Annecy Trip 2015 - 4th day
It's been seven years since Jason and I flew in Slovenia. A lot has changed since then. We are both fathers and life is a lot busier. But for one week we got to fly together.
After the previous night's indulgence at Kokopelly restaurant we decided a long run along the cycle path might be a good idea. We were treated to the sight of two hot air balloons drifting slowly across the mountains.
We stopped at the Doussard landing field for a bit because it looked like they might land.
After a while it became obvious they were not landing any time soon so we did our 12km run and then headed to launch.
Today was epic. Cloudbase was much higher, making it possible to get up to la Tournette, opening up lots of opportunities. At one point in the flight I was contemplating a huge downwind glide to Marlens, but I considered the retrieve options if I failed to reach lift and couldn't be bothered.
Again, I managed to cross the lake. It's so much easier on my newer glider than my old Firebird Z-one. The view is spectacular as you can see.
Selfie!
This was taken after I had decided against trying a downwind glide to a ridge near Marlens. I had tracked down the ridge from La Tournette to get here. I was a bit nervous because I was the only pilot trying it and kept thinking there must be a reason no-one else was trying this route. I was always wary of being caught in rotor from the ridge in front, but it all worked out ok.
Four great flying days in a row. I am starting to feel a bit spoiled.
Content but hungry I figure I might as well start a landing approach.
A shot of the beach at the south end of the lake. I still haven't actually been there.
After landing I meet an interesting retired English guy who flies this open celled glider. It is very lightweight. His entire kit is probably less than a third of the weight of my gear, which looks like a tandem when packed up.
Jason spotted a pilot who was still stratospheric well after the sun had set and the moon was out.
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