View from the hang gliding and parasailing launch zone along South Main Divide/Killen Truck Trail in Cleveland National Forest. The Santa Ana Mountains overlooking Lake Elsinore are home to a naturally occuring phenomenon called the Elsinore Convergence. When the cool ocean air from the Pacific meets the warm air of the valley it creates a multitude of thermals. This enables hang gliders and parasailers to reach altitudes of up to 15,000 feet, even though this launch zone is only about 1,400 feet. Conditions are ideal for 300+ days of the year, making this a world-reknowned location.
There was no one at the launch zone this day; it was a hundred degrees up here, even hotter down below and unusually hot along the coast. I think this was one of those rare days when conditions were not ideal!
