Dream Big and Dare To Fail

A friend of many at Mountainfilm died over the holidays. His name was Norman Vaughn. Norman died just days after his 100th birthday. That he lived so long surprised none who knew him, for his was an indomitable spirit.

Norman left Harvard to lead Admiral Byrd’s dog teams on his expedition to Antarctica in the late twenties. He mushed dogs for the military, led daring rescue missions, even worked in advertising. He eventually landed in Alaska. Practically homeless, he performed menial jobs to get back on his feet and back on a sled. Norman would race in thirteen Iditarods — his first while in his seventies.

Norman scaled the summit of a mountain Byrd named for him in Antarctica just days shy of his 89th birthday. When asked what his secret was Norman always answered with a twinkle in his eye saying "Dream big and dare to fail."

Tater Hill Results

Today we had blue sky, lots of cumulus clouds and strong lift (5m/s+ or 1000ft/min+) for the final task at Tater Hill. Task 4 goal was N. Wilkesboro, total task distance was 69km. Going into this last day I was in 2nd place, having finished 2nd on all 3 tasks so far. Points were close as all three tasks were low scoring so a good finish today was essential. After 15km I was searching for that big climb so that I could leave the valley and head downwind toward goal, but that climb eluded me. Todd Weigand won the day with a 36km flight, landing just short of the last turnpoint (Deep Gap) followed close behind by Luis Rosenkjer. Third went to Jarrett Hobart who flew his personal best of 31.6km. Launch is at 1500m and Luis reached an elevation of 3150m."


In addition to great prizes from numerous sponsors, meet Director Bubba Goodman surprised everybody at the awards ceremony with generous cash awards for the top 6 places. "

Overall results:

1st Place
Luis Rosenkjer, Gradient RSF
prize money: $525

2nd Place
Todd Weigand, Airwave FR
prize money: $375

3rd Place
David Prentice, Gradient RSF
prize money: $150

4th Place
Greg Babush, Gin Boomerang Sport
prize money: $100

5th Place
Jarrett Hobart, Gradient Golden
prize money: $50

6th Place
Jeremy Hanen, Gin Boomerang Sport
prize money: $25

1st Place Womens, 11th overall
Maria Bono, Advance Sigma 6

Tater Hill Paragliding Open, Boone, NC

Task 2: The day started out normal with a low cummie base that was rising through the morning. Blue skies dotted with cumulus clouds existed in front of launch but behind launch there was a cosmic sea of clouds. A convergence was forming right behind launch and immediately after the task was called the convergence slipped from behind launch and wrapped us in it's whispy fingers. Cold air began blowing over the back. We waited in the mist for 30min. until POOF blue skies appeared and gentle lauchable cycles came up the face. Luis Rosenkjer and Nacho were quick to get off along with a few other pilots, but those not off within 90 seconds were quickly swallowed again by the looming clouds.


We spotted Luis and Nacho 100m away flying in sunshine at the edge of the convergence just in front of launch as we shivered on the ground in the clouds. I was set up at the front of launch and numerous times I would stand and ready myself, followed by other pilots, as it appeared the clouds were going to ascend above launch and be pushed back by thermals coming up the face. After a while some pilots were even readying to forward launch if a small gap in the clouds appeared and the wind over the back mellowed. After a chilling hour the coulds lifted and warm sunshine greeted us as we glided away from launch on gentle cycles.


It was blissful flying next to this swirling surf of clouds. We could see thermals lifting off as the mist shot skyward. The warm air carried the bold pilot above the cloud that was sitting on Tater Hill. The mountains S of Tater toward Boone were covered in a blanket of white. If one got too low or far away from the convergence line cool swirly sink would remind you of your mortality.


Every day here at Tater Hill we've seen different conditions. The flying has been good but the competition is yet to see the high cloudbases to 10,000ft pilots enjoyed a few times in the 2 weeks preceding the competition. With 2 days left we're hoping for the best...


Check out other pics and results at www.flytaterhill.com

All pics on this post by Todd Wiegand, I'm flying the blue/white/yellow Gin Boomerang Sport.

Atlanta

Once again I find myself flying out of Montrose en-route for Denver, this time the final destination is Atlanta. I'm now visiting with Luis Rosenkjer, Todd Weigand and Nacho at Atlanta Paragliding. Tomorrow we are heading N to Boone, NC and the Tater Hill Paragliding Open.


Todd at command of the pay-in winch at Atlanta Paragliding.