Like the old days !

It was breezy at Perran, in fact very breezy!  However thinking back 20 years ago it was the kind of conditions we used to fly regularly on gliders a lot less capable and harder to fly so I decided to give it a go.  Sure enough it was a fun take off and picking the right moment was important, as was Big Gray's duck out of the way. Once up and away the T2 C handled conditions easily getting around at will and actually feeling pretty relaxing to fly despite it being bouncy.

Having floated about for a while and assessed the top landing options I decided to either beach land by the main Perranporth car park or to fly back over the camp and land by the entrance off the main road, that is the beauty of Perran it gives you options.

Forsaking the less windy beach landing I played with a a bit of lift and circled back over the camp  arriving at the entrance 150' higher than I left the cliff. "S" ing off the height things got a little exciting near the ground, a combination of wind gradient and gorse bushes i think but the actual landing was fine.

It cast me back to when that is the kind of thing we would do at the end of the day just for fun along with giving some easy practise at both thermalling and out landing without having to commit to XC.  So next time you are out and the end of play is coming think about it and get a little more out of your days flying.

Fitting it in at Perran

 Chris H gets to try out the Element

 Steve M gets to try out his new Rush 3

 Who is this man ??

 Bunker Buddies

Coming back to earth, eventually !

It was an interesting day at Perranporth where the wind was up and down and switching around throughout the day, bit like the flying.

With such conditions timing was of the essence and luckily we got it pretty much on the nail through the day.  Chris H (Sennen) was along to start his hill work to get him sorted into the BHPA having done various bits abroad and with some other schools.  Chris managed to pop in four flights in total including 3 top landings and one slope landing.  His first two flights were on his own wing which saw him zooming around the sky not very high making me a bit suspicious of the wing size.  Not having a placard on it made me more suspicious so we popped him onto the Large Element which saw him floating around with everybody else making his life a lot easier.  By the end of his flying he had got soaring nicely sorted and even managed to try out Big Ears a couple of times.

Russell s (Torquay) turned up after work by which time the wind was on the increase and by the time he was ready it was also backing to the SW so once again he will have to wait a bit longer.

There was a good turn out of pilots having fun and nice to see Simon C back in the air along with Mark F.  Steve M got to try out his new Ozone Rush 3 which saw him way up there having a ball with the only problem as how to get down!  Looks like his new wing has got the thumbs up already :)

Knocking it on the head in mid afternoon Chris took the chance for a bit of theory input and rounded off with his EPC exam so setting him up for the CPC next time out.

Birthday wishes come true!

 Lyndsey gets airbourne on the Tandem HG

 Up and away as we head out into the blue

 Cruising the ridge and chasing seagulls

 A rare site as I get to fly my T2 C

Nigel gives his birthday present the thumbs up :)

We took the forecast on face value and headed to Sennen Cove despite it blowing nearly 40 mph when we left home.  On arrival it was still brisk but ob the drop and by the time we had rigged it was perfect with lots of lift and a good direction.

A quick test of the air on my T2 C confirmed conditions were good so we wasted no time in getting Lyndsay A (Polzeath) up into the air on the tandem hanger, a birthday present he had been bought by his wife.  We had a great flight  using the whole of the ridge, playing with the seagulls, and generally putting the world to rights.  Whilst up we could see others arriving and by the time we landed there were eight 8 other hangers rigged and ready to go.  Lyndsay had a fab' time and proved to be the perfect passenger making life easy and the landing tippy toe.

With Kaz leading the way the others began to take to the air  and soon several wings were up there having fun.  Nigel W who's birthday it was and who had wished for a 18 to 22 NNW wind and sunshine as a present got just what he wanted and made the most of it.  Nigel popped in three super flights on his Wills Wing Sport 2 looking far more settled than on is first flight on Tuesday and by the end of the day had added another hour to his airtime and gained his CPC hill rating. Congratulations and I am sure it was worth the wait.

Michel K dropped by and we took the opportunity to go up tandem so he could get back into hang Gliding and he did a fine job flying me around the sky giving us both much more confidence for his return to the sport.

