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Lower steep launch at Gold Hill
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Wind dummies setting up for forward launches
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Gold Hill's west facing launch at 12,200 feet
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Launching the Bonanza from Gold Hill
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Day One
Telluride has not been experiencing the best of weather this year. Rain almost every day from monsoonal moisture overdevelopment probably due to El Nino or La Nina. Our first day in Telluride saw people flying in the morning, followed by an incredible downpour at midday, clearing up for an incredible evening flight from Gold Hill. Best day of flying for months, said some of the locals. Climbed to 13,500 feet over launch, then escaped another building thunderhead to the safety of Oops field, the designated LZ. The next morning dawned completely clear, and the 7:30 meeting got everyone ready for the day. Winds were light and variable, although there was considerable moisture still in the area. Launch was heating up when we first arrived, but soon moved into the shade as the clouds began to develop. Launch window was moved back, and we waited hours for improvement. later, as the wind was beginning to shift from the west, the competitors moved to the west launch. About half the field got launched, but then the development from Wilson began to hit us with rain, and the day was called off. We drove down and hoped for better tomorrow.
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