Arrived at site around 3:00 to see Chris almost ready to take off, Tommy half way up the hill with Jamie & Sean getting ready for the climb up. Just before we left Dudley arrived so we all set off together.
Things felt a little light wind wise at the bottom, but as we climbed the hill it started to pick up & it was coming from the correct direction. I was feeling apprehensive because I hadn’t yet broke my Wingbeat duck. I had been to a couple of sites but either not enough wind or it was in the wrong direction meant my feet stayed on terra firma. I was hoping I wasn’t jinxed & that this would be another walk up a hill with my kit. As we were nearing the top wings started to appear on the horizon so it was looking promising.
Jamie & I started to unpack & I asked him to check my speed bar set up – I had set it up from YouTube videos so thought it best to get it checked - all OK.
Tommy & Chris top landed thinking there was better to come, so we all hung around to see what would happen. After around 20 mins people started to take off, so I went for it. My wing came up nicely, I checked the lines, turned & started to run forward. Within 6 strides I was airborne, slipped back into my harness & I was flying.
This was the strongest wind I had flown in so I stayed close to the hill where I was finding plenty of lift. The rest were pushing further out over the loch. Derek arrived around now & it was a good site to see this amount of wings soaring about. I went over to the north side to fly over the launch site, which turned out to be my first top landing. Through my indecision this a bit scrappy. Relaunch went OK & I started to push further out, so after another 20 min decided to try another top landing having had some tips from Tommy – much better. Quick refreshment break & time to go again. The wind was stronger this time & struggled to get my weight forward but eventually got away.
I was in the air for about an hour watching, learning & getting a couple of wee frights thrown into the bargain. Jamie landed then Chris so I checked my watch to see it approaching 7 o’clock (time obviously flies when you are) so it was time to land. This went roughly to plan until the midges exploded from the grass, time for a hasty exit. Tommy, Dudley & Sean landed while I was packing up. As I went through the gate I noticed Dudley & Sean had midge nets on – always be prepared.
Andrew Brunton
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