Mark Remnant - Paragliding and travel

Strong southerly winds put a close to comp...

2011-08-25T13:37:00.003+05:30

Yesterday the organisors of the comp took us all to the other site in the hope that it would be protected from the southern winds that are causing problems.
I jumped in the back of the car and after a small crash after the driver reversed into another car, we arrived to a nice but blown out site. Briefings was held at 1pm, 3pm and a final try and 4.30pm which all proved that the wind was there to stay. The window did open briefly for the 47km elapsed time task set when we arrived but was soon called off when winds picked up. A few pilots did take off but landed not long after.
The comp as now been cancelled after just one task.
The awards will take place this evening...

Wind, wind, wind...

More strong winds...

2011-08-23T15:36:00.002+05:30

Last night, X-Alps competitor Thomas de Dorlodot gave a talk about his experience in this years contest... My poor or rather non existent French language meant that I did not understand so retreated with some friends for a meal and drinks instead. He also plans to do another talk about flying in Pakistan this year. Unsure if I can learn French in this short time to appreciate what will be said...

Today the task has been cancelled again due to the strong winds which are likely to be here for the week.
However, the organisers are moving us all tomorrow to try and get a task in 3 hours away at a new site to me... Thorenc - Col de Bleyne
Tonight the competitors will be heading for dinner but will be leaving early in the morning so will have to moderate ;-) ;-)

The current overall sports class results can be found here.
The current overall results can be found here.

Belgian Paragliding Open

2011-08-22T19:20:00.002+05:30

We arrived a couple of days early in Laragne Monteglin, around 50km South of the site of the British open 2 weeks ago.
I was last here for the Ozone Chabre open last year which was my first comp. It was good to see a few familiar faces, both from the comp at St Jean and from when I was here last.

The Chabre Ridge

Task one:
The task was set which was a 101km race to goal. This task was a very good challenge as there were quite a few technical areas and decisions to be made. A proper XC rather than a cats cradle tie of race in a valley.
The window opened at 1.30pm with the race start at 2.30pm.

Photo courtesy of Andy Smart

There is currently a heatwave in this region with temperatures around 37 degrees so most opted to not hang around longer than was needed.
As the start point was only 5km from launch (with a 2km radius), I took off around 2pm which then gave me plenty of time to get some height to nab the start gate and make the transition to the next ridge over the valley. You can see my track for the task here.

1st transition after taking the start gate

The glide was quite lifty and just a few turns to top up was all that was needed to get me across the next ridge and onto the spine the other side... Although at this point I was starting to get low. A few gliders had opted to take the windward (quite week), sunny side but did not seem to be gaining much height. On the lee side however I saw a couple of pilots making better progress so thats what I did. The thermal I found there shot me high enough to make a glide for another ridge on a East to West direction. Some of the other pilots had taken the last lift to a much higher height and crossed straight over the top. I followed the ridge on another lift glide where I found a good thermal to take me on another glide to nab the new turnpoint (3 on the track log).

Track log for comp...

Just after this point, I took another thermal but then got stuck in an area for what seems like hours (30 - 40 mins I guess) before I could get enough height to go over the back. It was getting quite late by this point and I drifted with some thermals which unfortunately was not enough for me to tag the next turnpoint. I could have possibly taken a gamble and worked my way up this mountain but as landing options were pretty scarce, I opted to land in the valley where I saw another pilot land a few minutes before.
Nobody managed to make goal on this task with furthest flight being 92km.
My total distance - 53km. This put me in 70th overall position and 9th in the sports class. Quite happy with result but getting stuck for so long definitely put me back somewhat.

Task 2 was cancelled today due to strong winds. It is expected that this may be here for a few days but we will wait and see and hope that they have got it wrong...

Strong winds early in day of Task 2

British open - St Jean de Montclar, France

2011-08-14T04:53:00.006+05:30

Well, the start of the comp was not that great with strong winds deeming it unsafe to host a paragliding competition for 138 pilots. It was still possible to freefly but I opted brush up on my ground handling and to wait for the first task before I took to the skies again.

Ground handling in the landing field

Some might say that going straight into the British National paragliding comps after a 10 month gap without so much as picking up my wing since I broke my back whilst free flying in India last October was not the best idea. Others have said that even taking back up paragliding after such a serious injury is mad. The truth is that this sport has brought me on so many adventures and given me chance to meet some amazing people, visit fantastic countries and basically changed my life so much for the better that while I am still physically able to fly... I will.

Now the comp....

St Jean de Montclar is a small mountain village set in Alpes de Haute Provence of France. Its a ski resort during the winter and summer sports during the summer. Take off is a 30 minute chair lift to some outstanding views.

A pleasant 30 minute ride to launch

View from launch over Lac de Serre Ponçon

The first task was a 60km race to goal.
As I said, it has been quite a while since I flew but did not feel nervous at all about flying again after the break or the comp itself. I did take a bit longer than usual to ensure all my gear was correct before launching though... Unlike some of the free fliers around...

An unlucky pilot got to close to tree on take off - embarrassment was only injury though

A slight breeze on launch was all I needed to take a few steps and get in the air... What a feeling :-D
One of my concerns was how comfortable I would be in the harness... To my relief, it was far more comfortable that any chair or sofa I have sat in of late. I still have pins in my back spa hardly surprising... Hope to get them out early 2012.

300 days since I lasts did this and went on to fly 60km :-)

In no time at all I had drifted backwards with the thermal I was in and soon above the tops of the mountains grinning at my wonderful surroundings. It seemed like it was only yesterday that I was flying with my friends in the pumping thermals of Spain. In fact that was nearly 2 years ago.
I was focusing on the task in hand and watching my vario and GPS to ensure I was making the right decisions. I was loving it up there!!!

The window is open...

Now, if I was current with my flying, I should have realised that my radio was far too quiet during this comp... I should have also noticed that one minute there was lots in the sky, next thing I am flying with only a handful of people... What I did not know is that the task had been stopped due to a couple of incidents.

