September 15, 2009

PG pilots Doak Hoover, Lee Boone, and Had Robinson all launched late in the day (after work for some) and competed for completing the first XC task assigned to paragliders in this region.  It was a simple task:  Launch from Agave, bench up to the top of North Mt. Franklin, fly to the Coronado Country Club, and land.

Wind at launch was a steady 12-15 mph most of the afternoon until huge clouds began to form around 4PM which caused a sudden drop in wind velocity at launch.  Had and Lee launched in steady air but both eventually sank out.  Doak launched last and patiently waited for some better air - he was rewarded and got just enough lift at launch to fly over to the Triangle and bench to the top of the mountains.  After watching the other pitiable pilots far below give up, he flew away south for CCC.  Setting up over the Club at over 1,000', he landed safely at dusk next to the putting green drawing hysterical gasps from golfers who thought the world was ending.  With his cool demeanor, Doak assured onlookers (including some friends) that he was just a harmless, lovable fuzz-ball who had fluttered out of the sky to join them.

Congratulations Doak - our esteemed president!

Photo below: Doak just west of the main CCC dining hall.

Doak in front of the entrance sign to Coronado Country Club