A bit more flying

Things get going on the lower launch at Montellano

Mark tries out his nipple and leg tickleing device

Michelle ??

German efficency

The evening magic begins

An early start saw us at Montellano just as the wind pulled on but also as it filled in. A couple of Spaniards provided the entertainment proving it was too strong on top. We split forces and Kaz took a group to check out the lower launch which is where we all ended up pretty soon. It was still windy and despite some flying including Michelle who made it look far too easy, we held fire for better conditions. A bit of fossil hunting a bit of watching some one trying to take off not @clipped in@ and a lot of sun bathing whiled away the time. the girls went for coffee whilst the boys waited it out.

By late afternoon things got better and Michelle and myself tested the air, it was improving. the girls returned and Kaz fired up the troops and was quickly in the air following Barry off the hill. Chris , Steve and Mark soon followed as the sky began to fill. Soon they were getting higher and higher as the evening lift kicked in. Michelle, Kaz, Steve and Mark all made it to the higher level and had some fantastic flying into the evening.

The girls gave the lower a miss and as the wind dropped we headed back to the top. Amazingly it was still very breezy up there so we gave it a miss, Still there were happy plots on the way home as the sun set.

Steve cooked an amazing meal which got the thumbs up all round and it was an early night.

A bit of Flying

Michelle backfrom the first flight of the day

Dredgy cruises Ronda La Vieja

Lisa gets set to go on a cracking soaring flight folloed by a super top landing

Cathy (the high one) gets back in the air for real after a long break

Classic Ronda evening conditions kick in

With the front having passed we headed to the hills and our choice was Ronda La V. We were first there and guess what Michelle was first off the hill. Conditions were scratchy but he made the most of it before popping in on the side. Next we got the girls off for a top to bottom and they all did a fine job even putting in some soaring on the way down. The overnight rain had made the fields and the track a bit on the muddy side so we had a bit of a walk out still they had all done what was needed and hopefully conditions would improve so bottom landings would be avoided.

Indeed they did and soon gliders were soaring well and the site getting busier. Everyone had a great day and the girls all excelled themselves mixing it with the best of them and having some cracking flying before either top landing or slope landing. Mark and Steve rounded off the day by gliding out to the main road in formation whist Michelle did it in his own unique manner lading somewhere else.

It was a happy bunch that returned to Algo .

A bit of history

Testosterone cuts in on the way to the caves

Cave dwellers

The entrance to the BIG cave

Michelle on a rock slide

Indiana Jones studies another dry dam

Ok it was another day not good for flying so we set off to entertain ourselves again. This time we went underground into some ancient caves. The drive to them took us through some great scenery and past an old dam which we put on the list to visit on the way back.

The caves are privately owned and after an interesting session regarding underpayment, suitably sorted by Michelle we were finally allowed in although the Brits were very much the bad boys of the tour group! With only a limited number of paraffin lamps you had watch where you went not helped by a slippery floor. It was a pretty amazing place with stalagmites and tites as well as some strange rock features. The main attraction is some ancient drawings and markings dating back some 25 thousand years.

On emerging safely we headed back towards the old dam where we followed out noses down into a large canyon. At the bottom is the entrance to another cave system this one much larger and open to explore. after a wander into it we came to a halt due to an underground lake but apparently with a bit of kit you can do a 7 hour trip through it. Back up tot he dam, which is dry due to rock faults, the braver went across it to explore whilst the rest headed for the safety of the cars. Reports are that it would be an interesting place to return too ..............

Looking flyable tomorrow.

A bit of Culture

Culture in Seville

Big cathedrals have BIG doors

That's not something you see every day

Kaz relaxes

Yummy

The forecast was poor so we made an early decision to can the day have an easy morning then head to Seville for some culture and shopping! What an amazing place it is , after having split into a couple of groups we headed off to explore. Walking through the park we encountered various sites and the girls found the un official loo's !

By sheer chance we met up around mid afternoon outside the massive cathedral and compared notes. The Plaza Espania took the biscuit although several other buildings ran a close second. Meeting back at the cars all spot on time we headed back to Algo vowing to return sometime for a longer visit.

None flying days are always more tiring, hope it's flyable soon ........

Out and Return

A spot of ground handling never goes amiss

A gay german joind in the fun and games

It's over there

Stunning wave sets up over the mountains

Twin peaaks viewed from the path up the mountain

What and Epic day with stonking climbs, amazing views and a 57k out and return completed by all! Well that's kind of the truth apart from the fact that we did it in the cars..........

We were up and off early as the breeze was forecast to increase by early afternoon as the weather front approaches, yes the same one as has crossed England. The team did a great job and we were out of the house by 09.20 ! We headed straight up the mountain and arrived at main launch to find it already breezy and SW, we gave it an hour but things increased so we headed down passing the french on the way up..

Passing the North bottom landing we took the opportunity for a bit of ground handling and flip flop ball before it got even too windy for that. Next we took a site seeing trip via El Bosque for coffee then back over the mountains via Grazalema to Algo. The views were spectacular and the wind funnelling through the pass blew you away. Some stunning wave clouds set up down wind giving the ideal chance to do a brief explanation of how it works.

