Set up on the ice
The Greenbird ice craft is now set up at Canyon Ferry. The ice is in reasonable shape with a usable area of about 2 miles by 0.5 miles. This is tiny compared to the whole lake, but also huge compared to the runways we use to run on in the UK, so it should be enough room. We have one little modification to do on the steering system before we are able to run at any speed, but this is under way and will be finished in a day or two.
One thing that is already very clear is that the weather at the lake is almost completely unpredictable. It seems to have its own micro climate that differs from surrounding towns and the forecast! (wind can funnel down valleys differently, giving very different patterns on different sides of hills) The only solution will be to stay on permanent standby, near the craft. The week ahead looks quiet and warm (great to improve the rough ice surface) then a new weather system should move in towards the end of the week. As long as there is not more snow, we should be in very good shape by the weekend.
Looks cold ! Ht Richard, are the runners hollow ground like ice-skates, or just a single edge?—Steve
Comment by Steve Stephens — January 12, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
Hi guys! Nice project.. I’m wing sailer being often at 50 miles an hour…(kitewing and other prototypes)
I like ice and sand at high speed, but on skates and skis.
Question: it’s look that you dont use the long horizontal stab on ice? Why on sand and not on ice?
David
Comment by David Lenoir — January 12, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Would it be possible to use a small truck to smooth the ice, like the one that is used on ice skating race or in ice hockey?
I’ve been reading the news of the project for the last 3 years, and i hope you will have good winds during this year!!!
Hernán
Comment by hernán piñón arias — January 14, 2009 @ 1:45 am
Good luck Rich. It will come your way sooner or later. Tenacity will ultimately pay off.
Comment by Paul — January 18, 2009 @ 12:26 am