Paragliding at Dunstable

Blasdale Home Posted on by

Left work early (just after lunch), the wind was blowing 230 degrees, not ideal, but flyable for Dunstable Downs. It was about 8 mph at the bottom wind station.

Arrived at just past 2.30, there was one paraglider in the air (Bill). The wind was stronger than I expected. This was my first flight in 6 months, and all those previous ones had been made in nil wind. So take off was a bit of a mess. I think I take too long arranging the glider, by which time the wind gusts and drags me back into the bushes.

Anyway a bit of advice from Dave, and I was away with a pretty clean take off. I soared the ridge in the cloudy conditions and gained a hight of 120 feet. After 30 minutes I flew out from the ridge and bottom landed. While I was flying there was only Dave. Bill had left. It was great to be in the air again after such a long lay off.

St Davids Day

Blasdale Home Posted on by

Today is Saint Davids Day, patron Saint of the Welsh. In celebration I have taken down the George Cross from the flag pole of the pub opposite and replaced it with the Welsh flag. Dare I visit later in the day? Will I have been banned for ever?

The Recent Winds

Blasdale Home Posted on by

After the stong winds in the UK a couple of days ago, I can report we have had no damage. The only thing which happened was the cover on the hot tub was blown open by the wind during the night. A few bricks weighing it down was enough to sort this out for the rest of the day.

All the rain we have been getting has made the fields totally water logged. I dare not venture out onto them.

Wales French six nations match

Blasdale Home Posted on by

On Saturday met up with my brother and his mates (Tim and Jim) at a service station on the M5. Drive down was in fog and sunshine. Then on to Cardiff for a few pre Wales France match drinks. Chosen pub was filled with Welsh and French supporters. A few pints later we went to the Millenium Stadium for the match. Looked sold out. Wales started well, but gave away a few lineouts later in the match to be well down. Towards the end of the match they recovered and could well have won. Two Welsh attempts at tries in injury time had the whole crowd standing. Final score was Wales 33, France 37.