antiques slope show

Mick's disapointed with the valuation of a Mk 1 Easy Star

meanwhile, in Eric's bag is a set of Sky Leader radio gear ready for the expert's eye

but Fiona's more interested in his vintage 'Seychelle'

the last day of summer

xc success

The last of the heat wave provides ideal conditions for a final attempt on the 'Thurnham to Hollingbourne' cross country.

The home slope isn't working at all well but Deryck, Simon and Paul make an attempt on their goal on Sunday afternoon. It turns out the first gap in the ridge is the hardest and Simon lands out and calls it a day. Paul has the advantage with the lightest of the three gliders and pushes on leaving behind Deryck (unsure of the route) to head back the Thurnham.

The ploughed fields at the base of the Downs provide an almost constant source of strong thermal lift and allow for a fast pace. The greatest problem is the risk of losing sight of the model. There are several prolonged spinning and looping sessions to lose height as the glider continued to climb rapidly even with the spoilers out.

Paul arrives at Hollingbourne after about an hour and a half......how goal and return next time?

sun burnt and slightly too smug, Paul takes a celebratory dump on his glider

the route

larger version here

holly delivers

High pressure over the duration of last week means summer leaves in a blaze or glory. A full gaggle of work shy reprobates gather at Holly to enjoy the sun, a gentle southerly and abundant thermal activity. Simon's inspired BBQ suggestion tops September off perfectly, it's the best 'fly and fry' we can remember and flying carries on past sun down.

Charlie's Alex (Slope Hunter Gary photo)

see...it IS autumn!

We've not even started on the beers and Graham already needs a no.1

launch time (Slope Hunter photo)

a very bad photo of the ladybird infestation

plumber's fix no.1

plumber's fix no.2

plumber's fix no.3

no. 4.....and yet it flies a treat!

bashing the bush (Slope Hunter photo)


time to start the thermal generator



nesting instinct kicks in (Slope Hunter photo)




"see all those people out there, they're still at work they are!"




it takes two qualified engineers to get the table erected


Gary's big wing....sun glasses required


the steaming pile builds up to spontaneous combustion



Cowboy Man joins in

in pursuit (SH photo)

big blue

strafing pass (SH photo)

testing Ray's rig (see the aerial was up!)

the shade is in demand






Luna / Pluto mid-air



nasty gash



Luna unperturbed

at times it's a session for light weight equipment

further proof

evening time draws near

Eric launches (SH photo)

perfect! (SH photo)

all good things must come to an end, but you'll be able to relive it here via the medium of film soon..

Graham's Spitfire