Photo courtesy of Andy Smart

I had a couple of turn points left before goal and as I approached the end of the ridge, a helicopter came over the top. Paragliders and helicopters don't mix too well so I immediately got out of the way. Its horrible when you see a chopper during a comp as you know that something is more than likely happened. I carried on and reached the final turn point before heading back to goal - very happy that my first flight in a year was around 60km and made goal...

On landing however my joy turned to concern as not only had a couple of fellow pilots been injured badly requiring helivac, due to my radio breaking down I had missed some vital safety information ordering pilots to move from the mountains into the valley to aid the rescue. Even worse was that apparently a pilot caused problems for the helicopter and got in the way during rescue. I was sure that it was not me as I immediately moved far away once I saw the chopper.
I wish the guys a speedy recovery from their injuries...

Day 2 was another technical nightmare for me...
The task was set, my GPS was set (or so I thought) and the window opened...
On countdown to start, I was high and in the valley and thought I was in a great place to reach the first waypoint... As the timer reached zero, I was shocked to see all the pilots going in the opposite direction to where my GPS was telling me to go. Oh dear... I immediately realised that something had gone wrong when I had put in the coordinates. I had a back up GPS but like a fool I had not written the waypoints down so could not input them to the back up device. I ignored my GPS and followed the gaggle. As there was not way of knowing where I had to turn, I tried guessing where the pilots was turning (and went a bit further - so I thought)... In the valley there was plenty of lift so I stayed for a while and got some height. I then realised that actually I had no idea of where I was supposed to go. Some pilots flew to the ridge, other went in another direction but my GPS was telling me otherwise. Nightmare.
This was no fun so I decided to land in the valley. I had flown half the task.

View back to take off (Photo Andy Smart)

When I got back to HQ, I was somewhat disappointed to see that I had actually missed the first turn point by around 50 metres, therefore showing that I did only 5km and put me the very last position.
I later found out that my mistake was not cancelling the previous task. Something that will never happen again!!!!

If you like to have space when flying, comps might not be for you...

The final task was a 70km race to goal.
I took off about 45 minutes before the start to give me enough time to get some height and position myself.
I should have had a little more patience as the start gate was out in the valley and I left the ridge with not a great deal of height which meant I had to spend ages in the foothills of the mountain and eventually clawed my way back up... I made the next turn point which was over the lake (would have took some pics but it was pretty turbulent in that area so opted to use my controls rather that the camera).
Again, I spent ages in zeros and ones to try to get back onto the ridge... Very hard work.
In the end I took a death glide that put me on the deck after a 33km flight...
Which thankfully was enough to get me from the bottom of the results... but only just...

From a competition point of view, I am not happy at all with my results.

But I am very happy that I am back in the air gain... I now have a week before I am in another area of Southern France for the Belgian open... Will be pushing hard for some good results there thats for sure and look forward to the Brits next year!!!

Back to the skies...

2011-07-23T19:18:00.001+05:30

Well, its been quite a while since my last blog entry... All is well!!!

My work in the Middle East has come to a close, thankfully I left before the scorching summer heat.
I look back fondly United Arab Emirates. When I arrived at the start of last summer, I did not think I would feel like that. I arrived in the hottest part of the year where daily temperatures often sat around 50 degrees. The nights were warm too and was not pleasant to be outside.

Al Wathba - Abu Dhabi local site

However the winter was really nice and - only only saw it rain twice in the year there.
I also made some good friends in the UAE - and the enthusiasm for the local paragliding pilots was fantastic! I hope to fly again someday with the guys there, hopefully sharing thermals is some epic XC (Right Shoaib?)

Al Wathba - Accuracy comp UAE

Abu Dhabi is one of the richest cities in the world and is home to the worlds fastest roller coaster which is a pretty impressive ride, the Sheik Zayed Mosque which can hold 40,000 worshippers and also has the worlds largest carpet ever made! Also, the capital is where you will find the Emirates palace - the most expensive hotel ever build at a whopping 1.9 billion UK pounds, even the Christmas tree there was the most expensive in the world ($7m worth of decorations and jewelry).

Sheik Zayed Mosque - Abu Dhabi

The last night there was spent at a wonderful oasis in the desert, around 200km south of the capitol.
But even then at the end of May the temperature in the desert was creeping up in the mid forties.

Liwa Oasis - UAE

In between contracts, I spent a couple of weeks in Thailand. Thailand is a very beautiful country, unfortunately only managed to see the inside of bars as the weather was atrocious. Some of the islands had flash floods and sadly some people lost their lives.

Phi Phi Islands - Thailand

The second week however brought a great change and trips away from Patong were possible as the boats were active once again. It is a country that I will certainly go back to and discover more.

Scarred and bitten snake charmer - Thailand

Ko Tapu (AKA James Bond island) - Thailand

I am now based in a small Indonesian Island which is a round an hour by ferry from Singapore. I should be here until at least the end of the year before my next move - somewhere...
This location is ideal and I certainly hope to take advantage of my time here and visit other countries in Asia. Some parts of Australia is only a short flight away (4 hours), and it will be good if I can manage a few weeks there. Maybe that will be my reward after this job is complete - Just in time for Australian summer and catch up with some friends that I have over there.
It has been a while since I last flew and would have certainly done so if I had the opportunity for some decent XC. The UAE is pretty flat and XC not really possible to get any kind of distance.

Batam Island - Indonesia

Paragliding is also not possible on this island either but a couple of hours drive north of Singapore will get me to a few sites in Malaysia. Another country that I would like to visit.

I hope to get a chance to get my wing out in the next couple of weeks. I have already brushed the cobwebs off and given my gear a thorough inspection ready for my next destination...

The British Nationals in France...

From rags to riches...

2010-11-13T04:28:00.000+05:30

I was like a small child with the excitement of leaving hospital yesterday. There was an additional bonus with my flight being direct and not until the evening.

