Justin's Day

Well today just wasn't my day. I Had a call from Jay yesterday saying that he was keen to fly Beechy tomorrow, providing i could get someone to go tandem with him. I took a punt and called my mate Justin Humphrey to see whether he might like a free tandem. Knowing that he's usually in PNG i was suprised to hear him answer his phone in Cairns. He said he was quite keen and would be in Brissy in a couple of hours.

Cool! So up to Beechmont we all went, unfortunately to find it blowing over the back, we then decided to drive to Tamborine. The breeze was coming up the face but the conditions still looked pretty hard with alot of haze about. Both myself and Jay decided to set up the gliders, and I'd help both him and Justin off before launching myself. After completeing a hangcheck for the guys I proceeded down the hill to get a bit of footage of them launching. I gave the all clear letting them know when the sock was looking pretty good and they were off. Great launch! Unfortunately they hit mostly sink with the occasional lift pocket here and there, the flights highlight being the attack of the killer magpie. I have no idea what makes a bird so small think he or she can take on a glider so big, all I can say is they have guts. They bombed out pretty well straight away.

Now I wasnt sure whether to launch or not knowing there were no other pilots around to pick us up so I waited for ten minutes or so whilst trying to reach Jay on the radio, to no avail. Unfortunately within that time the sea breeze started to kick in and began blowing the wind over the back which also made my decision of 'should i pack up or not'? alot easier. Both myself and Kenny, who was also about to do a tandem for the owners of the paddock behind launch were left up the top. I packed up and headed down to the bomb-out to find a very happy Justin waiting. His smile made the day worth while. Congrats mate!