13/10/2016
Wednesday 12/10/16 Epic flying day from SLP.
The day before the big group arrives, Johan and his crew.
Danny, Niki, Hans, Thomas and myself on arrival at SLPwind looking good but light, clouds and base looking good, within 40minutes we were in the air. Others also arrived to fly.
No big plans to fly fare, but taking it as it comes, I was last to launch while the others were well on their way to Hans kop and cloud base. When I got there, conditions look very good so, the game was on.
Myself and Thomas close together with two other pilots, while Danny and Hans where on their way back, Danny followed.
Flying to the North end of SLP ridge, then jumping ridge to ridge taking everything, offering lift, suddenly up, up and away to cloud base. Well the views were fantastic, but freezing cold finger burning, on the glide to the next low peak hands in the pod and blowing hot air into my gloves, fingers tingling with pain.
Next big move was flying to Du Toits kloof pass wind more SSE high up, decision time. I,m flying with Patrice while Thomas and Danny a little behind.
A big climb taking me to Bains kloof pass, with a little error, bad decision was almost grounded, but had a good save with patients.
A few more tricky places on the way to Gouda with the wind going ever more south. Saron peak was a life saver getting high an easy glide onto the Porterville range, wind increasing and very side on, staying above the ridge top with a little speed bar flying at 55/67km.p hr. Almost no turning, flying over Pampoenfontein then, Bumpie and onto Rhenosterhoek.
Landing in Rhnosterhoek was my goal, strong wind in the valley, 6 hours 40 in the air and 180 kilometers, my personal best.
A good start to our season.
