Saltspring Adventure

Natalie, Jaron, and I sail to Saltspring,
Clinton has his birthday tandem flight,
Lee, Merwan,Click image for more photos and Kuno fly solo,
and I test fly the new Airwave ALPINE EXTREME

Sailing over from Sidney the day before, Jaron, Natalie, and I were greeted by Kuno at his marina in Ganges Harbour and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with his family. The next morning, while Natalie and Jaron strolled through the Saturday market, Kuno and I met tandem hopeful Clinton (his wife had gotten him a tandem flight for his birthday), Merwan, and Lee at the Fulford ferry terminal who had arrived as walk-on passengers.

There was only one problem. Clouds had moved in and steady rain started to fall. The first rain we've had in weeks.

So, we huddled down in the Rocksalt Cafe and had breakfast. A long breakfast.

Finally the sun broke out and the rain stopped and it wasn't long before we were up on launch, Lee laying out first. Launches were light-wind forwards and, after one stumbly abort, Clinton and I were safely in the air on tandem! Clinton was quite relaxed in the air and I'm sure he'll be back for more.

Click image for more photosSince the ferry wasn't for another couple of hours, Clinton offered to drive retrieve for us and we headed back up. This time I took the new Airwave ALPINE EXTREME for its first test flight. The concept behind the glider is a functional, yet lightweight mountain glider. I have to admit that I was a bit hesitant that such a small (only 2.8kgs and 17.5 sq m!) would hold my weight but it did. It was fast, but it did the job. I can't wait to try it out at Dallas Road in strong winds!

The Fulford wind started to blow, forcing the final three pilots to take an upwind line, but everyone had enjoyable flights - especially considering how the day had begun.
Back at Rocksalt, we all enjoyed a celebratory round as the ferry cruised into the harbour.