Just sitting here in the Kingsford Smith departure terminal after another amazing adventure flying in OZ. It's hard to even know where to start after so much has happened. I didn't have reliable net access so I'm the entire trip behind but this comp has been another life highlight, for sure. Another problem (or excuse) causing for a lack of posts was that my camera shorted after getting submerged during a violent and wet storm on day 3 so I have next to no photos from the trip, just good memories.
I arrived on the 31st and met up with friends from around the world to bring in the new year and to celebrate being in a beautiful place for another comp to remember. When ever I think of racing my hang glider in Forbes, strong climbs, fast glides and long tasks are the dominating thoughts. The temps were forecast to be hot (up to 111 F) and that only meant one thing for sure, we were going to get what we came for.
Days were saturated with the tasks at hand. We would wake early to stretch off the previous days aches and pains and try to get loaded up on fluids and fuel before racing into town for the briefing. The paddock was nice a green this year so towing, although active and strong at times, was quite pleasant. The best part of Forbes is the professionalism displayed by the organizers from the Moyes family and pilots. The field is so strong and racing with the top pilots that seem to show up each year makes becoming a better pilot a tangible opportunity.
I was rusty and anxious on the first day of the comp and ended up on the deck. Because flying fast down a course line is so confidence based it was not a good way to start off. After shaking some of the cobb webbs off I started to feel the rhythm and began to feel stronger and more in phase as the days rolled on. Flying is very perspective based. I heard an analogy once that seems applicable. When you drive down the road and look out the window at a stand of trees whizzing by, from one point of view they look like a thick and randomly spaced "mess" of trees. But, if viewed from the right place, you are able to see deep into the forest realizing that the trees are planted in perfect rows, all lining up perfectly. Sometimes, my perspective in a comp just needs a little adjustment to have things line up for a more clear picture.
One of the highlights of the trip was a barn burner, 112 mile out and return with up to a 25k head wind on the return. Zippy and I took the 3rd start because we seemed to be out of phase for the first two, which added an hour to our airtime before even getting started. It felt so good to be that tired after a 6.5 hour flight, standing next to the car right where we had left it earlier that morning. Watching the sun set that evening brought back memories when OB and I had a very similar flight a few years ago. The strong feeling of satisfaction after such a difficult task was a stark reminder that we are so lucky to get to do what we do.
The comp ended and the party was good. I got to see Curt and Lou for my last night in Sydney and was lucky enough to see a photo of their newest family member when they returned from Lou's ultrasound this morning. Good flying, great weather and even better friends. Life is good
