Dougie and Julie

Sun Sea and Sand

2012-01-21T09:51:00.001Z

This will be my last post for a few weeks as we head out to Cuba this weekend for a well needed holiday in paradise with no Internet or phones, bliss. Just Julie, the beach, snorkeling, swimming with Dolphins and cocktails!

And when we get back spring should be on the brink, Lovely...............

Our beach

The only hotel in the bay - nice

Scratchy

2012-01-14T10:18:00.002Z

Clouds were streeting and it did not look to windy, game on I thought but on arrival the wind was very light at Beardown averaging 10mph.

I launched anyway and it was a struggle to stay up and the weak thermals hard to stay in with little height gain. 40 minutes and 100ft ato was all I managed before Matt arrived and the wind died completely, so much for the increasing forecast. It was nice to practice thermaling again and proves it is worth the trip to Dartmoor, even in deep mid winter! Sorry Chris B next time!

Nice cloud streets, but impossible to conect with

Tick off the list

2012-01-10T19:13:00.000Z

More mild weather and a gentle westerly flow in mid winter means just one thing, our old favourite Polhaun Cove.

It has always been in my mind to jump forward from the Cove onto Rame Head proper and fly over the Chapel on the pinnacle and today turned out pretty perfect for the attempt.

On the third try I managed to get into the first bowl around from Polhaun with about 20ft to spare, I was not to worried as there was plenty of beach within a downwind dash. Once over the rim the lift was incredible in the strenghtening breeze from the 200ft shear cliff below and I was able to fly right out to the Chapel, over the Coastguard station and gain some 500ft ATO.

I did not hang around long as the wind was really picking up so went off to top land, easier said than done, if there is just a hint of lift my M4 refuses point blank to go down even with big ears and I did not fancy a spiral in such strong wind so chose a ploughed field and ended up landing going backwards.It was no problem in the end and a good landing considering, the brake travel is very short so it does not take much to stall the wing.

Cornish Bill, first man off

View from the first bowl on Rame Head

Rame Head Chapel on the point

The church a little closer

Flying at Freathy

2012-01-09T19:41:00.000Z

Mild conditions still prevail over the UK with a balmy temperature today of 13 degrees c and south westerly winds significantly lighter than the last couple of weeks.

Freathy had been on all day, so I rigged and launched into about an 18mph breeze and had 45 minutes before landing at sunset - how long will this weather hold?

Launch

Dull and overcast Whitsand Bay

Urban flying

2012-01-06T16:34:00.005Z

Well what an afternoon, Freathy was blown out, it was raining on the Moors but a little site on the edge of Plymouth rocked. But only for 5 minutes before the drizzle set in.

You may be wondering where, well its not a million miles from Mount Battern!!! However launch is very difficult and there is no bottom landing most of the time. This is certainly not a place for the masses!

Post Christmas flying

2011-12-27T18:44:00.001Z

Flying windows these days are getting few and far between and bloody short as well. For such a dodgy forecast there was a good turn out of pilots, Tom D, Cornish Bill, Artist Terry, Torbay Mick and new pilot Darren S.

I had a short flight early doors for 15 min's but it really was to strong so landed to assess the situation. Packing up sometimes helps and so it did, becoming nicely flyable for everyone to enjoy 45 min's or so, before it really did get to windy.

Bill charming the local cattle

Looe and Looe Island

Seaton village and Rame head in the distance

Christmas Flying

2011-12-20T19:01:00.001Z

Its been a long time coming so more in hope rather than expectation I headed to Cox Tor for the forecast drop in wind speed this afternoon. On arrival it was gusting to 24mph but soon dropped off to reasonable levels after 10 minutes or so!

Once up and away the air remained sightly gusty but with good ground speed once away from the middle ridge and with plenty of lift about, most of it a good way out from the ridge. This seemed to peak just above the cars at the base of the hill. All in all I had a smashing 45 minute flight in testing conditions, what a pleasure it is to fly such a competent and quick wing

The view out towards Brent Tor, the peak just left of centre and a possible turnpoint for a planned flight next year.

Nice riser and line detail on the M4

Cox Tor and Plymouth Sound in the distance

Crazy Winds

2011-12-14T08:40:00.000Z

Winter

2011-12-10T14:10:00.004Z

Well winter has definitely arrived with a serious lack of flying and a marked increase in beer consumption and nights out, not all bad of course apart from the increasing waist line ;-)

Still, I am looking forward to exploring Dartmoor wave and North coast sea thermals over the winter if the weather allows!

Today initially looked promising from the forecasts and even better in Plymouth this morning with bright sunshine and little wind. Unfortunately on the way to the Moors a few showers were apparent on the horizon and as the wind increased so did the rain. Ivor, me and Malc called it a day!

Downpour on the way to Cox Tor

Probably should have gone to Polhaun at Whitsand Bay to fly, but with stories from Dartmoor gliding club of strong thermals last Wednesday what's not to like on the Moors even in the winter.

Maker

2011-11-21T11:49:00.000Z

Well I flew, that is the main thing! (Sunday)

It really was to windy, probably 20mph, maybe a little more in the compression. Spent my time practicing spiral exits, which are improving and then having a rather rough landing approach (to say the least). Thankfully the actual landing was text book. But again great practice for landing out in windy conditions.

Lack of Tandem

2011-11-13T10:43:00.000Z

Its been a while since our Tandem has been out of its bag, mainly because Julie has been suffering from Benign Positional vertigo. I am glad to say that the doctors manoeuvre Julie was given to complete has worked a treat and dislodged a bit of calcium that was stuck in here inner ear causing the balance issues, so she is now feeling 100%. Just need some decent weather, famous last words!

Sea thermals

2011-11-10T18:03:00.000Z

I had not expected to be flying as the met office predicted rain so did not bother packing my gear in the morning. But leaving Newquay at 12 it was looking good for Maker which was a little pain as I had to drive home past the site, grab my gear and drive back again. That will teach me not to be prepared.

Anyhow coastal flying does not get much sweeter as the air was very buoyant with sea thermals, I took one climb to just shy of base off Mount Edcombe point and followed the Black Back Gulls around as they played in the now forming cloud street and was joined by a pair of large Buzzards also out enjoying the lift. Falling off the end of the street upwind of the cliff I dived back in to find the wind off to the east and getting stronger. The lift died as the stratus came in and temps increased so just played on the ridge for a while before top landing as the sun started to set, sweet

Climbing up with the best view in the world of Drakes Island and Plymouth

Fort Picklecombe

The break water in Plymouth Sound

Tom coming in to land

Show me the wave...

2011-11-06T17:43:00.001Z

Its that time of year again, the sun is low in the sky and thermals are scarce which can mean only one thing - wave flying in strong winds.

Cox Tor did not fail today, I got there around 2.30pm to the sight of 4 modellers getting serious height. As I approached launch it was clear the wind was strong, in fact 16-20mph according to my gadget, a quick chat with the modellers confirmed there was lots of wave around and it was not to rough.

With the wind being very strong I rigged just below the main launch on the North side, popped the wing up moved back up the slope and was in the air before I knew it. Pushing a little bar I moved out front into the valley following a model and went straight up, literally. By this time I was off the bar and at min sink with no ground speed and just going straight up, definitely wave. I topped out at 500ft ato, although I missed the best of it, just half an hour before I got there the models were up at 1000ft - nice.

This is not the first time I have experienced wave here and it seems to kick in about half a km out from launch above the farm and is best in a NNE. Great flying for about 50 minutes before it turned off like a light. They say you learn something everyday, what I learnt is the feeling the wing gives you just before you hit the wave - sorted. More of this please

Looking towards Brent Tor

Heading into the valley, the lift started just before the wall

Shameless advertising and yet again the M4 was very well behaved

Eagle Owl

2011-10-24T19:16:00.000+01:00

Great footage of an Eagle Owl in slow mo here

fruits of my labour

2011-10-22T11:03:00.000+01:00

Spanish Naga Chilli

Cherry Bomb Chilli and our tailess cat Cookie

At last two Naga's and a bomb ready to eat

No flying - way too windy

Not quite connected

2011-10-15T16:20:00.001+01:00

As the soundings predicted it was light at sea level and more wind the higher you got, so Cox Tor's south side was as high up as possible, unfortuntley it was still light but the clouds were moving at height. I had a few sweaty hops getting back on top once in very small thermals.

Matt arrived and we decided to fly off out front for a do or die flight, we found bouyant air with pockets of lift but to small to work at, but it did keep me aloft for 5 minutes but not able to connect with the bigger stuff. The sail planes at Brent did no better but good practice trying to stay up in the light stuff.

May be tomorrow's post cold front air mass will provide some entertainment ............................

Wave flying

2011-10-14T18:41:00.000+01:00

By lunch time I had almost given up hope of flying down to the increasing wind speed, but after a call from Matt it looked good to go at Beardown. I arrived as Matt launched and zoomed straight up in strong conditions relishing his warm legs in his new pod.

