On Nov 24, 6:32*pm, Barry wrote:
I am interested in entering my first contest. I am looking for
recommendations of where to go. I currently reside in region 7. I am
willing to travel just about anywhere. Most of my resent cross-country
has been in and around MN. *I have had minimal mountain flying, a week
in Minden and learned in Montana quite some time ago. There seems to
be fewer regional’s than years past. Perhaps more will be scheduled
later in the year. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Barry Jaeger

Barry,

I did my first regional contest in the Region 8 up in Ephrata WA. It
was wonderfull with lots of help from the other pilots and lots of
good landout spots if you need them . Except at the airport itself!!
For that reason the contest director often raises the release altitude
to 2500 ft. so that less capable sports-class gliders can make it back
to the field if they don't find a thermal right away. At 2000 ft. if
you don't get a thermal and your glider has less than 33:1 then you
may have to land out before you even get away. The Seattle Glider
Council has a great clubhouse that is used for most of the activities
and the nearby town of Ephrata and surrounding area has lots of things
for the non-pilot family members.

I'll be flying there again this coming year and look forward a great
time.

Mike