Advance paragliders in the West Country

Well, it’s been a funny old season for me, I’ve had some really fun flights but the big distances have been elusive apart from a lovely 135km from Rybury back in early June.

I’ve been busier at work this year and haven’t been able to take so many days off on short notice, and on a couple of the days I did take off, the conditions didn’t live up to the forecast. Add in a couple of weddings and various family commitments, and I just haven’t been out as much as I might have done in the last couple of years.

Of course, this is the situation that most pilots find themselves in, and I count myself fortunate that I can get out as much as I do, but whilst I’m undoubtedly a bit disappointed from the point of view of my position in the XC League this year, I’ve realised that not chasing league points does have its benefits.

For instance I’ve been happier than in previous years to commit in advance to camping and sailing weekends with friends, and shock horror, last Sunday I even stayed at home and did some gardening with Lisa rather than most likely spending a hot frustrating afternoon parawaiting in nil wind. I’ve actually enjoyed the variety too – I guess it’s all about finding the right balance, probably something I’ve not been particularly good at in previous years.

But I’m not kidding myself that I’ve fundamentally changed, and I’m sure that had I been doing better in the league I would be more motivated than I have been recently. But, and hence the title of this post, I have great expectations and high hopes for some fabulous flying in St André-les-Alpes during the British Open next week, and it’s been partly the prospect of a week of good flying that has kept me going over the last few weeks, so, if there are any weather gods out there reading this, please, please, please, give us some great weather!!!