Simon ! New pilot on the block.

I fly a Niviuk TAKOO, one of the best tandem gliders I have ever flewn. And I consumed some already.... .
Getting ready Houston, tranquilo.

Nicolas being geared up by my buddy Raul, who with Antoline are always eager to help.

Nice shot eh !
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Sometimes it is about huge climb, sometimes it is about big thermals. Today there were tandems to do. So today it was about sharing the passion with passengers who never had flewn before. At the cliffs of Santa Pola, easy stuff.
Five in total. Suzanne, german-french, two norwegians, and two little kids. All different flights. Asking different questions, having the time of their life.
It was very enjoyable today. Temperatures were nice, not too hot, even nicely fresh in the air.
Wind were off a little, but that made it more sensational if we got a good climb. And we had. Sometimes even climb all the way over the sea.
I flew with Simon, a 8 year old german kid. He loved it. It was interesting what he focuses on during flight. He was watching the sea, the colour of the sea he mentioned, and the birds he saw. The older passengers were asking more technical questions about howcome it flew, how we found the lift, how much a course cost etc... .
But if you fly relax, I think we are all nearer to what a kid thinks or experiences during flight. On a soaring day like today, there is no mobile, no watch. We just float and don't think about anything, we absorb the views. Automatic pilot, we don't have to think what to do, it is all second nature as if. Great, a fantastic way to end this day was getting a hug after flight from the 8 year old. So much fun today.

In the july issue of the british paragliding magazine Skywings on page 6, we can read that Jimmy Kedoshim, paramotor pilot, got killed in Israel by a mortar shell, fired from across the border.
The day before he supported the 60th anniversary celebration of the founding of the state of Israel by flying with his paramotor over a giant Israeli flag.
In the article he is said to have been a freedom seeking man ....

Next video, is a freedom seeking Israeli soldier shooting at a blindfolded and handcuffed Palestine ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hdm89WxkGs

Nice one today. Not too many pilots. Nice and easy, smooth conditions at the cliffs.

Just enjoying the lift which was every where.

I don't know what ZEN feels like, but if this was close, I'd love it. Floating, nothing to think about, just let yourself sink into the quiet Feeling disconnected, very peaceful and nobody else on board, heaven.

Heaven as being a step from paradise, that's how it felt.

Gone for a city trip. Back home now ready to fly. This morning already east for the cliffs. Friends have been flying the last few days when we were gone. But nothing epic, too much inversion, so better flying late when everything cooled down. But still flying every day, every day, and that counts doesn't it.

Meanwhile getting ready, all set, gear up for a .... siesta ..... because temp reaching 35 degrees today. Better to relax with a movie in the house, the fan on, sheds down, now and then rushing out to dip in the pool to cool off. At 5 pm we'll be flying again.

Arcones is one of the main sites in Spain to go XC from. A huge ridge in central spain with a big valley in front of you. Ideal to go kilometers.
This weekend most of the local pilots will be there.
See you all on monday. Today flyable at the cliffs down here.

Rainy and windy. Looks and felt like autumn. Damn weird weather we had today.

Jump in the waterfalls. Flying, not thinking about it, winds too strong. So a refreshing afternoon near the falls of Algar.

I got up very early this morning, to see if we could fly at sunrise. But no chance, weather so unstable, winds too strong first hour.

Got the kajak out, and some of us did the Isla Tabarca tour. Which is kajak-ing 4 km into the sea to the island of Tabarca. Have breakfast and then paddle back to Santa Pola.

Underneath the charts of the day. As you can see in the southeast of Spain, that's where we are (sureste = southeast), there was a front right above our heads. Moving eastwards to Italy, Turkey. On the second chart you can see we had to cope with 4 to 5 beaufort winds. Kitesurfing an option. And down below to rub it in guys, satelite foto of the clouds, again right above our heads, so not the best place to be for flying today was Alicante. Lets be honest eh !

Winds died off, we can fly at night, hush ......

You had to be early to fly. Early at Palomaret for instance, or San Antonio. Then you could fly for a couple of hours, best heading southwest, because winds up high were northeast.

Or you had to go to the beach and do another adrenline sort of sport, kite surfing, not bad. Foto taken by Paco, my son.

Parachuting, free fall for some of the local pilots yesterday near Ontur. Other flew later in the afternoon, on the hills. Where for starters it was strong, but as always died off in the end and still delivered a couple of hours of flying.