For the past couple of weeks I have been on the medication but remained mostly staying in the bed. So, I was discharged around midday which gave me enough time to have a quick look around the city.
My previous impression of Delhi was not fantastic with people defecating in the streets, people trying to con you or the beggars harassing you at every opportunity. I know I have not had a huge amount of experience in India but have many Indian friends who advised me on certain things before I arrived in the country. I had nobody to advise on the cost of things so this was something I learnt over the first couple of weeks.

I got my gear loaded in the taxi and necked one final painkiller just in case as my plan was to hire a taxi for the day, or rather afternoon which cost 1200 rupees (less than 20 quid). The driver was an amicable fellow and waited with all my gear in the taxi whilst I had a look around some of the sights of Delhi.
What I did not realise though was the strength of the pills that I have been taking. I admit that sometimes I felt in a dreamlike state whilst lying in the bed but the medication really hit home when I had to face the real world. I was walking around in a daze for the first couple of hours not quite knowing what was happening, but it was OK ;-)

Humayun's Tomb

India gate

Red Fort

After the hazy quick tour of Delhi, it was time to head back to the airport where after a small delay i found myself once again in the business class. this is the second time that it has happened and both due to paragliding incidents - although the first time was not an injury to me.

I was given a large whisky and beer and the combination of being alcohol free for a few weeks and due to being so tired after my day, I soon was in the land of nod. I did not take advantage of the food or drink, in fact I did not even have a meal.

Soon I was back at my hotel and was surprised to see that they have very tight security and even scanners like they do at airports. I found out since that this is because the majority of F1 drivers are staying here as it is the last race meet in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Its a big contrast in the space of 12 hours, from driving through the slums of Delhi to being at a hotel that is lined with ridiculously priced sports cars.

Sports cars everywhere...

It has been a interesting 6 weeks to say the least, but not in any hurry to repeat the last 3 that's for sure. My big soft bed is so nice now and I look forward to taking it easy while my body repairs itself. Everyday I feel much better and look forward to my next adventure. It won't be December as originally planned for South Africa, but will have something lined up for the early part of 2011, possibly a comp in Australia but we'll see.

I also look forward in taking part in the British Nationals next year and possibly the Spanish Nationals which I loved earlier this year and gave me the comp bug.

Then of course there is the North vs South Cup due to take place in the UK around May that should be very exciting and a bundle of laughs...

Over at last... Homeward bound

2010-11-09T10:55:00.003+05:30

I must say, I am not going to rush back into a scenario like that again...
I have been stuck in that hospital for just under 3 weeks and I gotta say, it wasn't one of my favorite places or situations to be in.
At times it felt more like a prison than a hospital.
Its not just the fact that I have been here alone that has made it a bad experience, but all the stress that I have been going through with insurance issues. I won't bother you with that kind of crap but believe me, it has not been nice.
I have managed to start a fictional book but not so sure when I will continue with it. I have been enjoying some audiobooks as for a while the hospital people did not want me to go downstairs to the bookshop and watching plenty of films. So glad that I brought the trusted Mac with me and the fact that the hospital has wi-fi.
I probably could have gone down to ground level for a decent meal or even a nice coffee, but was getting some worrying pains in my lower back that went down my leg after surgery. I seem to be through the worst of that now though thankfully. The other issue about walking down to the ground floor bookshop was the fact that I would have had to wear this ridiculous pyjama type thing, a splendid checked pattern of green and white. Its not really that I was worried to much about people seeing me as for sure it would be highly unlikely that I would bump into someone that I know, I was more afraid of seeing my reflection in the mirror because I have to say, it is hideous.
I have also had chance to grow a beard again. Not sure if it will last forever but while I am not working and away from the general public it will cause no harm, in fact I am starting to like it now.
And of course, there was the smoking that was not permitted. In fact, the first few days it was not a problem, as I did not miss smoking too much. It got really bad when I found out that while I was a patient here then I would not be allowed. I started kicking up a fuss and in the end I was given permission to smoke in the bathroom. This was after I had forced the window in the bathroom open only to find another wall which I often put my head alongside the massive cobwebs to have a sneaky smoke anyhow.
But a couple of days ago it got to me. I wanted to go outside and have a cigarette and see what was happening in the world. By now I had learnt the timings of the visits from the doctors and nurses, so, after my afternoon electrotherapy treatment for the muscular pains I was having, I quickly got into my shorts and t-shirt that I had already prepared for my short escape...
I removed the tag that had been placed around my wrist and with arms folded (to try and cover the tattoos), quickly made for the stairs. Once I had made it to the ground floor (my back brace hidden under my shirt and wrist band removed), it was quite easy just to walk through the doors and have a smoke in peace. In fact I had two. I had to get the timing right to get back into my room as there were nurses going about their business around my level 6 floor. I don't think any of them would have been expecting me to be in my civvies anyway so was soon back in my bed in time for afternoon tea, quietly pleased with my SAS tactics.
I will not miss the 5.30am wake up calls everyday to have my blood pressure taken and be stabbed in the finger to have sugar levels taken. Really pointless and crap! Or having to explain to people 3 times a day, EVERYDAY that I am alone and do not have an attendant with me. Nor will I miss the smell of sewage that drifts into my room every-night around 9.30pm from the air-con system (and the room I was in previously at the other side of the hospital).

I am still determined to have a look around Delhi before I leave though... Somehow ;-)

I have made a quick video of some of the great flights that I had in India though and will try and make it back next year, hopefully with higher bases next time...

One final update...

2010-10-30T11:46:00.000+05:30

I will try and make this my last entry to the blog regarding the injury, so hopefully the next one will be a little more interesting.

I know quite a few of you have been interested in how I am doing, and by continuing with the blog it has been a great way for me to let friends and family know about my progress.

The surgery was less than 48 hours ago and when I tried to sit up yesterday, the pain was so bad I thought walking would be a long way off.

Well, today I managed to find a way to sit up without too much discomfort which I feel really positive about. When I do sit up though I do feel a bit giddy which is no surprise being lay on my back for over 48 hours.

