Date: Fri, 8 Jun 2001 20:40:28 -0600

From: "David Taylor" <dct@crystalcanyon.com>

Subject: Half On Flying Emergency

I ditched work today to renew my weekday flyers club membership. Went to Frisco. Absofrickinglutely perfect! Scattered streeted altocumulus, wind not too gusty, three wire guys - locals from Milford. Launchable at 11:45, but I didn't get off until 12:15. I worked the peak for half an hour, then took a ratty one over the back in the 22 MPH drift. Got to 13, down to 11, almost to Black Rock Road. Then suddenly, without warning,

whaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAAQAAAFREEEKFREEKFREEKAAAAAAAAAAAAZING ZINGCORECORECOREholyfreak aaaaaaAAAAAA!!!!!!!

I can hardly wait to see my vario trace in the computer tonight. I didn't even know the FlyTec made that noise. The display was completely blank except for the last bar on the top, and that didn't change for a loooong time. I skipped some of the hundreds (only one reading in each century) on the one-second altitude updater. I didn't expect that the cloud base at 23000 would have vacuum cleaners down at the low levels! As I passed through 17000 and 35 degrees, I knew I had to get out or I wouldn't have stamina for the day (no O2). I didn't turn once for 20 more miles. I decided to set the bars at 10000 and 14000, and only take the neck rippers. Two hours into the flight, I was at mile 70 and the strategy was working wonderfully, as was Betty's new harness.

10 miles later, the reservoir thermal failed me, but it was starting to form as I got 200 over. I tried to work the blazing hot ground farts, but I couldn't zig with the twisting streams of lift so I ended up on the ground.

Tomorrow will be the same way, but I will be working. Somebody needs to go down there and put my miles in the book!

Dave