Kaz and I attempted to summit the north launch by foot but turned back just short as darkness was falling and only just made it back in time. Some ate in some ate out and some got a bit drunk but all were happy. First non flyable day and looks like we may have a couple more before things get good again ..........

Ch ch ch changes

Change over day saw me heading to the airport with Steve, Ray, Bill and Sam who were at the end of their two week trip which was a cracker with it being flyable every day and all of them having made the most of it. We will miss them over the next week for a variety of reasons and thanks to all of them for their help and fun whilst they were here.

Having dropped them off at the airport I had a couple of hours off on the beach waiting for the next batch to arrive. A text from Lisa let me know they had landed and pretty soon Lisa W, Cathy L, Steve D and Michelle K were bundling into the starship for the trip up to Algo. All were pleased to be here and kindly updated me on what is going on in the world.

Meanwhile back in Algo Kaz had been to the supermarket to resupply aided by Barry and the guys and Wanda had a chilled day in town relaxing and drinking beers along with a bit of table tennis. Some gliders flew off the top to do downers but as far as a changeover day went it was a good one to pick as we did not miss any good flying, phew.

Meeting up in Algo the newbies dropped off their kit then it was up to JJ's for beer and food. An early night saw us all tucked up by midnight as we needed an early start in the morning if there is any chance of flying.

Twin Peaks and beyond

Barry gets loaded to go as his ground crew stand by

The action starts at launch as the thermals kick in

Barry and Ray enjoy the view

The View

Phippsy's landing spot just short of Ronda La V

Day 14 the bush diving continues off the SE east launch of Lijar, mostly the French, it tends to be what they do best. First Off was Lancaster Bomber Barry with an excellent forward launch, closely followed by Chris and Kaz. Next up was the Ray the red Devil, who did the light fandango and another excellent launch. Everyone was back on top by two thanks to Bill for as swift pickup (and collecting my radio from the digs).

With a switching wind and a few dust devils it was hard to know what launch to commit to. We opted for the south west, first off was Bill to test conditions which were fickle, next off was Phippsy followed by Sam and Steve. With thermals rolling up the gully in front of launch and a climb out above the hill Graham and I glided out towards twin peaks. Graham had his racing head on and made it past Twin Peaks well on his way to Ronda. I had to settle for a landing in the valley just past El Gastor, but an excellent flight and a big learning curve.

Steve had an excellent flight , with a fantastic low save with his ever reliable thermal over the Ronda Road. Next stop was Ronda ridge. A setting sun, perfect breeze made for classic smooth ridge soaring conditions everyone flew, we packed in the dark. A lovely meal in Algo saw the end to an excellent two weeks thanks to Graham and Kaz.

Blog by Sam

Better than best

Group 2 photo at Montellano

Seemed like a good idea at the time

Chris demonstrates how to do a forward launch

Lat the games begin as gliders get flying

The evening lift continues as we prepare to leave half the team flying

Well it was for some and it was still a cracker for all, well except for Kaz as she now has the full blown version of Phippsy's lurgy.

We headed to Montellano for a change and also as it was a NE forecast. The wind was very light when we arrived so after doing the obligatory site introductions we settled down for a spot of sunbathing. By late morning things began to move a little so team Cloud 9 made an impressive sight as myself followed by Barry, Steve and Bill mad first class forward launches to test the air. It was starting to work but not quite enough to stay up. Pilots got twitchy as gliders could be seen on Lijar and questions were asked about switching sites.

A few more gliders took off a few stayed up briefly but most went down. The other groups cracked and headed off Lijar, we stayed. No sooner had they left than the wind filled the thermals came and flying began in earnest. It turned into a cracking afternoon and even better evening with the classic Hot Chocolate conditions switching on for the last hour or two. The guys flew their socks off with Mark F taking the endurance record at 4hours 12 minutes and several others around the 3 hour mark.

Chris and Barry upgraded their best ever flights to today's and looked like they had a good time. The "early" landers nipped home in one car leaving those in the air to fly till dusk arriving home well after dark. The house was very quiet by 10.00 !

Could well be back on Lijar tomorrow

Evening Delight

A Rays eye view as he prepares to fire

Gunnery team Sam and Ray let one rip

Practicing squatters rights in Setenil

Things get going at Ronda La V

Lovely evening conditions with only us using them

North winds always spread out the crowdsand so it was today. We headed to Teba for a change of scenery and whilst the guys liked the look of the site it was a tadge on the breezy side. There was a lot of wave in the sky so we amused ourselves with a bit of catapult target practice to see what happened.

Next it off to Setenil for a bit of sightseeing and a coffee to see if things died down. Then it was off to Ronda La V where we expected to meet the crowds. On arrival there were only two hangies as it was still too windy for danglers. But experience has shown us patience is a virtue so we settled down to wait for conditions to improve. Baz arrived with a few pilots and by early evening it became flyable although with a fair amount of east in it.

