US'22 (7.9.) - Roan / (Grand Mesa)

 

Sunrise in Glenwood

Wed: again up to Roan Ridge. The fcst 'promised' a bit less wind and also slightly better thermal conditions...

Horny Toad

Roan Ridge (we launched on the far right)

In the end we could climb just a bit higher above the ridge than yesterday, just high enough to try and 'fly away' - Andy wanted to get to Parachute (our stay for the next 3 nights). Thermal activity was less than expected and once below the ridge it was almost impossible to climb up again. As I got below 2700m (my 'limit' for the day) I headed out to the valley floor for landing.

landing across the Colorado river (to the left of the track in de middle)

After Stacy had picked up me and Andy, we checked- in at our hotel in Parachute. Stacy and I went exploring the 'Grand Mesa' site while Andy decided to stay in the hotel and work on the videos of the last days.

It has been a very long drive up to 'Lands end' on Grand Mesa, but well worth the drive as this 'mountain' is really impressing: almost 3100m. With an appropriate wind/ wind direction it would make for a great flight out towards Grand Juction with about 1500 between top to bottom. Unfortunately today the wind dind't play along ;-)

Land's End (Grand Mesa) looking W/ NW

Land's End (Grand Mesa) looking E/ SE

near Whitewater (bottom of Grand Mesa)