the bash.

We made the usual stops at Punalu'u, and Hau'ula ridges and just had a pleasant flight brushing up near cloudbase and soaking in the views of Sacred Falls just going off. Ginny was there to retrieve us when we landed - thanks, Ginny.

When we got back to Kahana, enjoyed some post flight beverages, talked with friends and watched the late shift flyers, including Larry, Maui Doug (for a second round), Mad Dog Chris and Brazilian Ray, as well as helping LeeAnn get in some kiting. No better way to end the weekend in my book.