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 Dan Simmons writes:


"Should Have Turned Right……"


Got the call from Big Trev at about 8:30 am Saturday morning, He was already at
the Outpost car park with no one to be seen. I knew it was a good day but after
winding down from 4000ft over "Boonah T" the day before because of two big Spews
(sorry, couldn't think of a better word for it!!) In the air, I wasn't feeling
so good. I decided to meet him at Beechmont anyway after he said it looked like
a "Goondiwindi and Beyond" day. By the time I got there a handful of pilots were
already setting up with a few punters in the air looking for an early escape
over the back.


The day looked exceptional. (as it turned out - probably the best weekend flying
day for about three years.)


It wasn't going to be too crowded as a lot of pilots were down south or just on
holidays, but half way through set up a couple more car loads arrived. Going
through a pre-flight check I heard Trev in the back ground. Come on Dan, let's
go. As we wanted to get an early start. I was still having trouble with my
bloody radio which has been the case over the last 3-4 months, and saw Trev take
off. I quickly made my way over to launch. A quick look up and I saw Michelle
was looking good in a great thermal, but couldn't see Trev.


I thought he had headed left, and with no plan of attack or thought of the
prevailing wind direction I took off and, that's right, headed left. I found
nothing and lost a heap of height. Trev radioed to head into the bowl as it was
an northeasterly, but I found too little too late and had to land. Someone
radioed "Great Landing" Not much help but a nice gesture anyway Thanks!


Trev and Michelle got tired of waiting and shot over the back to Gordo's with a
couple of punters, and soon a dozen or so pilots were up and away at a base of
about 5000 ft. EVERYONE GOT AWAY. (Did I mention I was the only one that bombed
out?) Michelle didn't quite have the height to reach the same thermal as Trev
and I think she landed at the base of Gordo's or in Flying Fox Valley.


From what I gather a few pilots dropped off along the way to the range including
Danny somewhere at or near Boonah where I believe he waited until all hours for
a lift and Derrick at Lake Maroon. With Big Trev leading the way (By 20 to 25k's
at some stage) over the range near Killarney, Rod, Professor, Speedy, Ronald,
Chesty and Dirk were all following and all made it over, but the day was far
from over.


Base was up to 10,000 ft on the flats and as they flew over Killarney, Andrew
Horchner saw everyone flying over and so he took off from his place in his
paraglider to join the party. I also found out that a couple of Byron boys flew
out and landed out near Goondiwindi. Not sure who they were but a good effort
boys.


Once over the range and past Warwick, Ronny and Chesty landed just before the
tree line. Good going Ronny, I believe he caught Trev at one point after Maroon
and they took different paths from there.


Dirk had the fly of his life flying 242 K's (approx') smashing his personal best
and landing just short of Yelarbon.


Big Trev landed a couple of K's up the road at Yelarbon. Always seems to be
there on the big days, always does well. Although a bit pissed he didn't make
300K. (Also a P.B.)


Professor and Speedy wound down from way above Goondiwindi (About 290K's) a bit
tired but satisfied for the day's flight probably could have made 300K if they
pushed on. I was told Speedy was one of the last to get away from launch, but
caught up a heap of time with a more direct route over the range.


Rod Stead pushed on to be the only one to crack the 300k mark. He had trouble
with his GPS running out of life so turned it off for a while then it back on
once he knew he had made 300K's. I think he actually made 306 or 308K's and flew
back towards Goondiwindi and landed just after 6:00 pm. Awesome stuff Rod, Well
done.


I hope I haven't left anyone out.


A couple of big thanks had to go to Don (Rod's dad) who followed the boys out
there for a big retrieve. I think he had 8 or 9 gliders on top with the same
number of pilots inside at one stage. Same to Wendy (Andrew's wife) for carrying
3 or 4 pilots back to Warwick I think. And Hank who met them at Warwick to
relieve the load.


Every one got home around 1:00 - 1:30 Am the next morning. A big effort for all
concerned. Its days like these that really make for good memories and stories
round the camp fire for years to come.


Jonny had his big Wednesday, The club had its big Saturday.


Dan writes:


I would like to add that Andrew Horchner (paraglider) did 192k and put Gary
(Professor) and myself to shame by flying at almost the same speed as us. My
only excuse is we are conservative weekend pilots and Andrew is a seasoned comp
pilot. Shane Hill, also on a paraglider flew I believe about 150km from
Beechmont, narrowly missing the thermal that may have got him closer to
Goodiwindi. I am told that Lloyd Pennicuik flying a paraglider from Mt Wiggie
flew 196km, setting a new Queensland record.


It was certainly a big day, I wish little Jon was there as we could have seen
his 500km mark smashed we started at 10.00am and Jon could easily have left at
9am. None of the pilots flying hang gliders that day is a fast comp pilot.
Special congratulations to Dirk who has only been flying a short time and now
has 242km under his belt.


I flew on to make 306 km then turned around and glider headwind to Goodiwndi for
8 km, Gary (Professor) and Speedy could easily have done the same but chose to
land at the airport in Goodiwindi. Thanks Dad for Driving.