Tomorrow the northern part of Spain is under alert, Catalonia region where we were last week. Down here maybe a bit windy, but surely flyable somewhere.

I know for most of you it is nothing more than a 2 or 3 hour flight to come down and fly in Alicante. But still try to found out who you are sitting next.

Come down and enjoy a region which is practically made for paragliding, sun, thermals, coastal soaring, thermal flying, XC, mountains, hills, wonderfull beaches to chill and ME !

The new Niviuk glider KOYOT en rasta colours.

Inversion today, high pressure. This weekend could be one of our better stronger thermalling days. But we have to leave early, and this is difficult. Most pilots prefer staying out late on fridaynights, so hence fly late in the afternoon. Fine, not twisting any arms.

When I am not flying early morning, I am not bothered to fly during central hours this time of the year, with this forecast. Or you fly pure thermals early, or you fly with the breeze. To me, there is no sense flying in rough stuff if there is no reward.

Northern winds should break up the inversion tomorrow. Northeastern winds at the coast maybe too strong. If I had to choose myself, I would guide you all to Monte Cabrer, and get going early. I think cloudbase could be reasonable high to go XC. But when nobody is around to join, it'll be hard.

Going in the village tonight, there is the yearly handball international tournament. For once our lazy village is packed with youngsters from all over Europe for a week. Even from Brasil, which is always promising, Nigeria, Arab Emirates, boys and girls, men and women come down for the tournament. Lets enjoy this tonight, terraces full, beer in ice chilled glasses, tapas, all sportspeople around.

Toni, you asked me to send no more sunny foto's, but what can I do. I do not have a flash to take foto's at night. So these are the only ones I got of the day.
Flying with Didi, Kike, Rafa, Kath, Xavi, Jean Luc, Michel and a few others. Best flying was when the breeze kicked in. The cold air from the sea crawling under the scorching heat of Palomaret. During the day, central hours, it was damn hot inland. From the beaches you could see the inversion as thick as mist. No thermals, no cloudbase, no temperature difference between landing and take off. Better to wait till the breeze kicked in at the coast, fresher air. Then move inland to the sites, hoping the breeze gently breaks up the inversion. Standard procedure in summer when high pressure is settled.
Again bingo, at 6 pm, it all started, nice fresher air, soon some pilots not scratching any more but having gentle thermals out in the valley. Lovely.

Lazy-ing out in our swimming pool, 1 km long, you can even sail on it. Watching the Cabo in the distance. No more salty water, no more sharks.

There is one guy who wants to break Jan Bernaerts record I think. He is called Raul, an army man, living in Torrevieja.
When I went snorkeling this morning at 10 am, he was already up in the air. After my lunch and siesta I had to do some tandems so at 5 pm, all ready to fly. Who was still there, yes, Raul. He had been flying over 6 to 7 hours today. When I left at 8 pm, he was packing.... .

Inland Rafa and Ismael flew and trained for upcoming comp events. They tried to fly in the flatlands as long as they could, training the small thermals with a not too high cloudbase. Lets see for what it's worth later.

Foto : paramotoring down here

Flyable day in Alicante, I saw glider popping up over the cliffs, while having my cup of coffee this afternoon. Eastern winds strong enough at the coast, definetely fine at Monte Cabrer for Juanen and co. Will be there soon as well. Monte Cabrer is one of my favourites in summer season.

Last weeks' first days flying over Berga, Pyrenees Spain.

StevieG climbing over the monastery in Berga, epic.

Hendrie soaring over the antenna's in Berga.

Ann took this foto. One afternoon the weather turned out nasty. We saw beautiful clouds developing, and rain curtains in the near valleys. Amazing weather shot.

Still chilling today. Was waiting for tandem calls all day, but I pressume they preferred the beach where a nice seabreeze was cooling temperatures down. I didn't mind. Again it was 30 degrees, more sunny it couldn't be.

Me as well jumped in the refreshing waves at the beach of El Altet. Always fun when the spanish arrive at 6 pm, when all tourists go. Spanish come on the beach with food and drinks, tourists leave exhausted and pinky red.

So didn't go out to fly today, but Rafa was going up to the hills on this 100 procent flyable day.

Above Hendrie's helmet, que chulo H !

Below a freaky insect, only to be found at Organya. Be aware if you put your helmet on, imagine such a creature crawling in front of your eyes inside your visor. Surely you will have your best locked spiral after.

