starting out with BLIPmaps and soaring predictions

I have a few hours into studying the subject and there is an awful lot
of information, much of it in contradiction. I'm currently reading
through all the articles linked to Dr. Jack and spent some time on
Skew T although I have a hard time putting a lot of value on skew T as
it's based on soundings at least one mountain range away from where I
fly. I'm trying to narrow it all down to one or two sources I can
start with and then add more as I get some understanding of the
concepts and I would like any feedback I can get as to which one or
two and any information that might help. I have and am reading
'Understanding The Sky'. This is for flying in the Cascade mountain
range North of Seattle, mostly.

Thanks all,

Brian