Super, smashing, great...

[alan_k]

Or should that be just…SUPERB.

It was one of those flights that, for no particular reason, was just tinglingly enjoyable. Maybe just the conditions, smooth air, bright sunlight, relaxed feeling, just great.

All you readers just thinking about it, get some training, get in the air, it’s fantastic.

It started pretty cool, only about 6°, a few km/h breeze down the runway; all set up, good inflation with a bit of a pull to the right, a quick correction of running direction and I’m up heading towards the trees. A nice left hand turn to get into clear air, also away from the power lines and I’m climbing out to 700 feet. It’s earlier in the morning than my last flight so I can fly lower and still be in smooth air.

I decide to head over towards a town called Chaillac, passing over a little village called Dunet on the way.

It’s a nice bright day with nothing else in the sky.

Almost at Chaillac there is someone with a bonfire, good for showing wind direction and strength, not much as you can see:

Doing a broad circuit I spotted the chateau at Chaillac:

Once round the circuit I flew on over lots of farmland, totally chilled out enjoying the view. A good while longer and I’m flying over a couple of the myriad of lakes that are in the Brenne National Park, I’ve walked around these, as they’re not far from home.

Getting closer to the field I descended to get some low level at about 150 feet, slightly bumpy as the thermic activity is starting, clocked the wind streamer when close to the field for the wind direction. I turned to extend the final approach over one of the adjacent fields to come in at 90° to the original approach then had a slightly fast landing. When I looked at the steamer I realised why, the direction was now shifting about a bit so I had landed slightly crosswind.

Flight time 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Maximum height 1000 feet, distance covered approx 37 km.

Fuel burn 4 litres.

Whey hey, just so enjoyable.

Cheers,

Alan

[outkast]

Looks lovely up there Alan, nice pics as usual, thanks for posting

[macey2kk]

you need to open a guest annexe alan....you seem to get loads of flying weather over there...and the scenery is amazing.....im sure it would be very busy with budding flyers if you did!!

[dantheman]

J'aime la deuxième photo avec les champs rayés par arbre [just practicing for when we use the guest annexe]

[outkast]

J'aime la deuxième photo avec les champs rayés par arbre [just practicing for when we use the guest annexe]

watch out Al, last time I saw Dan he was sucking on a length of hose syphoning fuel out of someone elses tank, wich I understand is a popular pastime for these northeners

[pete_b]

J'aime la deuxième photo avec les champs rayés par arbre [just practicing for when we use the guest annexe]

watch out Al, last time I saw Dan he was sucking on a length of hose syphoning fuel out of someone elses tank, wich I understand is a popular pastime for these northeners

I thought my van was using a lot of fuel last time I saw him!!!!!!!!!