MacCready in the Mountains

I stopped using McCready some years ago. It proved more of a
distraction than anything else. I now fly a slow, medium or fast glide
(and sometimes a very fast glide).

Mountains are different because they generate their own weather,
minimizes the knowledge that you gained during the previous part of
your flight. And this is dramatically different depending upon
direction. The sink on the lee side can be heart stopping. I recall
clearing a mountain range in Montana by 200 feet (at the lowest point
into the wind), saving a late night retrieve.

If you haven't flown western mountains you've got to try it. It is
soaring at its ultimate. We are talking about big mountains and big
sky; 15 kt thermals to 18K. And you Nevada guys: you haven't lived
until you have ridge soared Mt. Ranier! Eat your hearts out!

Tom