It was blown out at Bingen today. The wind speed of 15-20 mph at the LZs around 8:30 when Neil and l arrived , so we decided to visit Eagles Butte in Kennewick, Washington (2.5hrs drive East of Bingen). Weather Underground was showing 5-10mph West and SW winds over there however, from what l heard, this site is usually much stronger than forecast prediction. Thanks to Rick Ely, Gabe Dinu and Rob Andrews for providing us the site info via texting, as this was our first flight visit. We arrived the launch at noon, but wasn't strong enough for soaring (3-8mph), so Neil took a sledder first and landed down below (Launch level is 550ft AGL). Our second round to launch at 2:30, winds increasing to 20-25mph so l launched around 3 before Neil, and we both got up high immediately to 1,200 to 1,500 ft above launch and flew for more than an hour. Thermals and ridge lifts were everywhere even far away from the Butte. When we left before sunset, it was still blowing really strong like 25-30 mph. We having to battle with the strong winds to packed up our glider. This site reminds me of a mini version of Saddle Mt in Mattawa. Great top-landable site, will post the video later.
some information about Kiona (Benton City) and Eagle Butte (Kennewick). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
In a good NE or NNE days you can fly the whole Kiona ridge. Easier smooth road up to launch about 10 minutes off of I-82 , The Kiona ridge is about 3 to 4 miles long.&nb sp; Sites like Kiona, Cliffside, Eagle Butte is easy access for someone like me who don't have a drivers or 4X4 vehicle.
Both sites are top-landable :
Kiona Butte 1,800ft MSL/ Bottom LZs 800ft MSL/ 1,000 AGL
Eagle Butte 1,200ft MSL/ Bottom LZs 650ft MSL/ 550 AGL
Direction from Eagle Butte to Kiona
coming from Seattle : exit 96 off I-82 , Go up the hill and turn Right on McBee - Launch
is above access road 
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