Photos taken on July 3, 2009 over the Mendos

pilot, photographer and author - peter kelly

This was a special day here in the local flying area of Williams, CA because the lift is usually not this consistent, and the clouds are not usually this well formed. Climbing at a rate of over 1,000 ft per minute, in smooth thermals, to over 15,000 along the Mendocino Mtns is certainly a special event. For those of you who have experienced these conditions, you know photos do not do it justice, but for all pilots, you can use your imagination as you browse and somewhat appreciate the beauty of our sport from these images. Take a break from your duties. I offer you a vehicle which may help you to dream. Let your mind run free. Stare at the images, feel the coolness of the air coming in the vent, hear the whoosh of the air and the sound of the vario, enjoy the change in G-forces as you occasionally drop the wing to look further to the side. I hope they bring you joy.

• Valley Soaring Association
• Williams Soaring Center