9 Jan Strawberry 13m Ozone Instinct

[ChrisPSherwin]

Went to Strawberry for the first time today and had a great time. I pulled in to the (strawberry river?) parking lot - 1st on the left, and was set up by about 12:45. 13 m kite with light wind took a minute or two to launch, and then the fun began. This was day 3 for me on snow. Once I got towards some of the ridge tops, I could not believe how fast I was going up steep inclines. I stayed in the same place for a few hours figuring out how to jump (somewhat) and I even did a couple of glides. There were 2 snowboard kiters around me for a while doing pretty big glides and jumps. One of these days...but man did I have fun. Got stuck with my kite down behind a hill while I was taking a break. Then my kite blew around a few times and my lines got twisted. That's when I decided to head in. I think I'll roll with a camelbak next time. Someone left a pair of poles upright and half buried at the bottom of one of the hills. I left them there figuring that someone "stashed" them so they could get back to the lot if the wind died? But I really don't know. It was somewhat of an effort getting back to the car (because of my twisted lines?) After four hours of going at it I will sleep well tonight.