On May 3rd, for the fourth consecutive year, Team Wing Envy led by Patrick Eaves, brought team members and other pilots associated with the San Luis Obispo Soaring Association to La Salina and back to B-4.  For a second year John Pitt joined the gaggle of pilots for another splendid week of spectacular spring flying conditions. 

Every year, SLO comes to La Salina, they simply NAIL IT!  Not every year do they come on the same week, and had they come this year---the same week they did in 2007---they would’ve had a very stable, hot, Santa Ana week  (i.e. poor flying).  But as their luck would have it, they came a week later….and the wind gods blessed us with excellent conditions.

The group stayed at the B-4 for 6 days and flew each day, with the exception of Tuesday which was blown out.  Between the excellent cross country skills inherent among several pilots, namely: Pat Eaves, Eric Hack, Dave Salmon, and John Pitt, several important cross country goals were accomplished under the guidance of Bajabrent. 

On one flight 4 pilots flew from La Salina, crossing the river gap to the north and soaring the northern ridge and landing at La Fonda beach.   Subsequently, flights were made from La Salina, south over the south gap, and on east of Bajamar, around Mirador and landing at Salsipuedes, some 15 km south. 

On a third flight, pilots launched at Salsipuedes at about 100 feet ASL., and climbed to 1500 +, and after soaring north a couple of clicks then turned south and flew another 10 kms over the San Miguel toll bridge and landing in Ensenada.

On a fourth flight,  a group launched just south of Cantamar dunes, at  Gateway (the old hang gliding site) and flew south along the ridge line behind La Fonda, eventually crossing the river gap again, reaching La Salina flying ridge and landing at the B-4. another  15 km trek. 

 
If one simply links each leg of these accomplishments, it is conceivable for pilots to launch at La Salina, fly north to Cantamar on morning southerly conditions, then return south crossing back to La Salina, during the westerlies of late morning/early afternoon. And further proceed south to Ensenada as the westerlies turn more north during the later afternoon.  Each of these legs were flown this week and the connection among legs will evenutally be made. 

It is important to note that Gateway is around KM 55 (toll road) and El Sauzal---where we landed south of the Ensenada toll gate---is around KM 110.  So John, Dave and Patrick accomplished each leg over this 55 KM stretch. 

Meanwhile the remainder of pilots enjoyed daily ridge soaring at La Salina, kiting the Cantamar Dunes, and soaring the ridge north of Cantamar.

Of important note, local Mexican beginning pilot, “Jesse” was assisted, primarily by Patrick in ground handling. And later by just about everyone else as he learned to ground handle, kite, and bunny-hop his first moments at the dunes. 

Since then others have come to his assistance in obtaining instruction and gear, including Patrick, John Pitt, Brian, Bajabrent, and especially Terry Flint.  And thanks to Bob Armond for transporting the wing from Brian to Bajabrent.   

BUT at the end of the trip John Pitt, renown Lake Elsinore XC record holder, (who has already logged a 30+ mile flight from La Salina) stated

"  I believe this has demonstrated that we can go XC 60 maybe 100 miles on the right day right here from La Salina, its amazing here!"

Thanks goes out to Patrick, Eric, Sharon, Dave, John, Gloria, Tom, Brian, Jack, Pavlo,Tom, Flipper,Kevin, Travis, Jesse and the rest for making this an exceptional flying venture at La Salina and B-4.