The Greenbird in it’s final stages of assembly at Lake Lefroy.

Richard Jenkins being congratulated after setting new world record for wind powered land vehicle, Ivanpah California

 

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Water receding, waiting for wind…

Filed under: Land Record — Tags: , , , — Richard @ 4:52 pm on August 25, 2008

Well, I am now getting pretty bored of taking pictures of reflections of the Greenbird, even if some of the sunsets and sunrises are magnificent.

Water is steadily drying, but regardless of the water situation, there is no real sign of wind on the horizon, which is a real change compared to the conditions I experienced last year, when we had a front (strong wind event) pass through every 2 or 3 days. This year, the jet stream is keeping the low pressure systems well below Australia and we are experiencing record High pressures with sun and light winds. Take a look at this site for a better explanation of current conditions www.weatherzone.com.au/synoptic.jsp Finding the right weather has always been a big part of the equation and for sure we have missed some great winds by a very small time margin. On the flip side we have also sat for months in deserts around the world in windless conditions. some of the comments refer to bad luck, but I don’t see it like this at all. To me, it is all part of the challenge and the harder the record is, the greater value I attach to it and the harder I try to break it.

I have had many questions asking for more detailed explanation of how the vehicle actually works, so for the technical amongst you, I will do my best to put up a better description, here, shortly.

The Greenbird is currently sitting on blocks, to keep the mechanics dry, in about 2 inches of water.

Greenbird on the lake

Greenbird on the lake

Greenbird reflected in the lake

Greenbird reflected in the lake.

Greenbird on the rippling water

Greenbird on the rippling water

Greenbird under an orange sky.

Greenbird under an orange sky.