Great weekend’s flying at Cooktown, on the big ridge. Be there next time, it’s an amazing place to fly, great scenery, great flying, great 4wding. It’s got it all!
Here’s Brod’s video from the weekend. A great time had by all!
Thanks to all those that turned up to the Gillies clean-up day. Heaps got done and the launch set up area looks amazing. Brod and Wazza got to test it out, with a flight to the clouds in strong conditions.
Joe, the Hotdog mogul, keeping yet more hungry Hang-Glider pilots happy with a serve of his soon-to-be-world famous Hot Dogs! Get some next time you fly!
If you stand on the Rex lookout, and look to your right, you will see a massive ridge line running to the southern horizon. This is the legendary South West Ridge, a place of big air and even bigger stories! A flight to the SW ridge is always a memorable experience, and there is always something new to learn when you get there. Sometimes the ridge is working really well, and cloud base is yours for the taking. Other times, the ridge doesn’t want to know, and will push you away with a westerly wind that will have you scurrying back to the Rex, tail between your legs! Let’s hope you have enough glide!
It’s a spectacular place that demands respect, but the rewards are immense.
Amazingly, this year was not a wash-out Easter holiday. Got some terrific flying in around the Atherton tablelands and down the coast to Figtree Creek. Beautiful scenery, and astonishing views of Cairns and the ranges. Flew around the Pryamid at Gordonvale, and over the Gillies range back to Atherton.
Video of the weekends triking action from the Atherton Tablelands. First weekend of perfect triking weather in ages. Enjoy!
Bob
Check out this video of Jonny Durrand’s interview on the ABC’s 7.30 report…..
Daniel Keech [dkeech1@hotmail.com] has organised to have a first aid instructor give interested members first aid training. Cost is $150 and needs a minimum of 4 people to sign up, although the more the merrier. It will be a one day course, with a work book to be completed before hand. This course will also include specific tasks to our sport, such as safe helmet removal, etc. Very worthwhile. The date will be whatever suits everyone.
At our last club meeting, we decided we all need to get out more!
So, there will be several flying trips in the next little while. First one is to Cooktown. For those who came last time, they will know how much potential this site has. If you didn’t come last time, shame on you!
The dates are Sat 21st and Sun 22nd of May. Subject to the usual weather restraints, of course.
Next up, Eungella on the June long weekend. 11th, 12th and 13th June. This will also be used to carry out some much needed repair work on our ramp, as it has been a bit neglected lately.
And last but not least, The Rock in Townsville. Sat 9th and Sun 10th July.
If you would like to come along to any or all of the above events, contact Bob or Brett and let them know.
Howdy Guys.
Just a quick one to wish you all the best as I’m heading to Nowra for at least 2 yrs at the end of February with work. The last 3 years I have spent with the cairns flying community have been spectacular to say the least and will forever will be my “Flying home” as I make the most of the new location and hopefully head more in the direction of the competition scene. I would like to Give some big thanks to the guy who taught me most of what I know Greg “softy” Newman, and also Patch dog for mostly getting in the car when he was told. Ron and Joe for always being on the hill with good advice when asked, and for taking me on my first XC to 4 mile. Kev for helping me off the hill when Greg was otherwise engaged in learning another language at 1200ft. Brod for teaching some of the finer points in going up strapped to a kite and getting enthusiasm for The Gillies comps. And Bob n Trace for helping me get The Rock legal to fly again. On the subject of The Rock as well I know Alex and Ben who both fly Fun’s down here will be more than happy to host another “Fly In” for those interested parties, September/October being the pick of the year.
For your enjoyment I have also put together a Video of some “Dune Gooning” without the dunes that some mates took of me in Townsville while TC Anthony was moving away from the coast on Sat 22nd Jan, I’ve even included the Stack I had.
See you all around in the future, the flying community is a small world.
-Sean.
“Fly High, Fly Far, Land straight!”