A total of 10 hangers finally got to fly and nice to see Sam A back in the harness having fun along with the more experienced guys and gals.

As predicted at 15.00 hrs the wind eased back and out came the Paragliders so we took the slot to get Russel S up for his second soaring flight in what proved to be variable conditions. Russel did well managing to"top land" on his first flight whilst a sink cycle saw him on the beach on his second one, still he moves closer to his hill conversion. Several of the hangies got out their paras and had a fine time so getting to fly both in the same day as the conditions changed, ideal.......

Chris H showed us what he can do with his Paraglider on the ground and we look forward to getting him sorted into the system over the next few weeks and flying with him.

I rounded off the day with a final fun flight on the T2 C in nice gentle sea thermic conditions as the sun set having the whole ridge to myself  . So nice to get back on that glider :) 

A Carlsberg day!!!

Hanging out at Sennen

Carez gets set to go at Sunny Sennen

For a change the forecast was spot on and we made the most of it.  Arriving at Sennen at mid day it was still breezy enough and a bit north but by the time we had rigged it had eased a little and backed a tadge so being nice and flyable. 

With three students along for hill soaring joined by Kaz and carez and myself it was again nice and sociable and even sunny and not too cold.

Paul l from Plymouth was first off on the student front putting in his fourth soaring flight having already done three at Chapel porth a few weeks ago.  he made a fine job of it and had a great time flying the ridge before coming in for a nice top landing in the now empty car park, luxury.

Martin h (Bristol) who had made a long trip was rewarded next again with a lovely soaring flight on his Wills Wing Eagle and whilst it took him a few beats to settle in he made a fine job of it especially as it was only his second soaring flight the first of which was nearly a year ago.  he did a good top landing which gave him plenty of practice at "S"ing off in the floaty conditions.

Nigel W (St Just) then got the chance to fly his local site on a Hangy for the first time and popped up on th Wills Wing Falcon to get his hand back in this being his second soaring flight on a hangy and again after a bit of a break.  I guess he enjoyed it as we could hear him from the ground chuckling to himself as the sea thermals added to the fun.  Not to be out done he also did a super top landing and looked very chuffed with himself .

Kaz and Carez were also having a fine time flying the whole ridge in classic conditions which saw Carez top out at 1000' ato with the help of the odd sea thermal. They both had a couple of flights and looked very pretty in the Autumn sunshine.

Back to work and the guys all went up for a second flight. Paul L this time had a go on the Calypso and took a while to settle into it but soon got it sorted allowing it to fly instead of racing around the sky, his top landing was a cracker and we look forward to getting him onto his own wing soon.

Martin H was far more relaxed on his next flight and had a great time as he clicked into seathermals seeing him well high and again giving him some useful practice on his top landing.

Finally it was Nigels turn to take up "Arrie" his 'ang glider (Wills Wing Sport 2)  for the first time.  A swift take off saw him away and some swift flying saw him scooting up and down the ridge. Bit by bit he relaxed into Arrie and was soon climbing p and away in the fun conditions.  Despite a moment of excitement Nigel had a  good time and redeemed himself with a super landing.

A nice day out with plenty done and congratulations to all especially Paul and Martin on completing their Hill CPC ratings and Nigel for finally flying Arrie. Looks like we may be back there on Friday :)

Vickle At Vault

After a fun day yesterday we headed back to Vault to hopefully get Russel s sorted on his Paragliding hill tasks.  As predicted the wind was lighter and as expected it was in a fickle mood which saw some pilots soaring and top landing, "just" and some soaring then "enjoying" a walk up from the beach.

The wind moved from the east to the south and whilst there was some fun flying to be had it was never good enough to put Russell up so he settled for some useful ground handling whilst the rest of us scrapped our backsides along the gorse!

Nice to see plenty out and a very socialble day.

More Varying at Vault !

Vault bay held on to its reputation as not only being one of the most scenic of sites but also being one of the most unpredictable.

On arrival it was ideal hangy weather and whilst Carez enjoyed its delights I rigged the Tandem in preparation for Maria d who having had a taster day on a hangy  had decided to find out what its like several hundred feet up.  A good turn out of hangies arrived including several from the D&SC club along with some locals and ex students and all rigged.  Paul L was along to hopefully complete his soaring tasks and with his wing ready to go I gave the air a quick test before popping back in on top. 

