Mighty Mouse

Another blown out day. As we have done every day in Utah so far we headed out to the South Side in the morning. The air was strong and chunky. Turbulent and kind of nasty. A couple of local pilots flew but we were advised against it and so we just hung out for a while. We had already set up so Ryan and Shad took the opportunity to show us how to flat pack a glider. Ryan also repaired my leading edge from the day before.

Shad and Brandon flat-packing

The forecast called for more ridiculously strong winds and rain so we made the call to head over to Ryan's place for some classroom instruction.

L to R:  Zack, Dan, Brandon, and Ringo

Ryan went over our launch videos from Camels in detail offering tips and advice. We then viewed some footage he had on his computer of landings and spent some time picking apart different landings for educational purposes. Ryan then showed us a bunch of his camera mounts for hang gliders and then suggested that we do a parachute repack so we can see how it's done. Ringo volunteered and off we went. Little did we know what was in store.

First we harnessed Ringo up and hung him from the tree. We shook him around to simulate a broken glider and he threw his shoot. Well done! Then we carried his chute down to the basement where we started to unfold it. As soon as we busted it out we noticed a kind of smell.... once we started opening the chute we figured out the source.

I can't imagine what Ringo must have felt flying all those months with the putrid stench of death in hist nostrils. Of course... he isn't called Ringo anymore. He shall henceforth be known as Mighty Mouse!!!!

That was pretty much it for Sunday. Ryan's Fiancee Desiree proved that she is the second coolest woman alive (second to my Karina) by cooking us dinner and then discussing hang gliding and beer with us while we ate. This marks the official end of the clinic with Ryan and let me tell you, it was worth it! Ryan and the Wings Over Wasatch crew are not only highly knowledgeable but they are also extremely accommodating. Every part of our trip has been well planned, well executed, and a total blast to be a part of! I hope to be able to come back and visit these guys again soon.

Even though the clinic is officially done we have one more day in Utah. Of course, Ryan and Shad are meeting up with us and taking us to a site called Randolph. The forecast is looking ideal and we are all excited about getting some more big air this afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes :)