On Wednesday we decided that the winds were too south at Beechmont and headed for Manilla, NSW, to get ready for the upcoming New South Wales State Titles.  I really enjoyed flying at Beechmont, especially the aspect of flying early in the morning. I was up at 5 AM or sometimes earlier to get ready to go up the hill, which would have been really useful if we had launched at 7 AM.

The area is a great flying area and their sure seems like long flights, after you get over the Great Dividing Range are quite possible. We were able to handle pretty high winds (less than 20 mph at launch) which would be useful out on the flats. The southeast winds turn east out there.

I hadn't had a chance to get flying this early for the last year and a half since the last time we went to Zapata. I get very motivated when I know that I've got a whole day in front of me to fly as far as possible. I'm quite willing to run off the hill as early as possible and really look forward to the flight.

It's green over here in Manilla. We are at the River Gums Caravan park and have a basic cabin (no toilet or shower) with a very nice front porch that makes it possible for me to pick up the wireless from the office as I can sit and type on the porch.

A large bank of clouds came over from the west today and pilots who flew were just ridge soaring. Kari Castle is still here for the next ten days. Most of the paraglider pilots have gone south to Bright for their next competition.