Maria arrived and by the time we togged up the gliders in the air were scratching as the wind dropped and moved to the east, within a few minutes it was too light and off!

So change of plan and out came the Paragliders, we had a fun afternoon and Steve T took the chance of having a tandem with me along with Adam J (not at the same time) who had one as a birthday gift. They both had a great time  in cracking conditions which by the end of the day, despite the forecast, had filled in again to become top end paragliding but by now all the hangies had long gone.

A bit frustrating but then again typical Vault and after 30 years i am getting used to it! 

Something to fill the time

Check out this link to get a brief idea of what the guys got up to in Algo' on the first week. Thanks to Andy Shaw for the editing and Simon for the footage.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcPZ6LcLk_0

Varying at vault

 Mon Hang Checks

 Run Run Run

 Off and away

Back on the ground Mon looks pretty happy with it all

The strange weather persists and after a bit of a break since our return from Spain it was good to get out and about again.

Arriving at Vault Bay Steve D had just landed his paraglider after a short flight during which the wind went fromjust soarable to too windy over a matter of minutes or so.  However with the Orographic cloud coming and going the wind was as well so we decided to hang on.

Whilst Steve tested conditions again and got the Tandem Paraglider ready I rigged the tandem hangy to cover all bases.  With conditions slightly mellower and Steve M up to test the air Steve D continued with his Dual rating on the Paraglider taking me up for a series of flights in what were challenging enough conditions. Steve did a fine job even managing to protect his passenger (me ) from the cow pats on landing, such thought and much appreciated.

With the wind picking up  it was time for the hangy to go up and with Mon on board for a flight we had a great time playing with the lift, the seagulls and the clouds.  Mon was totally amazed at the whole experience soaking in every aspect of the flight.  We rounded it off with a nice landing along the road although we did have to wait for a gap in the clouds to find it!

Mon is booked in for a taster day next time out and it will be good to see how he gets on at the controls.  Nice to see a few other faces out although a shame it was to top end for Russell to finish off his hill flights.

Algodonales Day 15 End of Play

With Bill , Chrissy and Mike on an early flight they were up early for breakfast, on the other hand it may have been because Bill wanted to eat as many Golden Grahams as he could, the thought of leaving them behind was just too much for him!

They got away smack on time leaving things a little quieter and with the weather having broken the rest of us took it easy packing our kit.  Heading to Malaga we took a detour into Olvera where we had a super bite of lunch and Michel mixed up hairdressing with being sterilized, not a mistake you would want to make!

Arriving in Malaga with plenty of time to spare we made the usual trip to the beach for coffee and chilled before heading to the airport.  There were some pretty stunning but scary clouds around and once on the plane we made sure our seat belts were tight enough.  As it turned out it was pretty uneventful and we all arrived at Gatwick in one piece.

So ended Algodonales Paragliding 2011 trip and yet another good one. We had plenty of flying from ridge soaring through evening floating to super thermalling.  Everyone had a good time (well at least seemed to) and no one abused themselves (not that we noticed) and most achieved far more than they thought they would.

Thanks to all who came for both your company and your custom and it was great to meet and fly with some new faces who joined the "regulars".  Next years trip is already booking up so make sure you get in early if you would like to join us.  Adios ...................

Algodonales 2011 Day 14 Caves and Birds in Bathrooms

 The flag flies for the final time this trip

 playing in the north landing field

 Mike eyes up Bills breakfast

 Not sure what this sign means

 The girls and the cave

 Chrissy explores the caves depths

 Great dam shame it never worked

Bird in the bathroom

The forecast was almost a dead ringer for last wednesdays with a southerly wind picking up quickly to strong by mid day.  We were up the hill early, first there but already it was blowing so we had some fun with Chris's power kite being dragged around and with the catapult trying to shoot the kite.

Others arrived and a challenge ws thrown down to the Fly Spain team on a shoot out.  It went right to the wire and a "lucky" shot by Rob M from Fly Spain knocked the rock down, unfortunately I could not respond so we went one down in the comp' stakes.

