Solo

Tiger Mtn served up a couple of days of cumulus covered skies that bolstered my confidence enough to try going XC, my first attempts in the conifer carpeted terrain of Western Washington. It's an interesting feeling making the commitment to go on glide alone over such terrain and I found myself circling at cloud base an extra 10 minutes watching the clouds along my intended route and trying to build some confidence for that initial leap. But the conditions were good and as I made my last turn and pulled the VG tight that feeling of unease subsided and I settled into trying to fly as efficiently as possible towards my goal. As I approached Rattle Snake Ridge I could make out a paraglider pilot working light lift near the ridge. Seeing another pilot in lift over inhospitable terrain is a real morale booster! As I got closer I ran into the meat of the lift an quarter mile or so in front of the ridge and rocketed up to cloud base again as the paraglider pilot worked his way upwind to get the good stuff. From here North Bend was an easy glide with plenty of LZs. The goal now was to get across the valley and up on Mt Si. Finding a bit of lift over the valley, I managed to arrive a little over half way up the side of Mt Si and worked light thermals on the cliff face as the hikers on the top watched me circle below then slowly climb until I was right in front of them, close enough to see what they were having for lunch. As I reached the peak the thermal turned on and it was on up to cloud base once more for a few photos before heading out to North Bend to land.

Thanks to CJ for the retrieve and fine home cooked meal!