I tested the air and pretty soon those that wanted to were up and away into what was amazingly pleasant conditions. With smooth lift it was a great time to practice slope landings (sorry Jackie) as well as working off height with tight turns. As the sun set we sneaked into land and packed up as darkness fell. A lovely unexpected flight and in Kaz's words one of the nicest.

Maybe a bit more wind again tomorrow ......

Personal best's

The perfect egg gave a good start to a good day

Chris H looking like he means it as he gets set to on his best flight ever!

The guys cruise the ridge waiting for the next cycle

Bill keeps his nipples covered as Steve gets ready with his nipple clamp

Ready to guide them into the top landing the view is lovely

The skies had cleared and it was back to blue skies again and with light winds forecast we opted to try the main hill before heading off in the afternoon. Up Lijar it was already North and whilst it was a hot one it could not overcome the true wind and pull it up the face. We headed to the NW launch to watch the entertainment and after about an hour it became sensible enough to launch and even better the thermals were starting to work. Steve M and Sam gave it a go both getting off safely although Sam did try to knock out one of the french contingent, should get an award for that!

Steve gave it his best but missed the lift whilst Sam a few minutes later cracked it and was soon well high above the mountain. Whilst one car headed to Ronda La V we waited to see if Sam would travel by air but he dropped out of the climb so we picked him up in the notice board filed before collecting Steve.

At Ronda there were only two other gliders in the air and we wasted no time in joining them. I tested the air and was soon nearly 2000' above launch having a ball. One by one the others came up and as conditions mellowed we got Chris and Barry up there as well. They both had a great time mixing ridge soaring, scratching and thermalling all together in one super flight. I launched to join them and we had a super time out front cruising in thermic lift before heading back to the ridge. As conditions mellowed Ray joined the throng and performed his first toplanding at Ronda making it all look far to easy.

With the sun setting the guys all cam back on top nicely with Mark F setting a record for the group of 2hours 51 minutes whilst Chris and Barry rated as their best flying ever.

Another excellent day, lets hope it keeps going..... may take a road trip tomorrow

Castles and Cumulus

The table tennis challenge gets ubderway (until they lose the ball)

Bill locks us in the Castle

Prickly Pear

Don't ask, we did and wished we hadn't

Lovely conditions at Ronda La V

Happy pilots at the end of the day

With a cloudy morning forecast we took it easy and headed out around 11.30 for a spot of site seeing in Zahara. Whilst Kaz chilled the rest of us headed up to the castle which got some of us puffing well but the view is always worth it. On the way back down we found a grown ups playground which kept us amused for a while.

By the time we made it back to the cars the sky was clearing and the sun making an appearance. With gliders launching off the west we decided to head to Ronda La V where we arrived to find nil wind. However by the time the wind sock was put up the wind appeared and withing 15 minutes Mark F led the way into the air. It was a cracking afternoon with the usual superb mixture of thermals and ridge lift giving everyone the chance to try both. Bill, Sam, Steve, Kaz and myself all had a ball getting pretty much as high as we wanted and in marks case a bit higher than he wanted! Chris, Barry and Ray had fun on the ridge with the new boys still settling into the very different conditions than those at Perranporth.

By early evening everyone was pretty much flown out so we headed back to base passing several downed pilots on the way. Forecast is looking good for rest of week so should get plenty more flying in ....

The Key master

Bill N heads off from Lijar launch

Weird Wave as a Para approaches the main landing zone

Love Doves

It was the first full day for the newcomers so after a quick check out of the main landing filed we headed up Lijar so they could get an early one in. As it was most decided to take the early slot and soon they guys were launching. With a bit of a breeze some managed a bit of ridge soaring before floating down and with some high cloud around the thermals were lacking.

A swift turn around saw us back at the top just in time for the thermic cycle as the wind moved to the SW launch. Kaz was off first and flew straight into good lift circling up away above launch. Bill and Sam quickly joined her whilst Steve headed off to his favourite spot to "enjoy" a good flight out in the valley. Chris and Barry went for it and both flew into some bouncy lift giving them a full on introduction to Algo'.

As quickly as it switched on it shut down again and whilst those high could stay up the late launchers were on a sleigh ride, that is with the exception of Ray who out flew those around him picking up some gentle lift about 750 below and working it back to take of height before heading off to join the rest.

Wanda and myself got set to pick them up when we found the car keys missing for car number 2, Bill did a fine job of trying to plead innocence but after a frisking he was found guilty having them safely in his pocket, along with various other objects in the bottom landing field. Still with a bit of juggling we got things sorted giving Bill and myself a chilled evening whilst the rest headed back up for an evening flight.

They guys had a fine time off the west launch with some staying up and some floating down but all landing safely in the cafe field. A good first day or the newcomers and a fun one for the two weekers. Weather looks a bit changeable tomorrow so maybe an afternoon flight at Ronda La V after a bit of site seeing.