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Located on Whidbey Island, Ebey's Landing is a gently rolling grassy slope that runs up from a sandy beach, to a farmers field and then some woods. The slope overlooks the sound and provides a nice view of the Olympic Mountains. |
Ebey's Landing
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Located on Whidbey Island, Ebey's Landing is a gently rolling grassy slope that runs up from a sandy beach, to a farmers field and then some woods. The slope overlooks the sound and provides a nice view of the Olympic Mountains. |
SLOPE TERRAIN: The flying site is a grassy slope running east-west with sand cliffs further west. The best flying will be found by hiking all the way up to the top where there is a fence that marks the edge of the park boundaries, and the beginning of the farmers' fields. The slope is generally nice enough to land about anywhere.
FLYING EBEY'S LANDING: The optimum wind for Ebey's Landing is southwest. However, as you stand on the slope and look southwest, you see the Olympic Mountains. Certainly beautiful, but they tend to block the winds. Not to fret, the top of the slope has a slight bowl shape. This bowl lends itself to attracting even the slightest of breezes, so even if there is no wind on the water, there may be enough to keep a plane up, at the top of the slope. This bowl is particularly effective in southerly winds.
These photos: © Washington State Department of Ecology
EBEY'S LANDING WEATHER: It is often hard to determine the wind direction at Ebey's unless you are standing up on the slope. Some of the better sources are the West Beach wind talker, and weather stations at Smith Island Weather Buoy (near Ft. Ebey), Whidbey Island NAS, and Coupeville. An overview of the area's wind vectors can be found at the Greater Seattle Soaring Weather.
GETTING THERE: First, you have to get to Whidbey Island. The Automobile ferry runs from Mukilteo to Clinton (the current schedule). However, you might just want to drive over land (I-5 north to 20 west) if you live farther north, the drive time might just be the same or less. Once you get off the ferry, head north on 525 to where it joins 20. Just past the main road to Coupeville, you will see Ebey Rd, hang a left. Follow this down to were it makes a sharp hair pin turn by the water. The main parking lot is on the right or you might end up parking farther down the road on the right by the beach. Unpack and head up to the slope. There is a pretty nice beach here, so you might even consider bringing the family for a picnic. Have FUN!
Page designed for the SASS by RED, soaring enthusiast and club member, picture by Phil Pearson.
Whidbey Island: Fort Ebey
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