Sunday, August 16, 2009

Heaven, I'm in Heaven....

....and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak, and I seem to find the happiness I seek.

After wandering around Italy for nearly a week trying to decide whether to go to the Italian Nationals or the Kobala Open, we finally ended up here in Tolmin, Slovenia. It seems I've found a hang gliding Mecca here. If I could create my ideal flying site, it would have steep alpine mountains, smooth grassy takeoffs, green green forests, huge flat meadows for landing and soft fat thermals at every turn. Well someone has already done it. We arrived in Tolmin yesterday afternoon and I knew as soon as I drove into the main valley that I would love this place. The scenery is spectacular (Dolomite looking rocky peaks all around) and the pilots have welcomed us like we were family. The town itself is so neat and tidy - reminds me of a perfect little Swiss village.

We had a practice flight today and I couldn't be happier to be here. I went up to cloudbase straight off launch in a nice slow smooth climb. Shedsy and Maria and I cruised around the area a bit before having to land somewhat early to beat the coming thunderstorms. My teammates Christa, Ute and Regina are here along with a total of 8 girls!! Some top guys are here as well - Primoz, Tom Weissenburger and Gerolf. It's also fun to meet an entirely new group of pilots I've never seen before. I think this is going to be a great comp!


1 comment:

gordon said...

When you make the crossing into the valley to the north you cross directly usually to the other side, or you might if you are low have to tak a climb of the two round hills in the middle of the valley (like the PGs do)
They call these hills "the boobies".

There are good climbs there if you need them. Perhaps they got bigger not so long ago ;)

Its a nice place! Where else can you fly a 100km FAI tirangle that is 75% flying straight along a ridge at 50mph!

when it rains - go down the show cave - its even better than the one at Cucco.