I ran into Kathy S. in Inkom today, and she asked if that was me in that little green (close enough) plane over the ski area yesterday. When I replied in the affirmative (the ski area is behind my place, in my airspace as it were, and while I maintain a 500' separation from any man made structures and/or people, at the same time I take advantage of any ridge lift when clear of the ski area itself, then it's just a big mountain range and I'm a motor glider). She went on to ask "did you see us five ladies at the top of the South Bowl.... we all had our tops down"?
Now, these were not man made structures but naturally occurring ones, but as people were involved unfortunately I failed to spot the obstructions due to the 500' rule

I promised her the next time I would exhibit greatly increased situational awareness, while still of course staying compliant with the applicable FAA regulations. She, in turn, promised to continue, when appropiate of course, the visual aids needed to help keep my scan at a high state of awareness, as always, safety first
