On Aug 20, 4:02 pm, Tuno wrote:
I'd heard of Owens Valley a few times in soaring write-ups, but
driving through it, I was amazed at the geology, with the Sierra
Nevada on the west side and the White and Inyo ranges on the east.

Also, is there a commercial gliding operation at Bishop? I recall JJ
mentioning Region 11 contests there, but the SSA "where to fly" page
doesn't have anything for Bishop.


Ted:

I don't know about Reg 11 contests at BIH, but I have staffed Reg. 12
Regionals there 'way back' in the 1980's. We have also safari'd
there
with our tug and customers in the 90's. That was pre-Hangar One, and
that referral is accurate. But do call ahead, as Rod does other style
aviation business, not just glider towing.

The simpler choice is to come fly from Cal City with us. Full time
glider service, great XC base with knowledgeable mentoring into new
territory, and we can teach you about the local meteorology, hill and
valley flow, convergences from the "oceanic" passes (Walker,
Tioga/Mono), discuss sheet/curtain style ridge flying, plain
thermaling,
bump and run, and wave. The technical style changes keep a pilot
learning and rewarded for observational skill. Pilots to fly with and
story with in the evening.

There is no finer Alpine scenery. Well, except for some of those
other
Alpine places. But that commute time to other continents would hurt
the checkbook. And you can fly an AST task and get home to the RV
park on the airfield here for dinner. Maybe.
The soaring often continues beyond the normal dinner hour.

You can see the style of flying posted on the OLC, search on
Caracole Soaring or California City. (If we had three times the
pilots
flying from here, we could whomp on Warner Springs....smile !! )
No big take off grid, water up spigots..... your advantage.
We're here from Wednesday to Sundays, and on Labor Day weekend.
You can run on the Sierras and to the Owens Valley on any typical
summer afternoon.

Pilots welcome.

Cindy B
www.caracolesoaring.com