While most of the Sylmar crew was either deciding where they should spread their wings or were wishing the winds would back down, a crew of four pilots (Ron Wiener, Rob Burgis, Sebatian Lutges, and I) headed to Santa Barbara with the "potential" of getting altitudes of 6k and maybe some cross country miles and fly back to Sylmar.
Although most of the forecasts indicated that Kagel would NOT be flyable, a few pilots hung on the hope that one forecast model (BlipSpot) would be correct. That model predicted the wind to be on shore and the altitude to be 8k - 10k. Well that discussion was making the rounds in the LZ, I was sure it was incorrect. Too many other models were saying the opposite (even the BlipMaps were in disagreement). Finally we loaded up and were on our way, although kinda late (10am).
Santa Barbara is normally known for being a great winter and spring site, today felt more like summer so it was a bit difficult to fully believe 6k would work. We arrived at launch about noon (slightly after noon). Launch was conspicuously deserted and only one HG pilot was there but packing up. Apparently all other pilots were at a higher launch (KG Bowl, west side if the R&R). The pilot packing up had equipment problems.
I was talking with Double D (previous SBSA president and long time friend). He said that others just wanted to start higher but there was no reason to believe we wouldn't be able to achieve the same altitude as them, especially since the bags were climbing out front. When we had arrived we saw about 3 bag pilots doing OK but nothing close to 6k (more like 4.5K). Later Tony DeGroot showed up (on his way to KG Bowl). He and Skippy just had a baby girl, so I congratulated him on that and for sneaking in a flight.
At launch we were greeting by several enthusiastic spectators and they were eager for us to "jump", although they seemed quite nervous. Soon all of us were in the air seeking altitude that at times was elusive. But all of us thermaled out of the thermal factory (to the left of launch) and "specked out" to 4.5k - 5k. Don't get me wrong here, 4k is a thousand over launch and pretty good, but a far cry from the 6k the models were showing. But hey, we're flying and I'm pretty sure they're not in Sylmar.
Of course the views in SB are always spectacular, so we soaked that all in, even though the climbs were ratty and at times turbulent. We all pushed east towards home, but the sink in between thermals was greater than average. I found the strongest climbs consistently in front, while Wiener and Burgis would find some strong climbs on the peaks. Many of the thermals just seemed to stop or snake away at about 4k.
Without consistent climbs to 5k I was not that willing to continue down range towards Romero (can be kinda flat there thermal wise), so I headed out front on the way to the beach. On the way I drove into some 600 up and took the mini elevator to 3700 still way too high for the beach but not high enough for me to feel comfortable going down range.
So on my way out to the beach, way to high to transit the ARSA (1500' limit when crossing the 101 freeway), I take a tour of the city driving through lift and watching the progress of the rest of the crew back on the range. Finally I'm getting to were I can make the crossing and do so at 1500 and now take a few passes up and down the beach, over the marina and down to check out the girls volleyball tournament going on at East Beach.
Landing on the beach in SB is usually never a problem and this time was like many others. No stepper, plenty of spectators, but plenty of room to place your wing without jeopardy of hitting someone. I walked the glider over to the grassy area to see Hammer, RJ, and Tony already on the grass. They also thought the day was a bit ratty and somewhat windy for SB and decided to land early, so now I don't feel all that bad.
Gradually our crew descends onto the beach and we all enjoyed the SB style of entertainment. Here's a few pictures:
Chippy giving his beverage a hand
Some of the "scenery"
Some more "scenery", good sports
Ron had the idea that after the flight we could all get wet and "cool" off in the ocean. Well the water there is freeeeezing
and nobody stayed in the water very long. 
All in all it was a nice get away and the flying was pretty decent. Of course the beach landing is always enjoyable and it was nice to see some old friends again. Next time the East or NE winds are grounding you, look to see if SB is "on" and take the trip.
Sunday I was able to top-land at launch (1st time) and get two vehicles down to the beach thanx to Steve Nootenboom (sp?) and family being on launch late. Got to 4800 on Sunday's flight.