Greetings from San Juan de la Maguana (Dominican Republic)!
Had my first really good paragliding flight Thursday. Got to cloudbase at 7900 MSL (3300 AGL). Flew for an hour but conditions were getting too turbulent for my taste so decided to land. Came in next to a small village, could hear the children screaming with excitement from 300 feet in the air. Within moments of touching down I was mobbed by about 40 little ones. They're very sweet and give you enough space to fold your wing. After landing we can radio for a retrieval but they can take a few hours to arrive so I did what most people have been doing and caught a ride on a motoconcho (motorcycle taxi) back to the base of the mtn.
The people here have very little but are happy by nature. Everyone waves and wants to help. The Cleveland Boys (Brian and John) and I stopped by an orphanage yesterday and showed them our gear. Was the best part of the trip. They were just so glad to have the attention.
The meet is being run very well, I?m much impressed. There are some amazing pilots here and I?m getting tutored by folks like Jockey Sanderson and Matt Gerdes which is very cool. I?m just free flying as are several other pilots. The range of abilities here keeps things very laid back.
Winds have been strong. Yesterday was blown out. Today we?re leaving late and trying a new site. Hoping for a break. The gliders just left and will be carried the last .5 mile on mules. Pilots are leaving soon so gotta go.
Best to everyone!
Daniel
Hola
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
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Marcel Dettling
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:00 pm
- Location: Zurich (Switzerland)
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Thanks for the report, Daniel! You know that I wish I could have joined you and I have been closely following the results everyday. I always waited to see you pull off that really long XC flight. Anyway, I'm glad to hear that you have a good time and great flights.
I still remember the first time I was getting to cloudbase very well, like it was only yesterday. It's one of the magical moments in my flying career, just like getting above launch for the first time was.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Marcel
I still remember the first time I was getting to cloudbase very well, like it was only yesterday. It's one of the magical moments in my flying career, just like getting above launch for the first time was.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Marcel
