Morgans wrote:


While downdrafts due to thermals are a possibility, I can't imagine anyone
flying close enough to a ridge to not be able to get away from it's
"clutches", and flying into a ridge because of them.

That's entirely possible. Most flatlanders, when presented a valley to
fly in, fly right down the middle. You're supposed to fly on the
downwind side of a valley. The wind goes into the valley and rides up
the downwind side. If you fly near the rocks then you can get that lift
too.


Flying early is
important for comfort,

But mostly for safety.