Abandoned the downwind run this morning due to several factors:
-Launched in the blue and had a difficult time connecting with the
wave at the lower altitudes. Wavelength was much further downwind
than expected.
-Had to relight. On round two, connected with wave downwind of Minden
(very unorganized below 10.5K) where I had slow climb (3-4 kts) to
16K. By the time I got to 16K it was 8:30 (2 hrs late). Conditions
strengthened later, but by then I was too late.
-Conditions were completely blue locally and downwind. When it's
blue, one has to expect to be slowed down due to the search for wave.
That combined with my 2 hr delay helped my decision to abort
-Winds aloft at 16K were 300-305 at 60 kts. I'm looking for a 230-250
flow aloft. My intended course line was to the NE not SE, so the
winds weren't as favorable in NV which would have slowed down my
downwind legs.
When one intends to make a LONG flight, all things have to fall into
place. Having things line up just right for a downwind run is VERY
difficult. Not only do the conditions have to be right locally, but
400 and 800 miles downwind. Based on the above factors, I decided
that today was not the right day.
Just thought you'd like to know.