raef mackay <<email>> writes:

http://goldcoasthgpg.com.au/index_files/Page445.htm

We arrived at Killarney and set up camp at the local van park just out of town. Day Nine was awesome. It’s my first time here, so I was unsure of landings, etc. We headed up the hill as early as possible using Andrew Horchner’s directions I had printed from the local web site http://fly-killarney.com.au/.

We found the launches easily enough. Andrew has done a fantastic job on cleaning and clearing the launches, placing wind socks.

We launched from the westerly side good cycles coming through and climbed out. The drift was quite strong pushing me back down a valley toward the southeast. The valleys narrowed and I wasn’t that keen to go down them.

My thermal broke apart about 1000 ft from base or I was too busy taking in the sights. It looked magnificent big cliffs and gorges and no ground on the eastern horizon it must be a big drop off toward the coast. I was too busy trying to find my next climb to get the camera out and take some photos which I am now very disappointed about. But if I had to describe it I’d say “awe-inspiring” or “breathtaking.” I’m undecided. Very green very pretty.

On day ten it had rained overnight probably ½ inch just enough to wet the ground and make it really humid and soft thermals. We waited another hour or so before heading to launch. It was cycling up, however really weak, we set up and launched into a light cycle it was a struggle all broken and light lift. I kept moving along the ridge hoping for a spot on the ground where the air had heated a little more but eventually the ground came up to meet me and I landed beside the road.