The Physiotherapist got me on my feet today for the first time and did a couple of laps of the ward.

I have also been up on my feet to visit the bathroom and it is something that the doctor encourages (walking about that is).

I do not want to overdo it at all but do not want to lay here all the time either. Once they find a single room they should move me there and out of ICU - probably today! :-)

The doctors know I am pretty active and realized quite soon that I am not a happy bunny being laid out on a bed. Mind you, perhaps I would be a bit more content if they had gone to get me a book from downstairs that they don't seem to want to do.

If there are any further developments that are worth mentioning then I will update the blog but it seems like I am through the worst of it now and its a steady rehabilitation program that I need to get up and running (flying) again sometime in the near future.

Some of the nurses are surprised when I tell them of course I will be paragliding again when I recover.

It was a misjudgment on my behalf that put me in this position, and one that I can promise will never happen again.

I love paragliding and think I always will. For the moment at least, I can honestly say that when it comes to paragliding, the rewards are far greater than the risks and I hope to be like some of the guys I know in their 70's and 80's who are regularly taking to the skies.

I wonder what we will be flying in the 2050's....

Thanks again for your words of support. They mean a lot to me I promise....

Not a beer in sight...

2010-10-29T13:53:00.000+05:30

I knew that surgery was highly likely but it wasn't until I was being wheeled there yesterday and I am not ashamed to admit I was nervous.
I knew that metal pins were to go in my back but the thought of them drilling my spine was not the most pleasant thought I could think of.
The doctor was there in the operating theatre for some reassurance as he said that he came earlier as he knew I would be anxious. I told him that one of my concerns was the fact that I only had seen one poor quality x-ray that I brought to the hospital myself (you wait until I am in a position to show you the place, I have some fine photos).
He said that here did not want to operate on me with me thinking it was not necessary and grabbed some scans.
I do not have a medical background but could clearly see there was something far from right.
Again he asked me if I wanted to go ahead with it and the next thing I felt cold fluid being pumped into my right arm and going light-headed.

The next thing I am back in ICU and can here that annoying woman screaming again, she was also doing that nearly a week ago and is driving me mad.
The rest of yesterday I spent drifting in and out of sleep but needed lots of painkillers.
I still feel like some kind of restrained octopus as I have wires coming from both arms, chest, legs and low and behold there is another coming from somewhere that would make most guys eyes water! I am going to have to leave that there for a bit though as the pain in my back is pretty intense and for the moment, do not have the testicle fortitude to sit up myself because of the pain.

I am pretty happy that I have the laptop again and was very touched to read kind emails and messages. Thank-you.

The plan for me tomorrow I believe is to get me on my feet and hopefully to a single room again for some peace. I am a little nervous though as even turning on my side is hell but its the first day after the op so I guess thats to be expected.

Plenty of rest....

An incision (will) be made...

2010-10-28T07:08:00.000+05:30

Well, todays the day...
I would like to take this opportunity for all the words of comfort and best wishes that people of sent me, I have read everyone and appreciate them.
This is actually a standard procedure that is performed successfully everyday but still a bit nervous as I have never had to stay overnight and never been under general anthethectic.
I do still feel like the hospital are trying to make a few quid from the comments I here often and would liked to have seen clear images of the fracture myself, let alone other doctor from outside.
The struggled to fine the O negative back up blood for a while but have since told me they have located some.
Anyway, everything is planned and I will be collected in the next 30 minutes so guess I will be pretty groggy for the rest of the day but will try and put a footnote on this blog as soon as I am able to update to say I am awake and have full movement of my legs, etc (Its one of my paranoia's)...

Thanks again for the support, x

A decision has been made...

2010-10-27T07:39:00.000+05:30

After a day or two of sheer astonishment and then concern that I have found myself in this hospital with a fractured vertebrae, things are falling into place.

The amazing thing is that even though the accident happened very quick, well, the impact was at least, I did not expect the injury to be so serious.

After 10 or 15 minutes on the ground and telling the local guys who came to investigate what the UFO was that smashed into their terrace that I did not want lifting off the ground, I stood up myself.

They helped me get the wreckage out from the tree which was not damaged at all but sitting comfortably on the branches, then carried my gear to the side of the road after John packed it all away for me.

From there we awaited the taxi (my groans ensuring he kept his speed to a reasonable pace over the bumps), and went back to the Colonels where I did chill for the evening.

The next couple of days say the pain reducing on a daily basis and so I came to Delhi which as it goes, is far from the sightseeing that I had in mind.

For the past couple of days I have been doing my own research and had a couple of insurance companies doing their own investigations here and I am now confident that I am indeed in safe hands and whilst the medical world is big business in India (as everywhere else but known to be a bit different here), the best course of action is to stay here and get the surgery carried out which is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday morning).

I will then need to stay in hospital for a further 10 days approximately before heading back home.

I had a couple more X-rays yesterday and was surprised to see how many security were carrying guns.

I knew that there was lots when I arrived but did not notice what appeared to be shotguns!

I was very happy to see a couple of my friends, Lynne and Antoine yesterday who came to visit as they are in the area. They were going to wheel me outside for a smoke but the sisters on the ward told me that I was not allowed off this floor. I had not really wanted a cigarette that much since I arrived but knowing that I was not allowed only served to make me want to smoke more.

I think I have found a way around it if the doctor does not grant me position when I enquire today.

The main thing I guess is to avoid the security as it seems a bit heavy if they are here employed to deter frustrated smokers.

For now, I will carrying on listening to music and writing my book.

Take care all...

Note: Actually, they mentioned earlier that they are going to have at least one more neurosurgeon in with my doctor and someone else and that, I quote,"Will cost more money but the insurance is paying." If it means that they can liaise together and make the operation safer then I do not mind but it does show prove my original theory somewhat. My doctor has also said he has no problems if I want to smoke, but would like me wheel-chaired out in case I fall. Fair enough, but the knobs on the ward are not having it and starting to get on my nerves.
I will be sat outside by the end of the day or there will be trouble!!! :-)

What a day!!!!

