Flying the Uncrowded Crawford Skies

Since Monday July 5th was the observed holiday, I took advantage of a favorable westerly forecast for a trip to Randolph with Josh and Landon.


We took the Tandem Falcon III and the four wheeler to make for easier vehicle retrieval and allow for some backroad exploration! Upon arrival at about 2:30, we drove to launch, which revealed the usual beautiful view with somewhat gusty winds up to 35 mph under sunny 80 degree skies.


Since conditions were too strong for a single-surfaced tandem launch, Landon and I played cards for a while in the back of the pickup truck, swaying to the wind gusts.


We also explored many of the backroads behind launch on the 4-wheeler. By about 4:30 the winds had dropped to a steady 25, which was the indicator I needed to start setting up! Josh had agreed to come on this little adventure - but remained undecided on whether he wanted to fly today. He had flown once before last year at Short Divide, where he had a good experience, but was still a bit tentative.


Decision time arrived and Josh said, "Well, okay. I guess I'll go." Landon was, of course, "waiting in the wings" if Josh decided not to, but already having over 10 hours airtime himself, he graciously allowed big brother first choice today. So I quickly helped Josh into his harness and we did our standard hook-in and hang check routine.

We walked out to launch with Landon on our front wires. I briefed Josh on the takeoff don'ts and do's, and with very little hesitation we executed an assertive takeoff and smoothly proned out in gentle lift.


We immediately turned left, encountered a few late afternoon thermal bumps, but mostly found steady-smooth lift which took us up to about 8,400 feet - 700' over launch, and 2,200' over the valley floor.


The view out to the Uinta Mountains over the backside was spectacular. We didn't get high enough to see back into Bear Lake, but we observed numerous hawks with whom we shared the air. We did not see one other pilot or spectator in the air or on the ground - other than Landon toolin' around on the 4-wheeler.


Josh and I explored the ridge using gentle 180 degree turns, to help minimize any potential queasiness. After a few minutes, I allowed him to "take the wheel" and practice some weight-shift control inputs. Because of his stage in life - just graduating from High School, Josh has become somewhat more independent and aloof lately, resulting in Keri & I being less informed, as he makes some big decisions in his life.


As the relaxing, dream-like evening glass-off began, I took the opportunity of having Josh as a "captive audience" to talk father-son (and man-to-man) about his plans and goals. I recalled some of my feelings, fears and struggles when I was his age, and encouraged him, while recognizing his agency and trying not to push him too hard. It was a neat opportunity as a father in a unique, incredible setting to connect for a few rare minutes. I know that he will make his own choices now, and learn from the consequences... Before we knew it, nearly an hour had passed, and Josh decided it was time to return to terra firma.


We headed out over the meandering Bear River, only to find more lift!


So we banked it up in some tighter 360's, allowing us to lose enough altitude to set up our final approach and come in for a nice wheel-landing. Landon soon arrived on the 4-wheeler, which we used to retrieve the pick-up from launch after breaking down the glider. We stopped in Bear Lake on the way home for some yummy fresh rasberry and banana shakes, then continued on home after a long, fun day.

Airtime: 1 Hour x 2!