(Whale Hill), Villa Grove

Shortly after 0800, 14 persons gathered at the LZ of Whale Hill. They all cramped into 2 cars: 2 drivers, 12 pilots and their gear in  order to ride up the the ugly road to launch.

looking towards Whale Hill

Unfortunately, the wind was blowing over the the back and we spent some time enjoying the great views.
 

looking East

Mt.Princeton, where we had flown the day before

Some took out their wings and started a kiting session. Guess who has been the first...

Stacy (right)

As the situation didn't improve, it was decided to change to Villa Grove. On the way down one of the cars blew a tire which had to be changed in steep terrain.

While most elected to go directly to Villa Grove, Stacy, Hart and I returned to our AirB&B place for a short nap. At 1630 we also drove out to Villa, where the last of these pilots were just landing.

LZ Villa Grove

Stacy drove me to launch, where I quickly prepared and could launch for an absolutely magnificent evening flight! That's exactly what we had been hoping for these 3 days here in the San Luis Valley.

13'000ft/ 4'000m looking south

Stacy also launched, but even after several attempts he didn't manage to get out of the lift band for a safe toplanding, so he had to side land on a hill further down and hike back up. Meanwhile I was enjoying the stunning views from around 4'000m...

...and landing into an already catabatic wind after the sun had already set behind Whale Hill.

folding up in an (almost) full moon