2010-10-26T10:50:00.000+05:30

As you saw in my last post, I have concerns on my welfare out here...
Whilst I feel in no immediate danger and in good spirits, the mixed reports and contradictions I am getting does not put me totally at ease.
I am concerned that whilst the doctor here says I have serious injury and need surgery immediately, I am also allowed to walk around my room and sit up whereas I think if it was too serious then surely they would immobilize me as they have done for friends of mine who has suffered similar injuries in the past.
Is it because they are wanting my insurance money or because I need surgery as a matter of urgency in case further damage is caused?
I have spoken to my travel insurance who are willing to pay for any treatment out here but cannot recommend that I leave the hospital based on the report submitted by my doctor here.
I have a copy of this and will publish later.

My travel insurance will pay for any medical insurance whilst here, but not on my return to the UAE.
In the meantime, I have contacted another insurer that I have. I can get treatment with this company anywhere in the world but have doubt (which is currently being checked by them) if they would cover a paragliding related injury as it is possibly classed as extreme sports.
None the less, they are currently doing research into the facilities here and also have an office based here in Delhi which I did not know. They will also cross check the doctor and the report here and make sure that that the recommended treatment is necessary, and determine if it should be done here in this short timescale given.
I have had confirmation that the hospital I am currently staying in is on my insurers recommended practices list, but they will do further checks regardless. This is good news.

I spent nearly all day trying to arrange and find a way out of this dilemma that I am in but seem a little closer to having that peace of mind... Mind you, this is India of course and for the past month I have had surprise after surprise and not all for the best.

Its an interesting place there is no denying and I just wonder what will happen next...

NOTE: I have just found out that all loose ends need to be tied regarding insurances and once I am happy with whatever decision is made (hopefully today), surgery will take place Thursday if I am here, as a delay has been caused due to my concerns. Too right!

PS. Looking more and more like the December comp is off... Balls!

The hospital bed...

2010-10-25T11:46:00.000+05:30

Its pretty difficult to write an exciting travel blog from the bed with the only travel from bed to toilet, but thought I would continue anyway as I know a few people have been following from the start of the trip and interested in what may develop. I will try to keep the blog as interesting as it is possible whilst staring at a ceiling and refrain from updating it every five minutes to combat boredom.

My dilemma:

I have heard from a number of friends and read stories about the medical profession in India. Whilst I do not doubt that the country still retains many of its professionals, I know a lot have emigrated overseas to earn more money, and the economy is certainly after what money it can get.

These tales may have made me somewhat paranoid but not totally unjust, but I do wonder if the some of the hospitals may try to take advantage of what could be very lucrative insurance work when a foreigner is injured.

I do not doubt that I have sustained quite a bad injury to my back and that it is broken, even though I can walk (when I am allowed).

I paid for the CT scan myself but thought I had better contact my insurance company when the doctor told me the results were not good and that it could be very expensive and that surgery would be necessary.

The result to date show that the L2 is completely fractured right through, with a small chip to L4. The recommendation is to pin L2 maybe this week.

The doctor here seems very professional and his advice is (hopefully fully) in my interest, but I also think I would have more piece of mind with at second opinion at least. I have voiced this to my insurance company who will today receive his recommendations so I guess by tomorrow I will know if the surgery will be performed here or back in the UAE (if at all). I would prefer the latter I think as at least I know people over there.

I guess it all depends though on how the doctors report comes across. If he states that it is dangerous to move me and won't issue a release certificate then I could remain here. My insurers have said that they can provide 1st class tickets home or move me on strectcher if need be. They seem to offer a great service and time will tell if they are good to their word. I will provide details of both hospital and insurers during he course of this blog that may be of use to someone in the future.

I soon have to go for a scan to check the bone density to ensure that they are strong enough to hold the pins.

When I was admitted, I was put into the ICU, I had a small separated room off to one side but it was not enough to drown away the noises and smells that was being omitted. I also did not like the way I was being so closely monitored and that I had to be wheel-chaired to the bathroom. It was more frustrating as i knew I could.

However, I was last night moved to a single room which has a TV at the bottom of the bed and generally much more quiet and pleasant.

I even have my own en-suite bathroom that I can walk to providing I ring the bell to let them know that I am using it.

This may not last though as I could have surgery as early as Wednesday. They say that it will be a couple of days before I get the current comforts again.

I was wearing my GoPro head-cam at the the time of the crash. Quite painful viewing. I knew I had made a terrible mistake as soon as I did it but by that point, there was nothing I could do to avoid the impact. I showed a few of the guys when I was back at camp and the doctor today also viewed it. He wants a copy for his teachings. I have no problem with that. I just want a copy of the presentation as it will include all sorts of gory details including the scans, x-rays... Actually, I think I will ask him to record the surgery too. Should make great YouTube footage!

I am a little concerned with having the time off from work though as I have only recently been posted to the UAE. I can do some work from home but really its a hands on job and I am keen to get back to it.

The other thing of course is that I need to be at work to accrue days and also VERY keen to go to South Africa for the comp in December but I have big doubts if that will be possible for me this time.

It just looks like i may have to do more comps next year...

I did not think I would be reading much during this trip so left my books behind. So, to pass time aside from the blog I am going back to writing (fictional story) which is something I have always enjoyed but not done for years.

Hasta pronto amigos...

Not on the move...

2010-10-24T12:21:00.000+05:30

After few hours sleep I woke in my room…

My back was still giving me discomfort so I decided it could be best to have it checked out at one of the larger hospitals in Delhi, that way at least I would certainly be covered with my travel insurance who I had already notified that there had been an incident but their services would not be required.

After breakfast, I flagged down the nearest motorized rickshaw and got a price. 150 rupees (2 quid) to the hospital which was just under 20 km away.

There was some pretty grim sights and smells on this short trip, plus if stuck in traffic you are a target for beggars who flock to you. Its a pretty sad experience.

