| Short of Severn.... | 1283186280|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover countryside in smooth smooth lift the way I love to fly. We were shooting for the river Severn near Myles' house but had little wind to help us along. Carl and I started off together going over the back then decided to scrap it as the day didn't look as great as we thought. By the time we got back to takeoff, Kathryn had set out on her own, so I went to chase after her. Caught up to her but we didn't manage to stay together so long. She landed at the base of the Mynd where I landed on my first Langollen flight. Boy do I love a nice day in Wales!!! British Nationals Day 1 | 1282496220|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover I got off the hill right in the middle of the pack and was feeling like I launched at just the right time. Ben Dunn found a nice one for me and we circle up together well over launch, but not quite to cloudbase. After hanging around launch longer than I would have liked, waiting for anyone to go on course, Kathryn finally joined me and we decided to go out together toward the first turnpoint. We made a joking pack yesterday that we would fly and land together every day and finish the comp as co-women's-english-national champions ;-) Neither of us is English, of course, but since we're the only girls here, we figured we were a shoe in.
So, the pack is intact so far. We headed on course for the ridge north of launch where the first turnpoint was. Gordon Rigg had given us a great little briefing before launch with heaps of tips on where to go and what works and what doesn't. He explained exactly how and where would should work the ridge at the turnpoint which we did, exactly the way he suggested. I was pleased with myself for being able to follow his instructions so well - usually I just end up off on my own, doing my own thing.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a normal day and his suggestions weren't so fruitful. Kathryn and I worked the ridge together trying everything we could in the burbly air, surfed around in the ridge lift for a bit, but to no avail. After quite a lot of trying, we had lost most of our altitude and had to glide into the valley for a landing field. There were two others already there and another four came after us, each of them trying exactly as we had and each of them eventually getting too low and gliding out to our field.
Me amo Kathryn....te amo? | 1282253760|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover So tonight Kathryn and I are back in Bassano on our way to Laragne. We're hearing reports that the weather is supposed to be great for that one....keeping our fingers crossed.
Cancelled Task....but still in Paradise | 1282055400|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover But we flew anyway. Only in Tolmin can we land after just a half an hour and still have a giant smile. The lift was very very light and the air was perfectly smooth for checking to see that the turn I've had is finally gone (hopefully forever!). I also had a chance to test Carl's GoPro!! Just after takeoff.... ...and coming in to land. There are three Litesports in this comp....all Dutch (or with Dutch ancestors at least ;-) Back in Tolmin.... | 1281962460|%e %b %Y, %H:%M %Z|agohover Today was meant to be the first task day, but the weather isn't cooperating. We drove up the hill for a noon briefing there, but found dark, ominous clouds overtaking the entire hill. After thunder, lightning, rain and hail, we gave in a drove back down. I love some of the odd things you find in other countries. We arrived last night (Sunday) without milk for our nightly cup of tea and no supermarkets open. Never fear! The local dairy farmers have a vending machine that they fill with fresh milk and cheese every morning. You buy an empty liter bottle for €.20, then pop it into the machine that fills it with very fresh, yummy full fat local milk! What more could you ask for?! |
Jamie Wanders