On the way down we dropped in at the north landing field where the guys and gals put in an hour or so of very useful ground handling practice before even there it began to get a bit breezy and gusty.  Back to the house for a fry up courtesy of Kaz and Gary then we split in various directions depending on individuals choices.

Somewent to the big supermarket, some to Moron, some stayed in the square and letched and some to the caves and Ronda.

A farewell meal in JJ's was a noisy affair with Bill and Mike demolishing the last of the meatballs, Johan must have run out by now, and the rest of us sampling the menu.  Fly Spain team arrived full of it and challenged us to a spot of pool which despite a shakey start saw Cloud 9 hit back with a stunning finsh from Chris H to put them firmly in their place, nice one.

Back to the house saw a bit a of a late night drinking session on the 43 before everyone tucked up in bed for the last night.  Looks like we wont have to wash the cars tomorrow ................

Quotes of the day  " My poles bent at 45 degrees and I cant keep it up much longer"  and "Bill will knock me up in the morning"

Algodonales 2011 Day 12 Cloudbase and beyond

Another light southerly forecast so it was off up to Lijar main launch.  On arrival it was off to the west but launchable off the SW side. Some were going up some were gomig down and some were going round and around.  Bill was first off and worked hard to stay up but gravity finally got the better of him making the others understandably hesitant.  With one car already at the bottom volunteers were required to fly down and Michel, Chrissy , Barry and Nigel stepped forward.  They all showed the Spanish how to take off and Michel showed them how to thermal.

With reports of someone having deployed and landed under canopy near the gulley we did a quick pilot check  and fortunately it was not one of "ours".  A good reminder not to fly to near the gulley.

Whilst car one drove up car twoheaded to the west launch where it was smack on and looking good.  Mike, Gary, Chris and myself wasted no time in getting into the air and were already climbing out as the others arrived.  Pretty soon we were joined by the rest and everyone had some super flying with thermals to cloudbase and good lift making getting around easy. In fact a little to easy for Michel who wandered off down the valley and could not find the landing field. He finally ended up on the way to Olvera from where he was rescued by an unwary retrieve vehicle.  I had a stunning time putting a couple of hours and exploring the full capabilities of the Delta, very nice.

Some of the guys went back up for a second flight having landed in the notice board field which in Chris's case gave him his best flight ever as he flew with a Vulture nearly sitting on his lap for a full 10minutes, guess it had seen some of his landings and thought there might be an easy meal coming!

By the end of play everyone had had a ball and thanks to Bill even Kaz joined in the fun at the end of the day.  With a very dubious forecast coming it was a good day just when we needed it.

 The flag flies again this time at Lijar main launch

 Bill makes new friends and possibly new students for us

 Three stooges at Lijar

 Gary sets off from the west launch

 Mike joins him

...and finally Phippsy

 Quote of the day " we will give you a 2 for your landing" followed by " thats more than I would give for your take off".

  

Algodonales 2011 Day 12 Airborne radio and radical launches

 Things begin to get busy on the main launch

 Gary and Nigel make a fine pair off launch

 Wheel chairs and Wave clouds

 Chrissy looks forward to getting up there

 The Circus moves to the west launch

Need I say more .......

Well what an interesting day, light SSW winds forecast and bright sunshine, yummy.  As we headed up Lijar wave clouds were evident and the trees were blowing, hmmmm.  On arrival at launch gliders were already flying and staying up although it was breeezy enough.

The guys got sorted and just as well as the Germans arrived in force and things got pretty busy. Taking up residence to the left hand side we got ourselves a good spot and one by one the group got going.  Conditions were challenging resulting in a few miss fires from both ourselves and our neighbours one of which saw Bill ducking quickly to miss a pair of size 10 boots!  Nigel joined the bush club piking one of his very one as opposed to visiting someone elses but was soon out and ready to play again.

By the time they had all gone bar Mike who decided it was all a bit manic and reports from the air and landing field did litle to encourage him to risk the take off I was a nervous wreck.  However those that flew had a good time bouncing around in thermic/ wave conditions. In fact it got so bouncy for some that my radio that Chris had taken up with him in his leading edge fell out never to be seen again.

