I then had the not-quite-as-bright idea of renting a Falcon (w/ wheels) from Windsports. I promised Linden, I would not launch unless there was enough lift on the ramp to pull me up in two steps. So, me, Rob, Loren, Daryl, and Linden & Kaitlin drove up at 1225hrs w/ Rome. I played wind dummy in more ways than one.
After a few minutes of struggling, I got my feet in my cocoon apron and focused on climbing. Me and Rob went up to 9K together then split cores while Loren came up just below us. Rob cut out from 11,700 and I gave chase from 11,450 and Loren in pursuit from 10,800.
It was t-shirt weather to 9K. I chose a very cautious line out front and glided 9 miles before I found anything. This was past the reservoir at the foot of Lukens at 6500. I eventually tagged East Lukens then climbed back to 10300' at which point my teeth were chattering and arms shaking. Loren made it within 3 miles of Mt Wilson and Rob tagged Wilson and reported bad turbulence at Mt Harvard.
On my way back I stopped at Trash at 4400 and climbed to 8800 in 4 minutes. I had to bail out from the climb while ascending at a steady 1200fpm due to fatigue and chills. This was not the Sylmar I am accustomed to but I wasn't going to miss this day for some ankle fracture.
I never found out about Daryl's flight but Linden & Kaitin got the pinch and never got up. There was 1300fpm sink in some areas but I lucked out and dodged the bullet. I did a wheel landing after 2 hours and Loren came in 30 minutes later.
I could have sworn my podiatrist said I should keep my fractured ankle elevated?
One of the best views of the flight!. Downtown LA is very clear in this frame still.
11,450' above Kagel. What a strange view!
