Lanzarote 2011 Day Eight - Well Well Well

Classic sky as we get set to go from the very bottom of Famara

The Ridge Runners on their return

Loz spaced out after sampling the BIG one

End of a cracking week (whres Wanda)

It started of like any other day, well not quite, first i had to spring Kaz from the hospital then we had to pack our kit and clear the villa. Fortunately (or not weather wise) the skies were still grey and overcast and the wind still strong but the forecasts still all said it would drop and there may be a slot for us to have a last flight at Famara.

Whilst Kaz myself and Ray finalised things the advance party headed to the hills arriving at the bottom of lower launch to find it windy and a bit off to the north. We joined them shortly after and whist we headed to a cafe to meet up with Marian to complete her CPC exam and theory Loz, Michelle and Wanda took a trip to South of Soo to see if things were better there.

By the time we had sorted Marion out (congratulations by the way) and returned to the base of Famara things were looking better and canopies were being got out. Michelle was flying south of soo but reported it bumpy and breezy although the lift was "fantastic". They decided to return to Famara and by the time they got back I was happily soaring the lower slopes and conditions were improving all the time.

Michelle wasted no time in getting his wing out and we both launched together for play time. The lift was good and soon we managed to get onto the upper slopes and past the higher launch. Next in good lift we crossed onto the main Famara ridge with another couple of canopies getting there about half way down. To cut a long story short whilst our companions turned back we soared up the cliffs to pop above the top and enjoy a superb couple of hours cruising the whole Famara run to the Mirador Cafe and beyond then turning back and cruising all the way back to launch where we landed by the cars at the designated land by time of 16.00hrs. To say Michelle was pleased is an understatement ecstatic is nearer but still a bit low!

Meanwhile Loz had managed the tough bit, getting across the first gap, and then also crossed onto the main ridge where he had the flight of his life taking in the scenery whilst trying not to be sucked into the clouds. Alas time was against him so the full run was not to be his this time. Still he had some fantastic flying and was bouncing nearly as much as Michelle when he landed.

A swift packing session saw us heading for the airport where it was tired but happy bunch of bunnies that flew back to the UK.

All in all a great trip with a huge variety of flying giving something for everyone, 6 days flying can't be bad and to have the icing on the cake on the last day was just amazing. Thanks to all who came and made it such fun and well done to all with Rays confidence building daily, Wanda cracking low level launches and working her way up the hill, Loz and Michelle have and I quote " the best flights of there lives" and Kaz for hanging in there despite being less than 100% but making the most of it. Ohh and well done to Loz for completing his Pilot rating tasks, nice one.

Lanzarote is always fun and whilst less predictable than some other locations does offer unique flying along with a nice and fun place to be, coming ??????