Spring Training Wrap-up

I'm back home watching a cold rain fall from a featureless gray expanse overhead.  It is hard to believe that a few days ago I was in the middle of the "best east coast flying" I've ever seen.  I picked the perfect time for an extended flying safari.  I flew at Wallaby Ranch, Quest Air, the Florida Ridge during the Rob Kells Memorial Competition, and all over northern Florida and Georgia during the Flytec Race & Rally.  I flew 32 out of 55 days and many of the days I sat out were still soarable.  I accumulated 84 hours of airtime, flew over 1200 miles (1900 km), and I've got the tendonitis in my shoulder to prove it!

I spent time in the air and on the ground with many new and old friends from around the globe and created enough memories to fill a room.  Us hang gliding pilots are a strange breed; the variety of people hooked by this sport continues to amaze me.  The only thing more amazing is how this diverse eclectic group comes together like family.

After a few more days of forced rest while this cold (50 F / 10 C) springtime New England rain falls and I'll be ready to take to the sky again; for the season hasn't even started here!

Photo by Steve Pearson

Update: This was my 500th post!