...already the first week of my trip is over...
Today we met Leanne, Rick and Pete at the LZ of Kanemidake.
This is one of the biggest and best mantained LZs I know: it's really huge (aso for hangies) and like a fairway on a golf course with windsocks on all 4 corners.
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| Kanemidake LZ from the ground |
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| and from the air |
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| Launch on top of the hill (left side) |
Launch is hanglider type of launch with 2 ramps; the ramp to the north can only be used by HGs, whereas the ramp to the W-NW is so wide and deep that also PGs can get off.
But it is not possible to just go there and fly, as both ramps are fenced off and you need a key to unchain the fence. But obviosly Rick has the contacts...
But not only the launch is a bit tricky, also the flight poses some 'problems'. the altitude difference to the LZ is rather small compared to the distance: L/D required about 1: 5.5; this leaves not much room for error and just 'hanging around' and waiting for thermals is nearly impossible. Further more: we shouldn't thermal directly over the big chicken Farm - but that's where the obvious thermal trigger is...
Leanne launched first and managed to get up at the far end of the ridge leading out to the LZ.
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| Leanne |
Then it has been my turn and then Pete's; Rick launched last.
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| Taggi |
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| Pete |
Contrary to Leanne I just managed to do a few turns in some weak thermals and then it was already 'game over'; Pete didn't fare better. Rick, who had waited a bit longer, managed to climb away (but he is flying in a totally other league anyway)...
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| Rick's flight |
Leanne, Pete and I were driven back up by Yuko for a second attempt. Unfortunately by that time the wind had started coming over the back. Pete and I made a few attempts, but the ramp wouldn't allow for a safe launch so we both packed up. Leanne on the other hand managed to get off in the only decent window but the flight itself -due to the leeside conditions- was unfortunatley just a short one.
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