Wasting no time I was right behind and soon we were both boating around the valley between 400 and 600ft most of the time, unfortunatly the sky had completely closed in but that did not stop embedded thermals coming through. Luckily these were not to strong to disrupt the wave coming from the hill in front, which was very smooth and extensive. The bowl here really does work very well mainly becasuse of the hill in front being in-phase.

The site has great potential and is one of my favourites to fly, it rarely fails to work if the wind is on.

Beardown Tor to the left of Matt

Looking down the river Dart

Matt looking the part

Looking good for the weekend!

Not so nice Maker

2011-10-03T17:21:00.000+01:00

Maker was on for a short peiod Saturday morning just gone, however it was not particulary nice in the air. I have a funny feeling the air was actually easterly and the bowl at Kingsand was drawing the wind onto the hill making for a turbulent feel. I had 3 flights none of which got any better, it felt like flying in rotor at times, so I bottom landed on my final flight! The joys of a walk up a hot sweaty hill.

Mellow, mellow, mellow

2011-09-29T19:51:00.000+01:00

What a lovely afternoon, the wind was light, the sun was out and 26 degrees on the clock according to my dodgy temp gauge on my vario. Flying in a t-shirt is always nice, but the one downside of my pod is a sweaty body, not very pleasant when sweat runs down the crack of your arse!

Beardown was the venue and how nice it was in the air. It took a little while to get up but once above 200ft it was all very buoyant so I cruised round the valley occasionally climbing out to 500ft plus. The thermals were large and mellow and a pleasure to fly in, made much easier by the performance in light conditions of my M4,

Bring it on, more of this please.....

Cruising the valley

Matt preparing to launch

Maker

2011-09-27T19:19:00.000+01:00

Windy, sunny, warm, it was all of those things this afternoon and a bit off the the east at Maker, but I still managed to get round Fort Picklecombe onto the point at Mount Edgcombe and then on into the bowl around the corner, very satisfing.

The good weather looks to be continuing if not a bit to windy tomorrow, but staying in a coastal direction. No sign of a final xc of the year yet.

Also out enjoying conditions were Malc, Ivor, Jim and Tom

Out and return

2011-09-24T15:33:00.000+01:00

Smashing day out yesterday, although pretty fresh conditions which put a few off. I did not measure the wind speed at Struddick as I rigged but knew it was right on the edge as over hearing a conversation it was 20mph plus. Consequently my take off was less than perfect, as the wing came up I tapped the break to stop it over flying and was immediately off my feet and facing the sea, oh well at least I was off and a little push on the bar saw me out over the sea and on my way.

Conditions were glorious with masses of lift under the cumulus generated by sea thermals, it possibly could have been a good xc day but base was low and 5k inland was completely overcast - it will happen soon I am sure. Anyway I flew east over Seaton and on towards Battern never really losing any height. In fact I did not start losing height until over the firing range at Tregantle Fort. Here I ridge soared past Freathy launch and onto the view cafe before turning and heading back.

A wonderful flight with great views and yet again stunning performance from my hot ship which never fails to surprise and delight me much to the annoyance of others I am sure ;-)

Seaton village

Heading onto Battern

Tregantle firing range and Freathy in the distance

Weekend looks wet and windy, so more painting for me and wallpapering for Julie, nearly done now Thank God.

Perran

2011-09-14T19:39:00.001+01:00

Finally a break in the weather appeared after the passage of the dying Hurricane and with a job to complete at Ruan Minor on the Lizard Peninsula it set me up for a fly on the way home at Perran. Timing it well, conditions were perfect when I got there with even a few thermals popping off the dunes. However these proved to elusive to core properly and a couple of turns in them saw me wondering where they had gone!

Anyway it was nice to go back to the site I completed my training at 4 years ago and see old friends, Phippsy, kaz, Bill, Glen, Ray (still flying in his 80's) to name but a few. Smashing afternoon out.

Let me know if you are in the market for a new wing, as Cloud9 has some stock available now, 1 large Delta with one flight on it and a large and a medium Rush 3, with deals to be had give phippsy a shout...

Acro handles

2011-09-09T16:06:00.000+01:00

Following my swap from Niviuk to Ozone, there is one thing missing from the M4 and that is the acro handles.

I tried a number of different attempts to recreate them with the brake handles from Ozone, none of which I was happy with. So this meant there was only one thing for it, to whittle some up from a doweling rod. And what a treat they turned out, even with indentations for the proper handle effect courtesy of my electric sander - genius.

All this DIY is killing me, on the plus side we have nearly finished one bedroom, just another two to go.

The weather here in the South West is still appalling, feels like autumn has arrived, but a glimmer of hope from next Wednesday appears on the horizon. Can not get here soon enough.

Mega Convergence

2011-09-05T16:06:00.001+01:00

Just last Friday on the way home from work (Landsend) I noticed the famous Cornwall convergence, a first for me. It is formed when the South coast and North coast sea breezes meet over central Cornwall to form a convergence line of Cu's.

Driving past Carn Brea (Cornish xc site) I first noticed what appeared to be a cloud street, once I had reached Chiverton roundabout I began to realise it was the convergence line. Carrying on driving it was still going strong as I passed Bodmin and in fact as the bottom photo proves it continued to Dartmoor and beyond. The photo was taken by our friends at Brent Tor gliding club.

I have heard a number of stories over my last 4 years flying of people trying to predict and use this long line of lift. On the right day someone is going to fly a long way!!! Oh how I wish I had gone towing with Phippsy on Friday, but had stupidly left my glider at home thinking I was in for a long day at work - wrong again!

Convergence above Cornwall

The convergence over Brent Tor

A couple of Bod's flew at Freathy on Sunday morning in a small window before it got to strong, Mark N flew my Artik for the first time and bought it - happy days

Rasp's 4 star prediction

2011-08-30T19:26:00.000+01:00

Just for a change Rasp got it right although a little later than planed. On arrival the sky was very overcast but surprisingly buoyant. We scratched on the ridge for a while before I got a decent climb to base and spent the next hour and a half boating around the vicinity of the hill.

The sky upwind was improving dramatically so I landed for a quick sandwich and within 10 minutes spotted 2 Ravens climbing out, the wind was light on the hill but decided to go for it and climbed straight out to base. Crossing the Moors did not appeal to much so I cross winded west past Widgery and onto Bagg Tor were I picked up a screamer back to base, this also had vastly reduced how much Moor I had to cross downwind. Drifting back I patiently waited at base (a first for me) and soon found myself just North of Beardown and gliding at 45mph downwind on full bar to the Plantations which had a lovely street starting above them. At this point I had a bit of a moment as I hit the climb on full bar, one tip went then the other and I expected all hell to break lose but as I eased off the bar I controlled the wing(with no direction change or loss of height) and started climbing, phew! I boomed back to base and rode the street pretty much most of the way to Buckfastleigh dipping in and out of cloud on the side of the street.

Off I went towards Totnes zig zaging around the sky following the good looking clouds above good looking sources and triggers. Just east of Totnes I found another climb to base which drifted me over Berry Pomerroy and on to Torquay. Indesicion took hold, landing options were getting few and far between and the retrieve from the Dartmouth area (should I follow the sky) would have been a nightmare.

A good mate of mine lives in Shiphay, about a km away from where I was flying so I spiraled down from nearly 2 grand. Mike very kindly picked me up within 10 minutes of landing and drove me back home. All Julie and I had to do was drive to Sourton to pick up the car.

An epic day, nearly four and half hours in the air and a distance of 47.3km.

Improving sky at Sourton

At base just south of Bellever Tor

Totnes on the right and a strong climb under that cloud right infront!

Heading for the bay

Flight data

Freathy

2011-08-23T17:24:00.000+01:00

Colin B, Cornish Bill, Pete and myself had some nice bouyant soaring at Whitsand, I left them still flying after an hour to get more decorating stuff - very dull. No pics forgot the camera.

Cox Tor

2011-08-21T18:07:00.000+01:00

Patience was in order today as a cold front passed through this morning leaving a nice unstable air mass and clear skies by lunch. Tom and I arrived at the right time, just before the wind got strong, and we climbed out almost immediately.

Base was quite low around 1600ato, I only managed 1300ato as the drift over the back at height was rapid. I did not fancy a trip over the soggy moors again with such a low base so spent the next hour and 45 practicing flying upwind. Which I am still not very good at, its a balance between straight lining and thermalling which I have not quite nailed yet.

I had a lovely flight though and am really enjoying my flying on the M4 and the freedom it gives me to explore.

Nearly at base :-)

Climbing out with Tom

Heading for the Gliding club - I never made it.

Two S's

2011-08-20T08:41:00.001+01:00

As I said a couple of days ago, RASP was predicting big things for Friday, as per usual it was not to be. Cloud base was much lower than predicted and some high level Cirrus was lingering around, however a nice soarable breeze was flowing up Staverton.

Myself and Allen W launched to find conditions OK but flew climbs about and what was around were very small and unworkable only managing 300ato. As the wind increased the air became very turbulent, I had a 40% (according to Allen) frontal which a small tap on the brakes popped out almost instantly with no turn (helped by a bit of weight shift) but it was becoming a battle to keep the tips open and I was starting to feel the air was more in control than me.

Time to get down asap, Matt flew at Cox and reported pretty much the same conditions so was probably down to the air mass, later on in the day wave clouds were evident over the Moors. I wonder if they were about earlier but hidden by the frontal cloud and causing all the turbulence and reducing thermic activity, we were in a bit of a blue hole for our whole visit - caused by the down flowing band?

Anyhow in the right conditions this site has great potential with a long downwind track all the way to Bristol and beyond and no soggy Moors to cross amd get off.

Allen W

Blue hole over the south end of the ridge with Cu's in the distance

Allen at launch

Having sacked the inland I headed home picked up Julie and went off to Struddick for some strong wind soaring which we got 30minutes of before it got to strong. Overall another hour and half in the air.

Lee Evans

2011-08-19T09:56:00.000+01:00

Julie and I went to see his Roadrunner tour at the Pavilions last night and yes he lived up to expectations and delivered a laugh a minute, 2 and a half hours of f**k and t**t (you had to be there) - amazing we were in tears at points!

Lee thanking his audiance!

We could be on

2011-08-18T08:03:00.000+01:00

I have probably put a jinx on it but, a call has gone to the boss, a day off booked, retrieve driver organised, batteries charged and off for a big one under a 5 grand base, well so RASP says for Friday. Hard to believe this morning as it is tipping it down and I have 3 hours out door work to do!

My tree, your tree

2011-08-17T19:32:00.000+01:00

Everyone has one, you know, its the one you look at first thing after rolling out of bed and gives you that all important glimpse of what the day could bring.

Anyway my tree, just over the back of my garden has been massacred by our local council, obviously they still have some cash left - bastards.

Before it looked something like this

And after.......

Anyway the overtime at work continues with 7 days completed already this month and only another 2 to go until normal service resumes, hooray. A good thing really we just have to much work

Lovely lunch

2011-08-15T16:23:00.002+01:00

Managed to catch a couple of hour slot at Freathy in nice buoyant air.

Flew from Freathy to Battern Cliffs up to polhaun and back to freathy a distance of well over 15k. I even manged to pop back onto the bowl set back from the cliffs at Tregantle Fort, I've been looking at the small bowl for the last year thinking it was possible. In the summer we may even get some thermals coming off the lee of the cliffs - could be interesting.

Shamless product placement a true 3 liner

Upclose and personnel, Tregantle Fort

Heading for the edge of Battern

Goal just this side of the point in the distance

I am still amazed at the M4's performance every time I fly it, well well well worth the money.

Late Sourton

2011-08-09T20:55:00.000+01:00

A long day at work saw me late on the hill, getting to launch for just before 5pm, but the sky suggested it was still working.

I had heard earlier the thermals were broken and a bit rough, as I launched they certainly were turbulent as I flew straight into a thermal and had a little tip collapse, note to self, must be fully prepared from the off. Once centered it was glorious and I was soon steaming up to 1800ft ato, I had to leave the thermal about 400ft shy of base as the drift was quick, so pushed about a km out front and found nothing.

Back at ridge height the street that started at the north coast was dying before reaching the hill and switching everything off. I ridge soared for an hour waiting for some restitution which never arrived so landed in a field next to Sourton village church and the car - I took the direct route up the face of the hill!

Leaving the climb just shy of base

Nice evening colours

My decaying cloud street

Freathy

2011-08-06T18:36:00.001+01:00

Rain first thing almost put a downer on things, but it soon cleared and to Whitsand we went.

At first it was very light and stayed that way for a couple of hours only really filling in an hour before it got to much.

In between we scratched on both gliders for an hours airtime, then finished off with another hour together in bags of lift.

Co-pilot Julie x

Mark Helm, top of the stack on his Delta, Phippsy has them, Rush 3's and Mojos in stock, go on treat yourself here!

Work

2011-08-06T08:53:00.002+01:00

A very busy week at work - very boring, next week looks equally as busy, then normality returns. Overtime sucks.

Maker Heights

2011-07-31T12:28:00.000+01:00

A little unexpected as the forecast was for very light winds, however after an engineer visit at home we headed for Maker on the off chance.

Luck was with us again as it was perfect for the tandem, which we flew for an hour. Julie then went for a nap in the van so I had another hour and a half trying to learn to spot land the Mantra, it has such a glide ratio I was over shoting by a long way, but by the end of the day I had it nailed, being able to put it down now within a couple of feet of target everytime.

We have had to miss Sundays flying at Struddick due to an incompetent engineer being unable to fix our fridge/freezer.

Valley circuit

2011-07-28T20:43:00.002+01:00

More great flying, at Cox again the wind was very light and a bit off to the west and the sky blue. I waited it out for an hour and out of the blue arrived a cumulus filled sky, this lasted for an hour before top cover shut down convection.

Perfect conditions for my first UK circuit attempt apart from the increasing wind speed.

Immediately I climbed out over the Tor and got to base, plan was to go upwind to the gliding club, over to Tavi and back to Cox. Base was at 1700ft ato so it was a struggle flying up wind, but after 30 minutes I made the edge of the runway about 4km (This took 4 thermals). Whist on the edge of Tavi convection shut down and heavy sink ensued so I shoot back to launch but landed 1.1km short of closing the triangle, bugger.

A great hour long flight and an 8km circuit of the Tavistock valley, closing it would have scored me 33km on the league - next time.

Cox Tor

Happy days

At base and on my way

On my way to Tavi

Launch a km away

A message from Maurer

2011-07-27T20:46:00.000+01:00

To all his supporters watching on live tracking,

quite cool.

Its very addictive watching the Redbull xalps live tracking that is, I have wasted hours glued to this laptop for the last week and a half

Cox Tor

2011-07-26T20:56:00.000+01:00

Another 40 minutes in the air at Cox late this afternoon. Conditions were gusty 12-18mph a good test for the M4, unfortunately as I arrived the sky blued out over the moors.

Anyway the M4 climbs like a beast and is no drama to fly in rough conditions requiring much less or should I say more subtle input than the Artik. I really can now focus more on flying than controlling a surging wing! Still a lot to learn to get to that sweet spot.

The flying itself was good and twice I climbed out from the hill getting to 700ft ato, before leaving the thermal as it drifted rapidly over the back.

Coring the M4

4 in a row

2011-07-25T20:02:00.000+01:00

Yesterday Tom and myself sneaked a flight in at Polhaun (landing at Freathy) just in time to go home and watch the F1. Nice, it was still well flyable when we left and looked so all day

Dull grey skys

Tom launching

Sourton

2011-07-24T09:21:00.001+01:00

A great forecast showed good thermic development from early on and an increasing north westerly. Tom, Richard (N.Devon fireman) and I got to launch early to find it bang on and working, an ideal test for my new M4.

I lobbed off at 10.30am and went straight to base which was around 2500ft ato, plan for the day was to push upwind as far as possible but stay close to the hill to learn the new wing. I made about 4km cross headwind before heading back to launch to adjust the speed bar.

At base 10.30am (nice street forming)

Over the waterworks (car park) early doors

After a few adjustments the sky over developed slightly, lunch time arrived and a small wait saw base push up and squash the clouds, time for up again.

Again I took off straight into a cycle and climbed straight out to base, I never dropped below 1000ft from base for the next hour and just boated around behind and in front of the hill. The wing gave me so much confidence with its handling and performance I could go places in search of lift I could only dream about on my Artik.

At launch I could see it was getting windy as a couple of gliders were starting to gale hang, still at 2000ft ato I decided to go over the A38 lose some height and land at the van. However as I pushed past the car park I hit a boomer that took me to 3800ft ato. It was a shame to waste this height so went off downwind over the middle of the Moors. At times I was hitting 45mph on bar!!! A quote from Steve Ham came to mind "It will only be our own incompetence's that put us on the ground" and true it was. I headed off for a good looking cloud, dismissed the Fir Tor thermal and a weak patch of lift to get to my cloud.............. which decayed on arrival. Oh dear, that was 2 bad decisions as I was now very low and then on the ground 2 min's later.

On landing about 2km short of Postbridge on top of the Moor I realised why the clouds were just decaying all over the Moors, it was very wet pretty much everywhere. I did just manage to keep my new baby dry while packing up, but got very wet and muddy romping off the Moors.

Wicked climb

My highest point

Heading downwind through the wispies

Flight data

So all in all 20.6km with turn points, great first flight in strong roughish thermals.

I am amazed with every part of the M4, it feels very solid cutting through turbulence with no drama. There is very little rock back on encountering a thermal, the Artik suffered badly form this. The turn is very flat with no height lose, my old wing tended to dive into a turn. Handling wise it is very easy to fly with just enough feed back and not overloading you with information, the speed range and performance are just out of this world, pushing half bar has absolutely no decrease in performance. Full bar is a slightly different matter as the tips become quite unstable as you approach the core, I still have a lot to learn to fly it in the sweet spot but I am certainly not far away already it is that confidence inspiring.

Ozone have really pulled it out of the bag, I am hooked.

Today, Sunday and a warm front has arrived so we are off to Polhaun to fly the tandem and probably the M4.

Pics (St Agnes) and quote from Phippsy

2011-07-24T08:24:00.000+01:00

"Well after a breezy day with a NNE breeze and a chilled out day Dougie M (Plymouth) arrived late afternoon to pick up his new Ozone M4 Paraglider. We are pleased to have Dougie on board and flying Ozone. Having taught him to fly 4 years ago Dougie has thrown it all at the sport and moved deep into XC flying so when looking for a new wing he checked them all out and went for the one with top performance, excellent ratings, and top reviews whilst still certified for mear mortals!

Amazingly just as Dougie arrived the wind mellowed a little so we headed to St Agnes to see what it was like. It was good despite still a little on the top end. After a preflight check the crispy new wing was soon in the air with Dougie performing a first class launch, not bad seeing he had never flown one before. i soon joined him on the Delta and we had a great time playing with the lift and seathermals although the M4's extra speed certainly made me feel slow.

Dougie looked very relaxed on the wing and his landing comments summed it up " this thing does not have a down button". add to this the fact that he fells it is more responsive yet less twitchy than his previous DHV 2 Artik and it sounds like the ideal package for him. Keep an eye on him on his blog to see what he gets up to on it. "

St Agnes

2011-07-22T22:21:00.000+01:00

A perfect day, picked up my new wing from Phippsy (Cloud Nine) and we went straight off to St Agnes for a test flight.

What a wing, great performance, speed and solid feeling, much less twitchy than the Artik. Just what I wanted from the move up a class! We flew for 40 minutes before I had to scoot home and prepare for the weekend as the forecast looks good for Dartmoor........................................

Final Flight

2011-07-21T20:38:00.000+01:00

Popped by Cox Tor on the way home from work to find it strongish but OK, i managed 40 minutes in broken thermals (it was well windy up top) for my last flight on my Artik. Matt and a few others were up Sourton but it was no better with height gains of 600ft ato for them.

Off to Cloud Nine (Cornwall) to pick up my M4 tomorrow :-)

West Side

Looking NW

Good bye my friend its been a pleasure

And boy has she looked after me, I'm sure my new wing will be no different

Just in time

2011-07-15T14:50:00.002+01:00

Stole a sneaky half hour flight this morning, as I missed the best day for a while yesterday up at Batcombe (unmovable work). A good few made the coast some 30+k and our very own Bob Moore made 33km, well done matey, I know you are stoked

Anyway had to be up early so got to Struddick just after 8am, by the time I was ready it was on and 30 minutes later a gust front came my way so landed packed up and got in the van just as it started raining, nice.

Nothing spectacular but went to Looe and back, avoiding the psycho monkeys (long story) and could have gone the other way to Polhaun Cove but did not fancy the retrieve in the rain so gave it a miss, sorry Bill next time we will get you there.

Looe

Rame in the distance

Great cloud formation, thankfully on the ground out of the way

Inflow band or just some RFD

Don't you just love those 3 words, rear flank downdraft - sounds like something you get after a Vindaloo.....

The weather now looks pants until at least early next week, decorating ahead

Turned out nice

2011-07-12T20:03:00.000+01:00

I turned out in hope rather than expectation really and had my running gear in the car just in case, but as it happened it turned out good. All the weather sites were showing a strong NE but getting to Cox Tor it was clear the wind was light and more NNE.

Up at launch it was no different so a bit of ground handling was in order and within 15 minutes the wind picked up and it was soarable. The wind remained gusty throughout and was cycling possibly due to wave which is common on Dartmoor is a NE . A couple of times I managed to push out front to around 200ato, possible wave as the sky had yet to clear although there was a few embedded CU'S forming.

Nothing epic but great to get back inland and active fly again, an hour in the air in total and was home in time for tea, hoping for the same again for tommorow, but it does look a bit more unstable.

Looking NE

As high as I got

Heading down, Brentor in the distance, home of Dartmoor Gliding Club

Freathy

2011-07-10T19:55:00.000+01:00

Another day at the coast, don't get me wrong I love it anyway but by God am I missing thermaling after our recent trip.

To light on arrival for the tandem so I flew my Artik as it's days are numbered and after 5mins in the air it was to strong to launch the tandem, so off I went on the Freathy Cafe to Port Wrinkle and back run - always good fun. I could not jump onto Battern as the wind was to off to the south.

I landed after an hour went for an Ice cream with Julie, then a beer then on to watch the F1, a perfect Sunday.

Tom launches

My turn

Returning from my coast run

What a week

2011-07-08T19:45:00.002+01:00

Monday was flyable again at Maker, 3 days in a row. I drove straight past and went on a run instead, was a bit coastaled out and feeling a bit porky after the weekend.

Tuesday was good for floppies at Freathy but I had a long few days at work so missed out.

Friday an extra day off and it has blown a hoolie, but I did get some decorating done!

Then there was the awful news from Spain..... and finally there has been a decision made by the FAI to suspend competition gliders from certified events and Steve in piedrahita has confirmed he will be bidding for the first FAI XC world serial championships next year. Excellent news

That brings me to my new wing which has a production date of 17th July and should be delivered from Vietnam the following weekend. I had two choices really the Peak 2 and the M4, looking at the Test reports it was very clear the M4 wins hands down. What really put me off the Peak was the C for Frontal recovery, the M4 is A - a no brainer. Check it out here

As for the weekend a front passes through tonight/tomorrow and will probably be a bit windy, but Sunday looks better with a light westerly but a trough remains over middle England, we shall have to see how much cloud cover it produces.

Worlds - sad news

2011-07-07T11:19:00.003+01:00

Watching the life tracking yesterday and the tweets it was clear something was not right and indeed the very sad news came through last night of the death of two pilots on task.

Needless and a total waste of 2 very talented pilots, my sympathy's 2 the friends and family's of the pilots, everyone in Piedrahita and around the world affected by this terrible news.

Be careful out their people, we have lost two many

For Sale

2011-07-05T20:38:00.000+01:00

My Artik is up for sale around the £700 mark, give me a call if interested and we can do a deal - 07771676622, she is available now!

Keeping security sweet

2011-07-03T19:40:00.000+01:00

What a weekend, glorious weather and 2 days flying in a row, Saturday as I mentioned was light and scratchy flying the solo, then we camped at Whitsand, Maker was out due to the festival.

Sunday dawned bright and warm with a south easterly, so back to Maker. We arrived at 10am to find it perfect, light wind on take off and very good lift along the whole ridge, it remained like this all day, we left at 4pm and people were still flying!

I flew Julie for nearly 2 hours and took up the supervisor (Tigsy) of the festival for a half hour flight with the festival camera to get some overhead shots. He loved it! I also had to adapt as he weighed 98 kilos, just a bit more than Julie and put us right at the top of the weight range. However we still managed to stay up with the best of them - I love our Takoo and what a great experience, being able to make someones dream come true and seeing the look on there face. How can you not love flying Tandem

Maker festival

Allen and 3/4 of the ridge

kingsand Cawsand

Plymouth from Mount Edgecombe

Tigsy and I coming in to land

Maker

2011-07-02T21:29:00.000+01:00

Great day at Maker wth just Allen, Tim, Blue and Mark A. It was very light all day but still managed an hour and a half airtime scratching around, excellent fun. We are camping at Whitsand tonight so no pic's but will be here for the sea breeze tomorrow ;-)

All change

2011-06-30T20:40:00.000+01:00

As some of you may have guessed my Artik is now up for sale to make way for my new hot lady. I will be sad to see her go, she handles great, performs great and is a pleasure to fly, but the economics of the situation force my hand!

She is in very good condition, 2 and a half years old, no repairs, always concertina packed and a genuine 170 hours airtime.

Mark Nicol has first refusal and I have already had a couple of other interested parties, I will post here after the weekend once I have spoken to Mark for his decision. She has to go by the 15th July.

Windy mist

2011-06-26T16:57:00.000+01:00

An odd morning but one thing all the forecasts agreed on was that by lunch it would be to windy, which for once was correct.

I got an early start and found Maker cloaked in mist, a little read of Mr Clarkson and it soon began to lift. On the ground the wind was SSE but in the air ESE, this made for some turbulent conditions with a shear layer somewhere just above the hill top, it was also very windy and getting stronger so I called it quits after an hours flying and 3 flights.

The usual suspects all had good flights, Allen W, Phil B and Bill N on his new Rush3 and what a machine, if your in the market for a new 1-2 this has to be the one. The speed range and performance being very impressive, Ozone have certainly learnt a lot from the success of the R.10.2

The mist lifts

Bill on his Rush 3

Plymouth and possibly one of the last sightings of my Artik ;-)

Perfect for.............

2011-06-25T11:23:00.000+01:00

running not flying and I made the most of it completing the long run I had promised myself from last weekend but not managed. Conditions were perfect with a heavy mist, light winds and nice temperature allowing me to complete around 15km. On top of that I did 2 10k run's in the week, I would have liked one more but the weather was not conducive. Julie has decided to quit running, to hard on the knees so I am on the look out for a mountain bike for both of us, probably a Marin as I used to have a bobcat years ago and really liked it.

Also managed to miss the only days flying of the week. 4 days out of 5 I was finished work for 1pm with the only slot being Friday morning - I suppose you can not have your cake and eat it. But I did lose another 2lb's this week ;-)

As for flying, may get a late evening flight at the Bay and tomorrow looks like one of those days that could go either way (you can always find a favourable forecast) but the coast looks misty so may go for an xc from a southerly site I have not flown before. We shall see!

Late start

2011-06-19T19:51:00.000+01:00

Pottered around the house doing various bits and bobs while watching the local weather sites, I had it in my mind mid afternoon may come good and once past 2pm the wind eased so off we went to Struddicks Farm.

No one there on arrival, but the wind was perfect, they must be at Freathy I thought and sure enough one phone call to Allen had 5 of them heading our way, can not of been that good at there end of the bay!

Anyway we got airbourne on the Tandem in an overcast sky but as the sun came out the lift got better, we were soon boating around way above launch watching everyone else arrive and launch.

After 45 minutes a bank of towering Cumulus came our way so we went to land incase a gust front came through, all was good and following I had a fly on my solo and took Allen up on the Tandem seeing his last one was in 1992! A lovely time had by all and we even just scraped in on top as the lift dropped - perfect

Allen on his Rush

Looking towards Seaton and beyond to Freathy

Maybe tomorrow...

2011-06-18T10:06:00.002+01:00

Windy today but a possible fly tomorrow late afternoon, if it drops enough, that also depends on the hangover - our daughter is bringing here friend over for dinner tonight. Nothing to complicated, Asparagus in white wine,cream and chive to start, Cannelloni and garlic salad for main and crumble for desert, all home made off course. Cooking is so therapeutic. Not sure I will be able to drag my stomach off the ground mind.

P.S. Did manage a 10k run this morning but not the big one I wanted, next one Monday and I have managed to lose 100g. Its a start!

2 x 10k

2011-06-16T19:39:00.000+01:00

Got on the scales after our holiday to discover I have put back on 2kilos, not as bad as expected! Consequently I am back on the running, 10k today and the same yesterday with a rest day tomorrow, then a long one on Saturday probably around the 16-18km.

I did a couple of 10k runs in Spain but strugglered with my breathing only to realise afterwards the increased altitude of 1000 meters reduces the oxygen content - doh.....

Normality returns

2011-06-14T20:38:00.000+01:00

A visit to Struddick on the way home turned out good, it was a bit off to the East but plenty flyable. I had a nice float about practicing various maneuver's and another hour in the air, with lots of launches and landings - all good practice

Saturday - Saving the best for last

2011-06-13T21:02:00.000+01:00

A very busy day on launch as thermal soaring was slow to turn on and a lot of Spanish had arrived for an unofficial practice day ahead of the nationals starting Sunday. There most have been way over 50 pilots waiting to get going and this was my last chance.

Steve reckoned it was stay upable so I was one of the first off and got a climb straight off the big spine as just about all the other pilots launched and climbed in a gaggle above launch, they soon joined me and we were off. It felt just like a comp all spread out looking for lift, working as a team.

A couple of comp wings got ahead and marked a climb on the quarry, we all rushed over and got blasted to base in a very strong off the scale climb with rough edges, this was enough to get 3 of us onto the high ground and in a position to cross the pass, which we did with ease.

Myself and Steve headed south of the flats and pushed into the lead, unfortunately he bombed and I was on my own in the flats climbing out from a low save of no more than 300ft. This took me back to base at just short of 3000m. I pushed on in the blue working climbs triggering off the tree line on the river bed in the Ambles valley and as I approached Avila my ground speed went from 25mph to 5, the dreaded northerly of Avila had kicked in and I was down. As I packed up wings were falling out of the sky left right and centre amazing being 55k from launch. By the time I had packed up a T5 stopped and offered me a lift all the way back, it was Carlos and Raul (Valencia comp pilots heading for the nationals) thanks guys and they even dropped me straight at the bar.........

In the lead gaggle heading for the quarry

Pushing past the pass onto the flats

Following the river in the Ambles valley

Avila in the distance another couple of climbs needed

Yes just about a glide away

Another cracking flight of 2hours 50 minutes and a PB of 56.8km.

So all in all over the last 2 weeks I have flown nearly 220km and got another 20 plus hours in the air, what a place and it was not even classic weather in fact very mediocre according to the hosts

Friday - Bomber man

2011-06-11T09:53:00.000+01:00

So there I was, little me on my little DHV2 thermalling at the end of the 15k ridge with two M4's and two R11's, needing one more climb for the pass, I watched as they glided into the distance from my landing at the Quarry spine - I NEED an M4..............

So that was the first xc, Jorge quickly arrived and whisked me back to launch for the second xc of the day, first time I have ever done 2 in one day and I flew for another 2 hours and a 17km circuit of the valley but buggered up my turnpoint and missed the triangle again......

Any way still great flying day, over 3 hours in the air and another 33.3 xc km's.

Chasing down an R11

Running down the ridge towards the quarry

The other R11, I soon ran out of performance

Bombed out at the Quarry spine

Flight data

Now the second flight pics and data

At base in flats out front of Pena Negra

Looking towards the path from base

Heading back to Piedrahita from high

Thursday - local soaring

2011-06-09T16:10:00.000+01:00

An overcast day due to a decaying warm front and a strong sourth westerly at height causing some lenticulars, but did not affect the flying. The wind moved around but eventually came on the hill and we went for a soaring flight with some week thermals mixed in followed by tapas in town.

Also on the hill was a brand new R11 and boy what a scary machine, so few lines and with the shark nose looks very hot and unstable to recover from a collapse. You may need balls bigger than a bulls to fly one.

R11

Comes up ok but I bet its a handful in thermic conditions

Off it goes to probably murder its pilot

Piedrahita and lenticulars clearly above

Wednesday evening

2011-06-09T08:34:00.002+01:00

Classic evening conditions greeted us at Pena Negra last night with easy gentle climbs to 2800m, Julie and I did not venture to far from launch, Julie likes to know where we are going to land and also see it, puts her mind at rest. The thermals were big and gentle and we had the pleasure of climbing very close to one very large Eagle, did not take the camera up as I wanted Julie just to enjoy the flight with out having anything to do - always the bloody way.

Just going off subject, If there is one thing in the Paragliding world that bugs me(there are more but I a just a miserable bastard) are the Paragliding bums, blagging a lift up, blagging a retrieve, blagging into comps. As I have noticed yesterday they are full of shit and generally are an accident waiting to happen. Life would be safer with out them and you know me I am not afraid of speaking my mind and making my point, hopefully I will not have to suffer the "pleasure" of his company

Wednesday - Over the pass

2011-06-08T15:51:00.000+01:00

Today we have had a sort of revelation, we have come to some decisions about our flying........

Julie like's soaring on the tandem at the coast and I like flying xc solo, so we both feel much less stressed and happier about our flying, maybe I was pushing Julie to hard into xc flying?

Anyway back to today and yes I made it over the pass. Cloud base was low due to the last couple of days wet weather and it was windy at launch, I was quickly off after Steve and we blasted down the ridge towards the pass.

At base over launch and about to blast down the ridge behind Steve

Ridge racing to Villa Franca

The ridge finished and Steve headed to the opposite side of the valley so I maxed my climb and spotted the quarry thermal blasting into life, I headed straight over, Steve soon joined me in the climb and we turned togeather all the way to base.

Heading to the quarry

The pass and the promised land beyond

We both headed over the pass on the high ground to the south looking for a climb on the last ridge, hanging around for a few minutes it was clear this was not working so we blasted downwind at full speed hoping for a low save out in the flats.

High ground searching for the last climb needed

It was not to be and we landed some 10 ks after the pass in quick succession (in the field of broken dreams) and very happy to have cracked it on first attempt, with a higher base we would have been laughing all the way to Avila and beyond.

Steve and I in our chosen field, the pass in the distance

A great flight of 1hour 10minutes and another 26.7km, hopefully we will get an evening soaring flight on the Tandem

Tuesday - Salamanca

2011-06-07T18:10:00.000+01:00

No flying but should be the last day of poor weather, took a trip to Salamanca for a tourist look round and buy Chickens for Steves garden!

The Palace in the main square

Entrance to the new Catherdral

Cherub, notice the tackle

Monday - chill

2011-06-06T22:22:00.000+01:00

Not much going on today due to rain until 3pm, however we read in the morning then went for tapas, enjoying Chorizo, Smoked Salmon, black pudding and Fois Gras. The sun did come out and we visited some local gardens and ruins of the old Nunnery before tea with Steve and Puri, once again wonderful cooking from the host's.

Tomorrow looks good for late afternoon flying, in the morning we are off to the market to buy fresh Oregano to bring home, very different to what you get back in the UK, then a trip to have a look at Salamanca before flying.......

The view of Pena Negra launch from our living room

Pilots bar "Panera" from our living room!

The old Nunery, with a Storks nest in the centre

Piedrahita town hall

Julie in front of the town hall gardens designed on the gardens at Versailles

Sunday - Instability

2011-06-05T14:02:00.002+01:00

Last night we enjoyed a fabulous meal at Steve and Puri's house then went back to the local flyers bar called "Panera" which just happens to be 50yards from Steves other house we are staying at. The evening started as a quiet drink in a quiet bar which gradually filled with people, the music got louder the doors closed and the dancing began into what turned out to be a rocking party with bongo lessons from one of the locals thrown in for free. We were the only "tourists" so got rather a lot of attention from the locals, very funny and pleasant, even with communication problems we all had a great time. We left at 3am.

Today I just had a fly down while Steve flew a commercial tandem as there is a lot of instability around not only in the air but in Julies head - She stayed in bed suffering with a hangover, to many Rum's.

The view from Pena Negra launch

The landing field 100yards from the house

Instability in the air on my fly down

Saturday - Nearly a 50km triangle

2011-06-04T15:55:00.004+01:00

6 km off closing a 50km triangle that would have scored me 178.5km on the league so close and yet so far.

Below is a little clip from Steves blog, he says;

"A nice looking day, but uncomfortably breezy at launch. We took off below the Peña Negra and soon found it was just a strong early anabatic. Most of us soon pushed upwind to the small hills to the NW. Dougie and myself went cross headwind towards El Puente de Congosto on the river Tormes then back downwind to Barco. I flopped to the ground at San Lorenzo, but Dougie superstar overflew me and reached La Aldeanueva, some 6km short of a near 50km FAI triangle. Of the Belgians most landed near Piedrahita, though Tim flew to Barco as well (though skipping the other turnpoint). Reasonable evening conditions, though most of us took of when it was shadowed out and had a struggle to stay up in the now very light wind."

Not my longest flight but my most technical and pleasing taking just under 3 hours. I have to say that Piedrahita is the most amazing fying arena, I have fallen in love with this place.

Starting out at base 2800m

Steve and I heading for a nice street in the flatlands

Nice climb coming up under that cloud

Back at El Barco 4th time in a week

The road home

A nice street forming with off the scale climbs unreal, I did not need to circle

The street continues but the lift was bit scary and I bombed early, maybe I need to be more brave?

Flight data

2011-06-04T08:47:00.000+01:00

Here is the breakdown of yesterdays flight on our Takoo, the pilots of you out there will be able to work out what would have been possible with a 3500meter base (base was at 2400m) and a 20k tail wind. I believe Steve thinks we are capable of what we came for so we just need the right conditions, possibly a southerley of around 15-20kph and base at 3500m or above :-). That should take us onto the plains and away from Madrid airspace with just Salamanca ATZ to avoid.

Friday - Barco or bust

2011-06-03T16:20:00.001+01:00

Another day of more easterlies however very light so we were still able to use Pena Negra as the thermo dynmic wind brought it onto launch.

We rigged the tandem and launched at 1 pm. We climbed out over the big spine to base and then I made my first mistake of heading for the valley for the trip to El Barco. What I should have done is carried on down the ridge which the rest of the team did and had a better time of it. We however were left grovelling in the valley for the first 10km losing a bit and gaining a bit.

At base above Piedrahita

We managed to find a climb after the main ridge for our lowest ever save of about 300ft and it was a rough one, probably the worst I have encounted, in fact we were turning as hard as we could and the core was still pushing us out the other side! It did smooth out and we climbed to base and within glide of Barco.

Barco from base

Life got much better from here as it was easy to stay up. We took a turn point over Barco and Steve and I again decided to head up wind back home, all the others had now bombed. We could not go any other directon due to a low base of 7200ft. We managed 4 k back were I took a safe option of landing near a cafe and Steve followed us in, were we enjoyed coffee and cheesecake.

High over Barco

In a core with Steve

Nice grassy landing field

Another great flight of 26km, our longest xc on the Tandem which took 1.40minutes, off back up the hill in an hour for the evening flight ;-)

Thursday - big and gentle

2011-06-03T08:42:00.002+01:00

Hopefully today is the last day we will be blasted by strong easterlies, hence the morning and main xc flight were out of the question, but hope still remained for an evening flight.

In the mean time we all went hiking in the forests at the base of the Gredos mountain range. Which finished at a rather pretty waterfall.

Steve did know where we were going honest

At the waterfall

So then it was off to Chia for our evening fly, conditions looked iffy so we parawaited for a while. Once we spotted four Vultures climb to base it convinced us to fly and a great flight we had. Lift was abundant in the massive gentle evening thermals until it all died and we floated down to possibly the biggest landing field I have ever seen, will take my 747 next time

Chia launch

On our way to base over the valley out front

Floating down to land

Steve coming in on his M4 (I want one)

3 days flying out of 4 and well over 5 hours airtime, a great place to fly and tomorrow (Friday) looks like light winds and clear blue skys. :-)

Wednesday - fly down, 1 thermal and chill

2011-06-01T14:33:00.002+01:00

The Azores high pressure is now setting in, but todays forecast showed strong easteries moving in at speed, not to safe for the tandem so no xc flight just a morning fly down for me.

Me off and away

I did manage to catch a thermal over the landing field which I worked for 500ft but the drift was taking me over town so pulled out and landed, very pleasant.

Steve and myself outside his house

The Storks nesting on the Church roof

Tuesday - Nearly half an out and return

2011-05-31T08:54:00.067+01:00

We binned the early flight as the overnight rain meant a very low base, so the waiting game began as we pinned all hopes on the main xc flight, by 1pm conditions had improved, base had risen maybe 500ft above Pena Negra and it was time for off. Julie had decided to sit out today due to a few bruises from the previous days rafting (she is fine now)

At base above launch

The wind was off the hill to the east so a slow crosswind drift to El Barco was on the cards. The first 10km of the flight was very British like with weak climbs which required hard work and concentration to the max. However all was good and I drifted down the valley not dropping more than 1000ft below base.

At the 10km mark all the Belgiums were on the deck so that left Steve and I to uphold the reputation of us Brits.The sky started to improve dramatically and I was joined in a thermal by a large Griffin Vulture, we turned togeather wing tip to wing tip for a couple of hundred feet before he glided off. A very very special experience and I have to say Piedrahita valley is a very beatiful place to fly.

El Barco in the distance

The town within glide :-)

The remaining trip to Barco was easy as we both found some really lifty lines pretty much all the way and arriving with bags of height and easy conditions. We both flew to the far end of town and reached the 22 km mark. Decision decision, base was really to low to go up the Cherry Tree valley and on to Portugal, do we stop for a coffee, do we hell, Steve comes on the radio and decides we should head back to Piedrahtia upwind for the out and return.

Now Steve has a Mantra M4 and his into wind glide and flying skills are to say the least spectacular. I however struggled but over the next 45 minutes or so I made 7 km, which I am very pleased about.

Arriving at Barco

The Cherry tree valley

Heading back up the N110 to Piedrahita, Pena Negra is on the horizon to the right

My choice of landing field however needed some work, I was still in British mode and picked a lovely green field in the valley next to a side road off the 110. Once down to 20ft I realised why it was green and I was up to my knee in water hidden by the grass, luckily I ground handled out with a hop and a skip and made it to terra firma, happy and muddy.

opps

Very pretty though

As I packed away our retrieve driver Jorge arrived with impecable timing to whisk us back home, fantatic service.

So an excellent first flight in this remarkabe place to fly. All in all we made 30km with base of 2200meters in just under 3 hours, mostly crosswind and upwind.

Back in Piedrahita I had 40mins to chill before it was back up to Pena Negra for the evening flight, the plan was a triangle flight of 16 - 20 km, a ridge run down to the pass, back up the valley to town and back on to launch, however once in the air it was clear the wind was way to far to the east and the thermals very weak. I ridge soared for half an hour, glided into the valley and took Julie for a big Veal steak

Piedrahita, the landing field is at the end of my pod and 800 yards from the house.

Monday - CB's, 2 sites and white water rafting

2011-05-30T20:52:00.001+01:00

First stop today was an early start at Lastra del Cano as overdevelopment was forecast and as we unpacked at launch it did just that and rained.

So it was off for some white water rafting down rio Tromes, I managed to get out of it (lack of swimming ability and scared stiff) but Julie made the full 2 hour decent while I brushed up on Spanish with Jorge and helped him with his English which of course I have a great command of!!!!!!!

Steve planned an evening flight from Pena Negra but unfortunatley it was to gusty on launch, so we called it a day and we have an early start tomorrow at the same launch.

Sunday - Madrid

2011-05-30T12:05:00.001+01:00

A lovely whistle stop tour of Madrid with Steve, while we wait for the Belgiums to arrive.

House's of Parliment

Royal Palace

Escape

2011-05-27T16:55:00.000+01:00

At last we can escape the UK's rubbish weather.

Julie and I travel to Piedrahita early Sunday morning for 2 weeks xc flying, fingers crossed. At the moment Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday look wet then the forecast shows classic Spanish weather. Roll on the strong thermals and big distance.

I will try to update our blog but you can always check out Steve's for his perspective here

Windy, suprise suprise

2011-05-22T16:47:00.000+01:00

Another windy week coming up with what looks like just one flyable slot on Tuesday.

On a positive note I completed by first 10mile run on Saturday morning in just under 2 hours with no after effects, very pleased and not far away from half marathon distance if not a bit slow.

Flying at last

2011-05-19T19:54:00.000+01:00

Eventually a flyable slot, Cox Tor was the venue, as arriving mid afternoon after work I did not have time to walk up Sourton where the direction would have been better. It was light at the bottom so looking promising with a good looking sky but a little top cover.

At launch the wind was moving around and light but eventually settled just North of West and steadily increased. Myself Sam and Matt managed 2 or 3 of good thermaling flights lasting around 10 minutes with lots of short hops inbetween. Whilst in the air it felt a little uneasy and gusty with quite punchy cores but luckily not to much sink around, in fact the air just felt a bit messy and getting worse so we called it a day late afternoon.

Very nice to get out again and blow the cobwebs away.

Sam (still waiting for his Rush3) and Matt on his Nova

Sam scratching and Matt at launch

Matt

Thermaling on Dartmoor

Wave

2011-05-16T20:59:00.000+01:00

Crossing Dartmoor just after sun rise is always a beautiful experience, extra so today as the sky was filled with lenticulars in a classic Dartmoor wave system from the North (Wales?).

Sail plane and hang glider pilots must have been salivating.

I just dream of some flyable weather..................soon

Stretching as far as the eye can see

Highway to heaven!

Voodoo lounge

2011-05-10T18:19:00.001+01:00

Cracking night out last Saturday at a great little venue in Plymouth, excellent sound system and lasers and a great free party run by long time DJ and good mate Korash.

Tom back from inside!

Julie, trying to duck the limelight

You can not beat a bit of old skool

Not looking good for a while

2011-04-30T12:55:00.000+01:00

Lots of frontal systems and developing low pressure's, springs sunshine has ended.

Sea breeze flying

2011-04-29T12:22:00.000+01:00

I seemed to be the only club member having to work over the last 3 days while the rest have had some nearly epic flying, can not complain really after last weekend. Any way by the time I finished work in Truro yesterday afternoon I just made Whitsand Bay and Polhaun by 3.15pm.

On arrival the sea breeze was very light, peaking at 10mph however a couple of cyclists on there way from Freathy mentioned the wind was getting stronger for the last hour. They were not wrong and within 5 minutes I was flying.

Nothing to write home about as I never got more than 50ft above take off, but I do enjoy scratching and there were some very small bubble's of lift coming off the rocks on the beach that helped. All in all another 1 and a half's flying, just as I was leaving Allen turned up and flew at Freathy.

Rame Head

Whitsand Bay towards Freathy

Polhaun Fields

Pics from yesterday - thanks Becky

2011-04-26T18:26:00.001+01:00

Me and Martin climbing out, not sure whos who!

Tim on his Aspen 3 with his new Tanto

Matt scratching at Meldon

Nice one Becky - great pic's

3 on the bounce

2011-04-25T20:16:00.001+01:00

Matt, Bex, Tim and I decided to try somewhere new today as the forecast was predominately NNE going North later in the day so up to Meldon hill we went.

The wind was off to the north as we arrived, Matt had a kick scratch and the wind moved fourther off so a kick rethink had us heading to Cox Tor only to see gliders in the air at King Tor on the way. A quick left turn saw us up the hill in no time.

On launch it was strong and a little off (no surprise there) but seemed to be switching on. I launched quickly and slowly pushed out front and straight into a climb. At points it was hard going as the cores seemed to be very small and powerful with the rest of the thermal quite weak, In fact at points it was so strong my GPS recorded a maximum climb rate (See my track log stats on the national league) of 1600ft per min. That's my first 16 up and I did not even need to go to Spain to get it!!! Anyway persevering I got to base (2300ft ato) and got sucked into the wispies for 30 seconds or so but soon popped out the side to be confronted with grey hazy murk in all directions and very little sun on the ground. Oh dear what to do next, I hot footed it to the next cloud (I think) as visibility was terrible. That worked for a short time and I gained another 500ft before it ran out of puff so headed to the plantations, these were not working. Next stop the sunny and windy side of Bellever Tor, a sure thing right - no.

I was now down to 1000ft and had found nothing but a steady 4 down since leaving lift. There was nothing else for it but to glide as close to the pub at Two Bridges as possible and pray for a low save, it did not come and I landed about a mile South South West of Two Bridges for 11.8kms. I did however manage to land in the only field around to be completely covered in Sheep Shit, nice....

Matt kindly brought my car down and we enjoyed a nice pint under the now perfect xc Sky, was never going to be the big day we dream of and I have no pictures from the flight as I had to work pretty hard for the entire 35 minutes while flying.

I heard later that Corn was working, maybe we should of gone, who knows hindsight is a great thing.

My landing field and a murky sky

Two Bridges hotel and a nice pint, Matt was on his way

Flight data, notice the climb rate at 13.15pm

In the end

2011-04-24T17:05:00.001+01:00

I knew today was not going to be great as the soundings were suggesting base would be no more than 1000ft above the top of Dartmoor (not an xc day), unfortunately no where predicted the total cloud cover over the Moors. The micro climate was out in full force as everywhere else was blazed in glorious sunshine.

The waiting game ensued with a bit of gardening thrown in until I got a call from James (Thanks) who was at Cox and gave the go ahead.

As I arrived base was probably 800ft above the top and the wind strongish but flyable. I had three flights topping out at 500ft ato, it was difficult to climb higher what with the strong wind, one turn and I was behind the hill. It was also particularly rough and after an hour and five minutes flying decided enough was enough and got out of there, today was up there with some of the roughest conditions I have experienced.

All good practice.

North side of Cox Tor, James is the little speck on the right

View towards Tavistock

Sore neck yet

View North towards Corn Ridge

Geared for altitude!!!!!!

Low base but great flight

2011-04-23T20:29:00.000+01:00

Tired but happy, so no long descriptive flight blog today.

Started off busy getting the van tyre fixed which made me late out Cornridge, not a bad thing as it did not really switch on till late in the day.

I had a few hot sweaty hops in light cycles until finally I launched into a nice one and climbed out to 1200ft ato and a couple of hundred feet short of base. The climb at this point went ballistic and it was time to leave. Downwind of the ridge it was overdeveloping fast so I pushed out front over the A30 and beyond taking another 3 climbs and doing a nice little circuit in front of the hill. Well worth all the effort, but not an xc day with such a low base.

Cloud chasing upwind

The waterworks and landing zone at the end of my pod

Just shy of base - time to leave

Nasty looking stuff downwind

A30 on the left and the car somewhere in the centre

my view

Landing at the car and saving a mile and a bit walk back from the hill

Another very satisfying 45 minutes flying

Hops and one climb

2011-04-19T20:14:00.001+01:00

As I drove onto Dartmoor this afternoon the inversion was just breaking and Cu's were starting to form, could I be in for a good one, well possibly had the wind not been well off to the South. I walked up to the far end of the bowl as a cycle came through and pulled the wind onto the hill.

I rigged up and what followed was a series of short hops in stupidly small thermals and cycles. I managed to catch one and ride it to 200ft ato by way of very tight 180's however once I had the height to 360 it disappeared as quick as it arrived and that was it. Plenty of exercise an hours ground handling and 5 minutes flying with one climb, defiantly worth the effort.

A very small bowl looking South

A better shot of the bowl from the air and the one time I managed to get up

All in all its been a poor start to the season down here in the South, even at the xc mecca the Long Mynd I believe only one XC has been posted on the national league - i hope it improves.

A double

2011-04-17T20:52:00.000+01:00

Todays forecast was almost a repeat of last Fridays, starting off east then going round to south east at some point!

Tom Matt and myself got to our favourite little easterley nestled in the centre of Dartmoor for just after 10 to find it fresh but flyable, conditions over the next flying hour got better and better and we found ourselves climbing out at 11.40 up to 1200ft ato. Decision time, I had rasp's forecast in my mind so figured I would wait till after 12 to go xc when it should become rocket like. We all left the climb and headed back to the ridge to find the wind strong and well off to the South and that was that, it was just not safe to stay in the air and wait for the next cycle. Note to self - don't turn down an open invitiation

High pressure haze

Matt and I heading back to launch.

Time to head back to Plymouth, pick up Julie and the Tandem and head to Maker.

What a good desicion it was as it had been flyable since early on and remained so until well into the evening. Julie and I flew the Tandem for a good hour and a half enjoying stunning views and warm weather. The wind again was strong and a little off to the south however once at a couple of hundred feet there was a noticeable shear layer with an easterly above.

Once above this shear out past Mount Edgcombe Mark Ansell and us 2 connected with some small scale weak wave that took us out over the Sound and in Marks case 700ft ato with us a hundred feet lower - Stunning experience

Kingsand / Cawsand

Mount Edgecombe, Drakes Island and Plymouth in the distance

Our Tandem and Mark Ansell above :-)

Phil Bailey

One of our local Subs on its way home

Almost

2011-04-10T18:19:00.000+01:00

What a lovely day in the South west of England, Julie and I loaded the van and went off to Whitsand in search of a seabreeze and a long walk around Rame Head, the walk and weather were fantastic (checking out the takeoff at Rame Church on the way round) unfortunately the seabreeze wavered between 8 and 12, just not quite constant enough.

One can only but try, at least all the exercise should burn off the calories we eat tonight - out at the Waterfront or Pasta Bar, decisions decisions......

View from Polhaun (Rame Head) looking towards Freathy

To light

2011-04-08T19:37:00.000+01:00

Dissapointing day it turned out to be, Conditions looked good once on Dartmoor with Cus popping and a good breeze but a bit off to the North of East. Unfortunaltey as the wind veered onto the hill it got very light and then moved further off to the south. We did manage 3 hops one of which involved more than one beat and 50ft ato but that was as good as it got.

A change of site was required but Maker was no better, the direction was OK however the breeze very light, a few Seagulls thermalled out just to rub it in so we went to the pub.

Bugs

2011-04-03T11:49:00.000+01:00

Not our best weekend, I spent the day in bed (Sat) with a 24 hour flu bug thing trying not to infect anyone, however I may have failed as Julie has woke feeling worse for wear. opps

Busy day............

2011-03-28T17:40:00.001+01:00

..........with an early start for the F1, nice one Lewis, hopefully Mcclaren have sorted out their pre-season issues.

Next on the agenda was a trip to King Tor, with varying forecasts it was any ones guess what was going to happen. On arrival it was misty with probably 100m visibility however this lifted and flying commenced. The wind remained light and was only flyable in the cycles as they slowly passed through in an easterly direction (not good for a North Easterly site) anyhow we managed to climb out to 800ft ato on a number of occasions only to bump into the inversion. So a frustrating day really.

A quick pack up and drive back to Plymouth I picked up Julie and headed down for the Club repack and completed both reserves in a couple of hours followed by a Kebab, nice.

Me waiting for a cycle

A gaggle on its way up to join me

Visibility was pants

Julie and I about to throw the Tandem reserve

High pressure remains

2011-03-22T20:16:00.000Z

Following my duties for Queen and country (Witness in court) I headed up to my favourite easterly valley site hidden away in the centre of Dartmoor. On arrival conditions looked good with a fairly steady 14-16mph, unfortunately the good looking sky was a couple of miles to the south of the hill and the valley in front and to the north was overcast.

Once in the air it was surprising buoyant with cycles coming through on a regular basis, I climbed out from the hill on 4 or 5 occasions drifting over the back gaining as much height as I dare with out committing, topping out at 900ft ato before returning to the hill. I did not want to commit to an xc as my retrieve driver is working late tonight and I have a long meeting at work tomorrow, although it was very nice to have so many opportunities and really reinforces my thoughts that I often leave the hill to early in the day.

I had a pleasant couple of hours flying in occasional ratty bits of air but only caused by Thermal turbulence so nothing to worry about and was joined by Matt on his new Nova Factor at about 4pm. I left him flying while his family watched on and sneaked off home knackered but happy.

The very small valley in front

Looking south at a nice sky

Gliding out over the hill in front of takeoff

Nice sky to the south

Horrible sky out front

Matt on his Nova Factor

Apologies for the dull pics, I had to us my phone, camera left at home again.

Not so magical

2011-03-20T17:48:00.000Z

Today was always going to be lighter than yesterday but you never know until you get out.

A southerly was forecast so Struddick was the order of the day and as I said it never got strong enough for the tandem or the other solo gliders on the hill. I did however manage half hour soaring on the tandem alone with a thermal or two thrown in for good measure. Just a shame I could not get Julie in the air 2 days in a row.

All set and ready to go, me and our Takoo

Shes a beast

Coming back from my encounter with a thermal

Magical

2011-03-20T09:16:00.001Z

Once again Maker did not disappoint. Early doors it was scratchy however it just got better and better.

I flew Julie on the Tandem for probably and hour and a half and also flew my solo wing for a good hour, lots of pilots out, probably over a dozen on a beautiful spring day over looking the Plymouth Sound followed by a pint in the Ring of Bells with good friends.

Julie abuses Tom, thanks for the pic Bex

Me on landing approach courtesy of Bex.

Matt on his soon to be retired Skywalk

Mark and Jen on their Apco 42

One of Makers forts with Takeoff in the background

Innes has a day at the coast prior to the rugby, skygod indeed

Sheer bliss

100km

2011-03-19T08:28:00.002Z

First 100km this year completed in the UK, will it be my lucky year, fingers crossed;

http://www.xcleague.com/xc/leagues/view-1.html?vx=200318

Weak and inverted

2011-03-16T19:28:00.000Z

The first trip up Corn Ridge of the season and it never really came on. I still managed a couple of hours in the air but never really climbed more than 100 ato, it was very scratchy. The inversion broke all around us apart from on the hill and I was lucky if a thermal was stronger than 100ft per min.

I struggle in light winds as I fly a small which is rated 75 - 95kg and my all up weight is around 94kilos including a couple of Kgs of water I always carry, flying heavy helps the glide! However I can just about stay up with the best of them and today I even heard a Delta pilot say "I wish I had bought an Artik" so there you go don't believe all the hype, from what I saw today it was no better in performance than any other DHV2 on the hill. Just my humble opinion.

First XC of the season

2011-03-13T18:56:00.001Z

Initally I thought the strength of the wind was going to be our downfall today, but you only really know by being on the hill. Myself, Matt, Chris B and Tim all arrived at launch (Sourton) early at 10.30am to find the wind a little off to the north but happily flyable.

Conditions were good to start with, quite large smoothish thermals were the order of the day and a few Cumulus spotted here and there. However within an hour it had gone blue and become quite rough and punchy in places. Time for lunch and a chat with other pilots on a now busy hill.

By 1pm the wind seemed to come on the hill a little more so I launched straight into a really nice climb that took me all the way to base (3300ft ato) with very little drift. Aware of the range at Willsworthy which as it turned out was not active, I cross winded to follow the a386 down towards Tavi until I was clear of the range then made a left turn back onto the moors towards Bagga Tor, In the preceding valley I found another climb that was a bit of a slow burner eventually getting me to 2200ft ato. It fizzled out so I headed to the north side of Cox Tor were I could see a couple of PG's ground handelling. I found another little climb that soon died but gave me enough height to reach Princetown, a sure thing in terms of Thermal production. Off I went to the downwind of the town hoping a thermal would trigger from the woods but it was not to be so I landed next to the Plume and Feathers for a pint while Julie (ace retreive driver) came to pick me up.

A great start to the season with 3 hours in the air and 20.2km under my belt. Lets hope or more........

Sourton ridge, Matt and Chris

A very rare sight, the top of Innes wing - sorry mate

The initial climb out, very little drift

I love getting high

Thermaling at base

Me dressed for the cold on glide, Cox Tor in the back ground

Princetown and Dartmoor Jail

My landing field just behind the pub

Tracklog data

Just in time

2011-03-12T20:03:00.000Z

Odd today, most of the forecasts gave it blown out until probably late afternoon. I sort of confirmed this at 7.30am with a quick drive onto Plymouth Hoe to see wind lines and white horses. I could not get out of my daily run and completed 5 miles in a pretty quick 45mins.

Getting home and a check on Polruan showed the wind had dropped off quick smart, I gave Julie the hurry up and we got to Maker for just before 11 to find 3 gliders already flying. We preceded to have a nice 40 minutes flying on the tandem making the trip out to Mount Edgcombe and back before the wind died off at lunch - not forecast!

Almost a nice picture, had I not chopped Terry off, views towards Plymouth Hoe.

View from my seat.

Julie up front

Thats more like it, looking towards Rame Head

Happy little Co-Pilot

I can confirm spring is here

2011-03-08T19:11:00.000Z

Spring is most definitely here, so I headed to Cox Tor at lunch time for the predicted westerly however it was south west on arrival and stayed that way all afternoon.

A quick trot over to the south west bowl found a soarable gusty breeze, I had a couple of quick scratchy flights then it switched on. In a now strengthening breeze I launched into a cycle and quickly climbed out to 900ft ato, it was windy up top and the downwind track would have been deep into the boonies of Dartmoor so xc was out of the question and I left the thermal to carry on on its merry way. Climbs were strong and rough up to 700ft per minute increasing in strength with height. I boated around above the Tor for just over an hour and landed back at the base of the west side next to the car just as the sky filled in and went very grey.

Photos are a bit pants, I left the camera at home so took these with my mobile while trying not to drop it!!

Chris B, Jim Fish and Tom set up

Tom and the south west rock fest

Climbing out towards base

Bottom of the west side, our cars on the right

On the way down looking towards the gliding club