Birdmen Paragliding

New group

We know have a mixed group from all over, 4 from Switzerland, Sweeden, UK.

 Sunday John Erikson from Sweeden arrived, but no glider, we were flying at Maccassor with Martin a BA pilot, our driver brought John to us, within 10minutes of his arrival his was in the air with a spare glider I had  lucky for him it was his size.

A good flight soaring with sea gulls over the sea and crystal beaches, he flew for about an hour then the wind went more SW side on. John was a very happy guy, no glider of his own but was flying in Cape Town, within 30minutes after stepping off the plane, beautifull sunny skies and 35 degrees. When leaving Sweeden it was -10 degrees.

The rest of the group arrived later that day, we had a braai, big fillet steaks for everyone.

Next day we went to Porterville for 3 days, Ed a very low air time pilot had a easy early morning flight, then when it got stronger, I flew tandem with him. We all flew as a gaggle, this was very good, getting pritty good height gains of upto 1800m asl. After flying 34km we hit a fairly strong NW and decided to land, as it was getting late already.

Candice picked us up with a big smile as everyone had a fantastic flight, back to our cottage and off to the am for a swim to cool off, during the day it was about 38 degrees. The swim was awsome in amoungst the ruggered mountain. Dinner chicken braai with lots of beer and wine, the stars at night just fantastic.

Next day wind was strong East, so off to Pieketberg accross the valleyto the other mountain range, there it was good thermals up the front, we had about three hours of flying, with great views of the valley and opposite Porterville range. Tempretures also 38 degrees, so afer flying off to the dam for a swim and a few beers, what a life.

Last day in Porterville, not so hot and conditions looking very good. We all launched about 12 o clock, getting good height after take off, but soon bounced against the inversion, hopping along the top of the ridge, with some good climbs, we finally got to Bumpy 20km. Then again hit the NW, some pilots had landed. Mike Riley and myself flew across the valley to the west accross the flats until R44 rd, then turned South and headed back to Porterville, we landed about 7km short of Poerterville a fantastic flight of about 45km. Then driving back to Cape Town for a few days. 

Thursday 4th March, we went to Sir Lowry’s pass about 45 minutes drive,with a light Westerly predicted. We had to wait for about 45 minutes and the thermals were good enought to launch and stay up, we flew for  a while arround the lacal peaks then headed off to Hansekop for a small XC, a awsome day for everyone.