What are you greeted with when you arrive at the Grade nice and early? Piles of hail.

11:15 am and I'm pulling into the Grade on my first pass. Was a bit west but as soon as I got to these faces I had to turn the audio off on the vario. Those of you who have been there know why.

Looking back towards launch as I climb out.

Cow convention on the east end of the Grade Proper.

What can you say about this view. Spectacular.

Feeling the pressure from the boiling boys just offshore. Fortunately, the westerly component was moving them down the coast, not into the Grade. Check out the massive breaker closing out over an offshore reef.

Getting up there. Wasn't skying out but 2,170 gave me plenty of room to enjoy the view and take some photos.

Reluctantly heading back towards launch.

The reason I was reluctantly heading back towards launch.

A shame to have to burn off all this great air.

One final shot before spiralling down. The whole approach and final was surprisingly devoid of turbulence. Quite pleasant.

Like a good boy I waited right till the bitter end. Went west and got lighter. Nice sunset though.