Flying possibilities

[Bill Cummings]

RGSA/Hawks,
In a call to Mike about going to Gray Hill this coming weekend we decided against going. (Wind and rain forecast.)
He and I are looking at the following weekend (May 5 through 7th.)
I asked him about Sunday at Dry Canyon but he didn't want to go.
Robin sounds interested but to me the areas forecast looks unsettled.
So I'll go as a driver/chase groundsmen. Looks strong for PG. but may turn out to be okay for HG.

[RobinHastings]

Bill and I plan to do a May Day flight at Matt's Mountain tomorrow, May 1, 2017. We'll leave from his house in Las Cruces at about 11:00 am. Conditions should be good for HG and maybe, barring turbulence, for PG. Come and join us if you want!
-Robin
541-5744

[Bill Cummings]

Over on the Gray Hill thread I put an update about the weekend of May 5.

[Bill Cummings]

RGSA/Hawks/Pilots/Drivers,
Robin and I are watching the weather and have the Little Florida Mts. in our plans for Friday.
To me it looks like launch time will be between 1 & 2 pm if the three models on windytv hold.
If the forecast does hold I will be driving since the day's high temperature will approach 100*

[Bill Cummings]

RGSA/Hawks/Pilots/Drivers,
Robin and I are watching the weather and have the Little Florida Mts. in our plans for Friday.
To me it looks like launch time will be between 1 & 2 pm if the three models on windytv hold.
If the forecast does hold I will be driving since the day's high temperature will approach 100*

Today the forecast is looking a little stronger early so the launch window looks better and longer.
It could blow out later in the day by some models but the new spot for the portable ramp
will take stronger winds while launching. The heat is still my personal concern so I am planing on driver duties.
Robin and I are going so far. I was thinking of taking my vehicle since mine doesn't have the clearance for Dry but is
good for the, Little Florida Mts. Robin's truck is the one we take when we head east from Las Cruces so I like to
use mine when heading west from Las Cruces. So Robin what time should I be at your house
My vehicle roof has room for one more HG if more want to go we could take Robin's truck (Right Robin?)

[Bill Cummings]

RGSA/Hawks/Pilots/Drivers,
I'm going to be driver, photographer, and chase vehicle operator tomorrow on the 5 th.
Mike E. is busy and can't get away to fly but there will be room on and in Robin's truck tomorrow.
We plan to be in the LZ at 9:30 am before we head up Dry Canyon.

[Bill Cummings]

Robin and I put on many miles today checking out Mag Rim road, LZ, and road to the upper fence.
Mostly we wanted to clear the road of thorn bushes that ruined a hour old brand new tire
on our last trip to the Little Florida Mountains. The new tire picked up two sidewall punctures
that could not be patched.
As of this date only high clearance two wheeled drive vehicles should attempt the road to Mag Rim.
Much mud was left in the concrete dips and one with some deep standing water.
The off road drive around is deeply rutted.
_____________________________________________________________________
Next we checked out the Exit 116 tow road off I-10. It had small cuts of water erosion
but nothing deep or rough enough to interfere with normal towing speeds.
_____________________________________________________________________-
Next we checked the road to the LZ at the Little Florida Mountains. What once was (17 years ago) a decent tow road
is now four wheel drive. If it rains again it should fill in a little because Robin and I built rock dams on the down hill
side of the road in each of the recently cut arroyos.

Once tow ready rd. Now 4WD..JPG (65.17 KiB) Viewed 6962 times

The picture above is the washout on the way to the Florida LZ.
Robin and I thought that perhaps landing way out in front to the south side of the Spanish Stirrup Ranch right along
side the Rock Hound State Park Road would make a quicker pick up of a landed pilot.
Robin took pictures of the road to Mag Rim and may post them.

[RobinHastings]

Here's a couple of photos from the Corralitos Ranch Road that heads out to Magdalena Rim. Taken on August 6, 2017. Remember, it's always worse than it looks - and it doesn't look good.
-Robin

The ruts here are about 6 inches deep.

MagRimRoad.JPG (38.97 KiB) Viewed 6956 times

This puddle is about hub deep on a 4WD. (The bypass is no fun, either.)

MagRimPuddle.JPG (54.33 KiB) Viewed 6956 times

[Bill Cummings]

Yesterday I took a ride to check out the road to Mag. Rim and Exit 116 tow Rd.

8.26.17 Detour may work. Mag Rim Rd,..JPG (39.15 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

But -- maybe not..JPG (31.44 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

As of 8.26.17 cars may be too low..JPG (60.68 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

[Bill Cummings]

Out at our Exit 116 (Interstate -10) I came across a doubtful sign.

Doubtful Sign because of ---.JPG (28.66 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

this --- and ---.JPG (24.54 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

and --- this..JPG (42.26 KiB) Viewed 6894 times

The tow road is rutted but not enough to interfere with
towing.
Hadley reported that it was a little too light at Torrey Paso and
on the tow road it was also too light for towing.