US Standard Nationals -- Day 1

With a stiff breeze out of the north, the fleet was launch about 12:50 pm with the gate opening at 13:46. 6+ kt climbs out the top were the norm with most everyone starting quickly feeling that the day would soften around 16:30 to 1700.
The first run was out to the WSW into a scattered field of small cu's and wisps that marked 5kt+ lift that were sometimes broken up. A couple of 8+ were encountered providing a quick climb to 8,000'+. A cool temp glide band 5-8 proved ideal for a very comfortable flight.
One had to fight the temptation to turn SW towards the second turn where the sky conditions looked fantastic, or run out of miles with time remaining.
Once into the better area 6-10+ was the norm, always in the same spot beneath the clouds. The thermals were a little more spicy, narrow. One couldn't let ones horsey loose.
After 2 hours , time to run home into the wind keeping on the high side at 8k. I push a little too hard and fell into a hole that others reported hitting with heavy sink. Had to bump along at 3500' until a 10kt break came along. Interesting, no heavy sink was encountered until the final run.
A steering turn 6 miles west had everyone hitting the finish line (NS) for a right turn onto a downwind landing north.
Check the SSA site for the results. I believe M Westbrook won the day. Now that the blood has been drawn, Best I can do is get out of the way and let the big dogs eat (Lee Travino).
It will be fun.
"Tight Turns!"
R