Between comps, Susan and Jeramiah showed me one of their "big" sites here in Colorado - Villa Grove. Hang gliders and paragliders have recently won access to the road to this great site, and I can see why they fought so hard for it. It is called the "Little Owens Valley" by the locals, because of the similarity to the valley east of the Sierra in California.

The day we were there, we arrived somewhat late - at about 12:30, and the wind was kicking in already. I flew anyway, hoping the air was not too ratty, but soon learned that the wind here was nothing to fuss with. After flying through a few blustery thermals, I headed for the LZ, feeling very small (read: leaf in the wind) and landed.

Villa Grove is really an awesome site, and I hope to return to fly it again someday! Here's a few pictures, use your browser's Back button to return:

• Looking at the LZ
• The "Little Owens Valley"
• Thumbs up!
• Pulling up the Argon
• Fishing for thermals
• Headed for the front ridge
• About to be spanked!