I arrived at the hospital and presented the doctor with the x-ray that had been done in the Himalayas. He could see there was a fracture right away and suggested a CT scan which would show more detail. I had an hour or so to kill so remained in the hospital while the doctors analyzed the results.

It would seem that not many heavily tattooed westerners frequent this hospital as there were many people staring (which is not uncommon), but I have never seen so many people discreetly trying to take a photo with there camera phones whilst trying to pretend to be using it. It did humor me I must admit. Not everyone was quite so subtle and one guy even came up to ask if he could have his photo taken with me while his wife got us in focus.
I spent a few hours going in and out of the hospital for cigarette breaks, again finding it quite strange that being european, the security had no interests in patting me down or searching my rucksack whilst all other nationalities were searched much more thorough, or should I just say searched...

The news from the doctor took me a little by surprise in the fact they suggested they wanted to admit me as the fracture was worse than what the original suggested. It was time to speak to my insurance who wanted to have a copy of the report sent to them for analysis with their doctors. The decision was unanimous. I was to stay in hospital at least until I had further checks done in the form of MRI before I was to get back on the plane home.

I headed back to the hotel in order to pick up my stuff and check out, taking the opportunity to have a shower and a few cigarettes.

This all seemed so strange to me considering I have been walking around for the past few days.

I thought that the rickshaw and the 12 hours bumpy taxi journey may not have done any favors but what's done is done.

I handed over my glider and my suitcase of instruments, making sure that the laptop and mobile was kept with me.

It was a pretty grim start to the night in the ward. I had my laptop and mobile but both had flat batteries and no credit on the phone anyhow. I had been put in a ward but have my separate kind of room off to the side. They pushed me in my bed to the MRI area of the hospital, again very strange when it would be quicker to walk there myself but I guess they want to minimise the risk of additional damage to the area.

I have had an MRI scan on a previous knee injury but have not heard one that is as loud as this before, maybe its because last time my whole body was not inside and I had headphones. None the less it was not match for my tiredness and I was soon drifting off whilst converting the sounds of the machine into dance music in my head. 45 minutes later it was all done and I was wheeled back to my bed where I slept very well until I was awoken at 5 am this morning.

I have since got the lead for my laptop so can pass the time away lying here and charge the mobile at the same time although still need credit to call out. Its good that they provide wireless internet and mobiles are allowed. I did not bring any books with me on this trip so its good to pass the time.

I am still wondering if I will be able to make the comp in December. I need to heal fast though as its only 6 or 7 weeks away from now and I need to increase my points and get some extra distance between and my friend Colin Hawke ;-)

It will be decided shortly if surgery is required though I am hoping not. I was supposed to be at work tomorrow and if I had not had opted to pop into here, I probably would be...

Will update when I have more news.

On the move...

2010-10-23T02:13:00.000+05:30

The final night was spent around the fire. It is rare to find paragliding pilots who are dicks and this was another trip where I met many great new friends.
We were all sat around when a strong gust front came through and threatened to cover everyone with sparks from the fire as lightening flashed in the distance. It was time to retire to bed in Bir for my final time this year.
I had already booked a flight as I thought the train would be too much trouble if I had to change trains in a rush without my bags and the 12 hour taxi ride would also be tiresome. However, looking at the skies this morning I realized that there would be a good possibility that the flight would be cancelled due to the weather.
We were only a few miles down the road when the sky started putting on a show and the heavens opened.
A taxi to Dharamsala is around 1200 rupees with the full journey from Bir to Delhi starting around 6500.
We arrived at the airport and was told we would need to wait around 20 minutes before a decision would be made on whether or not the flight would be cancelled... It was.

Waiting for a decision by the airline at Dharamsala

Time to gobble a few painkillers for the bumpy ride. The first 4 hours of the journey was indeed a rough ride, but still quite a pleasant one seeing new areas of Himachal Pradesh that I had not yet seen. It wasn't until we crossed the border into Punjab that the main roads changed instantly to what I have been used to in the rest of the world.
The roads can be quite hectic but its not until it gets dark that you really sense the danger. I would say that 40% of the traffic I saw did not have their lights on, 95% of the rucks traveling the same way as us had no rear lights at all, pedestrians were practically camouflaged in their dark attire and you just need to see for yourself the cycles and motorcycles that seem to appear and disappear just as quick as each other.
The truck do stand out from the front more so during the night though, a lot seem to compete for the most bling and light show. I guess they must take the lights off the back of the vehicles or no longer have enough power to run both front and back... You also seem to get quite a few folk getting a ride in the back.

We finally arrived into Delhi. Its the second time I have been here now and although I have still not truly explored the place, I do not really like the vibe that I seem to get when passing through certain areas.
I know that this is a city with hundreds of thousands below the poverty line and the high number of homeless is evident in a very early on your arrival.
I opted for a different hotel, one in a different location... Only it appears that the last one is just a few doors down the road :-)
I certainly get the feeling much more in this city that everyone is out to get whatever they can from you here, much different to the people where I have been for the past couple of weeks who cannot seem to want to do enough for you.
I am only going to be here for a full day and hoped to go to Agra tomorrow but its an early start and its late now so will probably save that trip for next time I am here...

The journey so far...

2010-10-21T12:12:00.000+05:30

This has proved to be a great trip and one that I would recommend to my fellow pilots. The weather has not made it epic as one would hope in terms of flying, but the team took full advantage with every opportunity with the conditions we had.
With base at often less than 2000m out front and sometime below take off, what can you do?

Image taken just after launch

The season seems to be getting a little later each year and the monsoons this season was no exception. A week or two from now may prove to have much better conditions but the window is always relatively small here but it I have only scratched the surface of what is possible.
The guys from Himalayan Sky Safaris really know there stuff here, and this year to keep the 2:1 ratio of clients / guides, their expert assistance with Adam Hill from Nepal Paragliding and Antoine Laurens of Himalayan Odyssey.

From left to right - My Good Self, John Silvester, Jim Mallison, Eddie Colfox, Adam Hill and Antoine Laurens

Sure, I can fly without guidance but a trip like this can push your limits of personal flying in a relatively safer environment than if you was to be flying here alone with no experience of the area and weather patterns.
This does not eliminate the risk completely of course as a guides job is to just advise, it is your own piloting skill that will enable you to get in or out of certain circumstances and of course it is the pilots decision to take or ignore the advice.
It must also be said that should a serious accident occur in this area, it could be a time consuming and difficult affair to get immediate treatment due to the lack of facilities available. When you are over the back this increases dramatically.

My incident a couple of days ago shows what we all know, that paragliding is a potentially dangerous sport and in the Himalayas, it could have far greater consequences than other areas of the world with better infrastructure and facilities. I was assured when John (Silvester) spiraled down to assist me when it happened. Tip of the day - don't be a knob and 360 near terraces close to the ground - they hurt ;-)
It really hurt at the time but in all honestly, my first thought was, "Shit, I hope I will be OK to enter the comp in December!"
Apart from some bruising to the heels of my feet and some discomfort that is getting better each day, things are pretty good considering...

Jim and Eddy covering up during one of our crossings with sheep and goats on the mountain paths

I decided to visit the hospital yesterday as I woke up very sore. Eddy (Colfox) took me to the nearest hospital which is maybe around 90 minutes away. It not that its far but the roads are very slow and noticeably bumpy too when your back is giving you grief!
Its an interesting journey too with all the bright colors, combination of good and bad smells with the thrive of activity going on that it reminds me so much of Glastonbury festival.

After an X-ray, the verdict is that I have a slight compression of the vertebrae and possibly a chipped bone. Some rest for a couple of days is the doctors orders so I will plan to leave the comfort of the resort in a couple of days to explore before my flight back to the UAE Sunday.
There is a great ambiance when staying at The Colonels Resort and this area in general. Sitting surrounded by wonderful countryside consisting of tea gardens, orchards with the mountain as a backdrop is a great place to relax and forget about the hectic lives we live at home.
I have a few more days to ponder over the great couple of weeks I have had in this environment, both in the sky and on the ground.

I will come back here and will pretty much follow the same route and timings as I did on my way here.
I would fly to Dharamsala from Delhi, and spend a night or 2 there and Mcleodganj before getting a taxi ride to Bir. It was about 100 Rupees per kilo for overweight luggage which was pretty reasonable I thought. The 3 hour daxi from Mcleodganj 1200 rupees to Bir - less than £20.
A taxi from Delhi to Bir is another option and will cost around 7000 rupees (100 quid).

There are numerous places to eat that offer great food at a great price: I have had the occasional meal at a small Tibetan cafe for between 50 - 100 rupees and been completely full by the end.

It is also worth mentioning that while it is OK to give tips, do not overdo it as will upset the economy here. For example, I understand that a full days work for some of the guys working on the roads smashing rocks earn around 150 rupees a day. This is also the kind of price you can expect to pay the porters for carrying your kit to the top of the mountain for you.

A beer will cost between 80 and 125 rupees but do not expect any kind of bars or nightlife in Bir except with your comrades around the fire in the evenings. A bit more happening in Dharamsala, Bhagsu and Mcleodganj in the evenings.

It seems that a good night was had camping in the mountains which was home from home with all the tents that had been set up for when they arrived. Beer, whiskey and good food was ready to eat and drink around the massive campfire that they made. There are rumours that a couple of pilots also made it into an elite 24 club... Ask no questions, tell no lies ;-)

The final dinner with everyone before we go our separate ways

I am sure that the mosquito's here are also as fascinated by my tattoos as the local people as my right arm is covered in bites which has not happened anywhere before.

I was planning to go into Mandi today but there are some big storm clouds developing so it could be just a day as the doctor ordered... Chill :-)

Destination camp 360 (But watch out for the terraces!)

2010-10-19T19:54:00.000+05:30

I had a good nights sleeps last night despite being woken by Jackals that seems to have surrounded the hose where we stay. I would much rather hear that all night than be attacked by some of the massive spiders I have seen lurking around.

The skies looked a bit more promising when we awoke this morning, but the cumulus were already popping up everywhere on the way to launch.
The idea was to try and make it to camp 360 where we were taking off from the first few days.
The eager ones in the group were unpacking there gear as soon as wee arrived as we new that conditions were likely to get worse and we did not fancy a taxi ride back down the mountain.
I launched first, closely followed by John, Lex and Rob. We had a point to aim to that would put us out of danger from other pilots and clouds. Lift was quite week but it was a game to stay high enough to glide to next ridge but low enough to remain clear of clouds. It was not far to 360 but after a couple of ridges I. found myself scratching to stay up. For a while I thought that I was home and dry only to find myself in sink again. I wanted to be sure that I could make it to the possible landing options clear of the high voltage wires that were in the area of the small valley where I was going down.
A lot of the hill landings here are on terraces and this area was no exception. The main worry is that as the as the slope went down, options appear to decrease with the trees around. I made one last turn so I could land safely on the upper part.
This was to turn out to be a bad idea and I took a heavy landing into one of the terraces.
The other I believe are camping under the stars at the camp but from here, it looks like the skies are clouded over so lets hope they are not in it and have a good night!

There is probably chance to have one last flight tomorrow as quite a few of the group are heading home now. I will give it a miss tomorrow and possibly head elsewhere around India in a day or two as it does not look like that the epic conditions will be here in the immediate future. I hope I am wrong for some of the others who will be staying on. I will return here again when the 4000m bases of the past return.
I will try and add a few pics on this blog page soon and update on what is happening over the next couple of days...

Rest and low clouds...

2010-10-18T13:42:00.000+05:30

The trip was organised so that we have 7 guided days out of 10. We missed the first couple of days due to a combination of sussing the ban out and not great conditions. After 5 days of flying, yesterday was decided to be a day of rest. Much needed after nearly a week of climbing mountains and concentration whilst active flying. It was an good decision as the clouds remained so low that you could almost throw a stone into them. Some of the guys opted for more walking, others hiring motorcycles whilst I opted for a much needed shave by the local barber and a day of relaxation around our base.

