New Castle, VA Region 4 South Day 3 of 6 Report

Suprisingly after a tremendous amount of rainfall from yesterday,
todays forecast was optimal and accurate. Cloudbases of 6,300 feet
MSL, plenty of solid thermals averaging from 3-5 knots with an
occasional 6 knot thermal every now and then. Surface temperature's
ranged from 70-75 today, in other words, room temperature. Fall is
definintely here as the temperature dropped back down in the upper
40's tonight. Which, by the way, made for an appropriate bonfire
social after this evenings low country boil (shrimp, corn, sausage and
potatoes).

The stories shared around the fire this evening were "classic New
Castle" soaring so to speak. Not one single pilot landed out. Very
few pilots had low saves. The vast majority stayed in the 4,000-6000
lift band and cruised between thermals in the 70-80 kt range and
enjoyed the awesome view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The clouds
today were honest, reliable and solid. The visibility was truly
unlimited. According to one pilot, it was "the most stress free
flight of my entire life!"

Many pilots flew amidst a large gaggle of probably 40-50 hawks that
appeared to be migrating south on the third leg of the task.

The outlook for the next several days appears to be more of the same
as today. This year, New Castle is going to see their fair share of
hard core racing without having to try to squeeze in a minimum
distance task. The official Day 1 is complete, with 3 more to come.

SA