It is summer, so flying is late in the afternoon. If you fly now in Spain, meaning southern Spain, it is better to get out at 5 pm, and go inland. Before the wind, the thermals are strong in Alicante. Or at the coast where Nacho and friends were flying today.

Most of the local pilots today were at El Yelmo where the yearly festival is held. I was there twice, but for me it was way too hot in that southern region. I hope it'll be a succes for all who are there.

Got back from a wonderful trip, roadtrip to the Pyrenees. We flew Berga, Organya and Ager. We flew 6 out of 7 days. Epic flights, easy flights. Those who were with us will not forget this I think.

Again we choose a good time to head up north. Not crowded, fantastic weather, good flying.

Thanks Toni, Hendrie, Ann, Stevie, Ogi and Peter for joining us, you all made it more complete.

You were fantastic.

I hardly took foto's, camera fucked, but soon there will be a compilation on our flickr sent in by others. Down below groupfoto.

21h35
Nick called in, he has just landed at Ager n was waiting for the guys to pick him up.
They've spent the day near the lake where they do SIV courses, but relaxing on the side checking out from a lazy distance what was going on. Sun water relax were the game today.
Late afternoon they went up to Ager to check out conditions, a bit off but flyable, although rough conditions. In the end Nick was the only one who decided on flying, all others were happy with their flying this week n decided against it. A wise decision Nick said as it was a bit bumpy the wind not being straight on the hill but he enjoyed the flight and the views as the sun was setting over the mountains.
So let's see what's the plan for tomorrow...

Hi you all,

I see Kath wrote it all down for you, great. Well an afternoon break, because cloudbase is low. The group existing of 6 pilots and me, welcome this day off. Early night yesterday, after 5 days of flying. Some epic flights, some flights lesser spectacular. But the views, the fun does the rest.
Ann needed to read a book, to relax from the overflow of impressions last days, Stevie did it his way, he bought his brandy, Toni keeps on smiling all the time and wished he retired earlier, Peter is a traveler and tells us his adventures, Hendrie the big boy is playing it tough and takes naps whenever he can, Ogi plays with his toys, his electronical devices, I am on the outlook, look-out (which one is it ??), as always.
We are in Balaguer, bit of a big village at the feet of the Pyrenees. Can't understand a word, as all is in Catalan. Year after year it is more and more difficult to speak spanish up here. Even now down here in the library where I write this, the receptionist refused to speak Spanish. Even after I said I didn't understand Catalan, and only spoke Spanish (Castellano)... .
Oh well, they surely must have their reasons. But it feels a bit unwelcoming though.
It is very warm again today, so we'll have to look for a 'nature' swimming pool in the lakes, rivers or near waterfalls. Flying will be for tomorrow most probably at Ager.
Man, you have to join us next year, some amazing hills we flew on already, and there will be more tomorrow.

See you all soon I hope,
Nick

The sky being cloudy in Organya and no improvement forseen for the day they set off for Ager after Nick spoke to some locals who confirmed him better conditions.

They went up shortly after arrival and all had a very good flight, although not in perfect conditions, the wind blowing from east which puts you in the leeside of the mountain.

So flying out, staying clear of the ridge, but again with spectacular views.

In the afternoon again they went to the nearest lake for chilling.

Tomorrow the weather doesn't look good for flying but nobody seems to mind, some said they need to rest their mind as their head is full of beautiful images.

Skygods of the day Peter (with Nick) n Henrieman, both on a good day at Cabo surely tonight their faces are beaming.

Hello again. Sorry if you all checked the blog yesterday and didn't find the day entry.

I had a leak in the garden and had to sort things, where's your man when you need one?

Having fun in the Pyrenees, right!

Monday morning they went up again on one of the hills around Berga, surely this weekend Nick will have a nice foto session for you all. Another nice flight, what can I say...

In the afternoon they left Berga for Ager, it was very hot but cloudy and as it seemed the flying in Berga was done for the day, they decided to move on.

Around Organya they stopped for a nice refreshing splash in the lake, the air was very charged and humid.

They did go up to check the take off and landing site, but the weather forecast had promised a nice litlle thunderstorm for the evening and Nick said it surely looked like it in the early evening so they decided to chill.

After rain comes sunshine and that's how it was this morning, apparently they had all profited from the early night, by 8h45 Nick texted me they were already going up to 'Magic Mountain' as Organya is called, yes just to give you that extra boost in the office!

But although the day was warm and sunny the valley still needed to warm up a little n the mountain had not yet turned on his magic.