After about an hour or so the first ones decided to head down to land and we went to pick them up.  Gary stayed airborne and had a fun 3 hours before a large cloud got to friendly with him making it all a bit rock and roll and uppy so he too called it a day.

We made a return trip up the mountain and Bill managed to sneak off the west launch and glide out meet the vultures then circled up to 1000' ato before heading off to land complaining that it was a bit bouncy still up top.  Michel could not get off with his reverse launch and was convinced not to try a forward as Chrissy also joined the bush club, she who hesitates is lost......

We gathered the troops and headed down for an " early" day whilst pilots rushed to the main launch to get a late flight as darkness drew in.  Looks like a similar day tomorrowbefore we go sightseeing.

Quote of the day " I nearly Sh*t myself then I looked up and it was gone"

Oh by the way guys Peter le clerk was Petula Clark ........... makes it more challenging. Thanks for you post mark much appreciated.

Algodonales 2011 Day 11 Ups and downs and in betweens

 Setting up at Lijar main launch

 Thats the way to do it, nice one Barry 

 Nigel follows suit with a classic launch

 Chrissy climbs up

 ... and away

 Bill claims Ronda for Kernow

 Chris hot and sweaty after his training run

Cloud 9 with the JJ team

It was back up the main hill where hopefully the thermic wind would overcome the light ENE forecast.  Sure enough on arrival it had and with some staying up already the group kitted up for what looked like it would be a cracking day.

Chris H was first off kind of by accident as it turned out but made a fine take off but missed what lift there was and was soon heading out.  The rest picked their moments as the hill began to fill with some staying up and some going down.  Bill Chrissy and Mike all had a good go at it with Chrissy coming out on top and having a ball.  Michel held back waiting for better things and Gary reconfirmed that too much brake does not help at launch .......

By the time we had driven down and back up things had changed with the wind coming pretty much over the back, the dust devils kicking in and still some trying to take off!

We looked at our options and decided on a trip to Ronda where we found it nicely soarable on arrival. Michel myself and Bill wasted no time in getting in the air and found nice bouyant conditions with some super smooth thermals if you were lucky :).  However by the time the rest were ready some cloud moved in covering the sun and the lift died resulting in Michel on top Bill at the bottom and me in a bush in between!

Mike and Gary both made valiant attempts and managed short soaring flights before landing at the bottom of the slope and finally Bill and myself flew down to the road to check out the options for future visits.

Anothet long day but some good flying  and everyone getting some airtime, can't be bad

Quote of the day "Hey Phippsy do you want me to rub some cream on it" 

Algodonales 2011 Day 10 Castles and Thermals

 Gary gets set to go ... where though ??

 The guys and gals join the flock

 Nigel W gets away when it is breezy enough

 Tandem Passenger plays catch the shoe

 ..and wins!

 Bill sets up the camera for the group photo

 ...and does a fine job

 Mike practices his Brake dancing

Classic evening magic

Another bright and sunny day with a NE forecast saw us return to the big M where it was spot on  and pretty much flyable from the time we arrived.  Whilst some of the guys lingered a little some cracked out their kit and as ususaly Michel was up and away first. As more pilots arrived it set up to be a busy day so organisation was the key. The wind filled alittle until despite the forecast it bacame breezy enough and a little too challenging at launch for some of the group. 

Gary joined the bush munchers club and permitted us to use our well honed skills from yesterday to extract him.  I took the opportunity to  get a flight inand check the conditions as things seemed to moderate a little and had a fun time flying with Michel Nigel Bill and Chrissy in nice thermic conditions allowing us to fly the whole ridge and out to the castle on the hill and back, great fun.

With things easing off it ws back to earth to get the rest off and what a fine time they had flying right intot the evening in the calssic lift as the thermals finally died away.  Everyone did good landings despite the nil wind conditions at the bottom.

It was a late night back followed by Kaz and myself dressing up as Witches, you dont wanrt to ask........

Tomorrow looks like a Lijar day but we shall see.

Quote of the day "nice meatballs"