I'm saying not yet because after they came back from a cool dip in one of the cool cool clear springs up in the mountains during siesta time, the mountain decided to do its thing.

Peter n Henrie were skygods today, they took off n decided to sit it through while some of the others thought it a bit rough. They were rewarded with a epic 2hr flight with panoramic views all over the neighbouring valleys, they saw 'Castejon de sos', spectacular views on the lake...I bet you can't wipe the smile of their face tonight.

10h30 Nicks first call- everybody was ready for take off high above Berga. A few hours later his first sms everybody had a 2h flight in, in company of a few vultures, and was happy as can be. Who wouldn't? If you ever been to Berga, you know how beautiful the area is, nice green valley's, soft slopes... if you can fly there in the company of a few big birds...I'm green with envy

Lunch and a small siesta later they were back up, this time on one of the smaller hills around Berga. By 19h30 they were having their first Clara- beer with a light lemonade- it's going to be a long night, so better start off easy. Because they're all happy, on holiday and flying already 2 days and maybe tonight they share in the fiesta, because whoever wins it will be a fiesta.

All over Spain you see the red yellow colours, cars driving up and down the villages waving the flags n singing, and this only because they're playing the final, if they win...

Paco is in front of the tv wearing his Spain shirt, the streets are empty now, all is quiet until the first goal...

Spain sings ' podemos' and with such a positive note I can only join them waving the flag!

PODEMOS...

Yes, here we are again. Just had a phone call from Nick.

They had a brilliant day. Unfortunately a few delays in the airport this morning but minor ones, so they headed out early afternoon direction Berga.

A bit of lunch and a few cool drinks- apparently Catalunya is as hot as Alicante today- and off they went up the hills. They all got their first flight in- all happy faces and voices!

Here's last year crowd with Stevie at the front who joined Nick again this year.

Tomorrow, saturday morning I am gone with a group, up north. Checking out the sites at the feet of the Pyrenees. Flying in the morning at Berga, Organya, and Ager. Knowing the local pilots out there it'll be a blast just like last year. I'll let you know. Last years' foto's of this trip, you can check out on my flickr.
I'll write as soon as I can, I will be thinking of you all, kiss.

Quiet life. No stress. Dag, Lasse, Marcel, Egi, Carmen, Alex, Fordu, all at the cliffs. Early morning flying till 1.30, hungry so lets eat, tired so lets siesta, yes time to fly again.

As a guide you have to sense the needs of your guests. I think this week was perfect for all of them.

A very hot week, no XC days. Just lots of flying in the afternoons, different sites. We choose the best windows to fly. It is so different than flying in the alps etc... , it is a lot more laidback. Donw here it doesn't need to be done right now, this time, not a second later, this window etc.... no relax, have a coffee, we'll fly. No worries.

We just wait for the wave, jump on our boards and fly .....

damn hippie !

SI, si señor. Had a great night watching football after a great day flying. What else can be said of today. Well, thermals were there, blue sky, hours of fun.

Our two norwegians and Marcel went for Maigmo. Etienne with his lightweight equipment looks so more confident than first time he visited us in november last year. He spent all winter flying and partying, all over Europe and Morocco. And you can tell.

More news. Well down here it can't be missed. Spains' young team, powerfull and driven, kicked out the poor Russians. Final game on sunday, lets hope they can teach this boring german team a lesson. Viva España. (that's how you feel after living down here for 9 years and loving it ....)

A happy Toni, leaving tomorrow morning, expecting a baby shortly. Enjoy this new part of your life Toni, always nice to have you around, well .... . Un abrazo !!

Today it was hot, but what else is new. Nothing actually. Just flying again. This time on the cliffs, a couple of tandems, solo flights, a chat, a toplanding, an ice cream, another flight, a chat, the usual thing. Nice and cool flying in hot air.

Rafa was inland, checking it out, but nothing convincing going on. So we all enjoyed a gentle afternoon.

Most interesting paragliding news today :

http://www.niviuk.com/eng/glider_product.asp?prod=f-gravity

What do you do at night ? Well, there are fiestas for instance. The Hogueras in Alicante, not to be missed. These foto's, a taster of last nights adventure.

Most enjoyable flights we had over Hondon, great views, smooth air, just what we ordered.
Super. And the whole hill for ourselves again, just a little step from heaven. Very very enjoyable day. And it ain't over yet, tonight we go to the biggest fiesta day in the year downtown Alicante. The fiestas are called the hogueras.