Article in the national paper that mentions the flying ban. Looks like they had anti-aircraft guns ready to take us out :-)

I had been ~~warned~~ advised that there was two in town, one of which can best be described as suffering from god awful BO. I accidentally chose the latter and was awarded with a smell that I could almost taste drifting from the sleeves of his jacket. I must admit though that it was a small price to pay with the grooming I received. I was in there for nearly an hour and by the end had a full shave, haircut and nearly every bone snapped in my upper half of my body.

I was also ~~advised~~ warned by another friend on the trip to avoid the neck snapping as hundreds of people a year are either disabled or killed in the barbers whilst having that done. Oh well, I survived so will settle for just the trim next time.

The evening was spent around the campfire drinking beer, whiskey and a dodgy bottle of rum the I bought for 200 rupees the other night, most of which was thrown in the fire as it tasted so awful. It was in a plastic bottle and called ‘Boxer’ rum and had an even dodgier picture of Lennox Lewis on the front. My advised for anyone reading this who is traveling to India in the future is to avoid at all costs. Its shite!

Chilling by the fire in the evenings

We should have 2 guided flights left which should be vol-bivouac days.

The idea today was to set off from –Billing, possibly going over the back into no-mans land before top landing on a mountain before sunset with our sleeping bags for the night, taking off from the same spot tomorrow and doing the same the following day somewhere else. Unfortunately, cloud base is once again very low and as we stood around take off, it descended even more than if we chose to fly, we would need to do so with GPS to ensure that we did not fly off course when in the clouds and into either a mountain, or another paraglider.

John Silvester having break...

The group decided against it but there was what appeared Russian paragliding students taking off into cloud under radio instruction and no GPS or compasses.

The Generals wife should arrive soon as the clouds put a stop to the tandem flight she was going to have.

We are expecting the Generals wife for lunch today in the garden. We passed the convoy of cars on the way back down from launch. They even had a red carpet on the mountain!!! Too much fuss over nothing if you ask me. I am heading out for lunch instead...

All happening...

2010-10-16T22:38:00.000+05:30

Yesterday our objective was to fly to Dharamsala and if we got there quick enough, fly back before it switched off.
We were all up early and got our paperwork ready as the ban in Bir / Billing is officially over.

Sorting local licences and disclaimer before flying

There were already a queue of pilots when we got to the road to take off but Eddy soon got everything done and we were on our way to take off. This was the first time that we flew from here and the launch is a pretty committed one as it drops of very steep. The wind was light and as usual, I was one of the first to forward launch. I managed to use the house thermal to take me high enough to start making the transitions.

Dharamsala is nearly 50km away and the day proved to be very difficult once again with low cloudbase all the way. The HGV's were soon playing with us in the sky as usual and we were using a combination of soaring and thermaling to get us to our destination. It was a great site to go over the last ridge and see Dharamsala come into view.

I was leading the way but much lower than the others so I set my sights on landing in one of the football grounds that I could see. From above I could here someone speaking over a tannoy system and could also see that there was some kind of fair going on and quite a few people there. I could also see a few flagpoles around the pitch so aimed and landed in the centre so me or the wing did not get hooked.

The kids in Dharamsals were a pushy bunch

My track from Billing to Bir can be found here.

Unfortunately, on landing I heard that one of our guys had an incident near the take off whilst trying to avoid a guy from another group. He hit the ground quite hard and seems to somehow avoided serious injury. I have not spoken to him myself as yet but understand that he is better today and walking around.

When we landed, the speaker of the football match made an announcement and welcomed 'the foreign paraglider pilots' and we were made guests of honour.
You wouldn't have thought it the way the kids were coming at us. I made a mistake by picking one of them up. The next thing there are loads of kids wanting me to pick them up and hanging off my arms and legs as I walked towards the exit...

We then had a chai and jumped in a couple of minibuses to take us to the Sky Hotel in Bhagsu which is a bit higher than Mcleodganj where I stayed on my second night in India. We were greeted by the owner who is a paraglider himself and he gave us complimentary beer and whisky.
We were also informed that the night would be a party night as there was a pre-wedding celebration that would go on all night.
We all sat in line whilst some people gave us plates made with leaves and served us food for a while before the band started.

Eagerly awaiting dinner after a hard flight

The calm before the storm

The night was crazy with people dressed as animals, kids with strange masks on and local women appearing somewhat possessed and having to be escorted from the dance floor. The music finally stopped as it got light which was not so great for some of the group who could not sleep. A big walk to the local take off site was planned for the day.

Once again we dived in a couple of minibuses and took a somewhat exciting journey though the streets of McLeodganj and up a small dirt track with BIG drops to the side of the road that would certainly cause us damage if we were to go over the side. We would meet the occasional car and hoped for the best as we squeezed by. We got as close to takeoff as transport / access permitted and some hired a porter to take the gliders up to launch - me included.

Fantastic views on the way to launch

The launch was again quite tricky as the wind seemed to change direction often and increase and decrease in strength. I took off and had to recover the wing as I ran towards a small cafe at the 2500m area we launched from, flying over the top and heading to the next ridge.
It was a late start and we did not get off much before to be a difficult day again. Climbs were averaging 2-3m/s and even though base was higher, an inversion meant t was difficult to gain real height.

The second part of the flight needed a change of game plan as the lift was becoming rarer and weaker so instead of the racing, we need to fly at a much slower pace.
As I neared the landing zone in Bir, I realised that it would not be possible today and landed in a field where I was greeted by the locals and even proposed to!

They love have their picture taken

The tracklog for the day can be found here.

I think tomorrow could be a day off. We have 2 out of 4 official guided days left for the trip. Freeflying amongst ourselves can continue.... But now, need sleep...

Over the back…

2010-10-14T18:51:00.000+05:30

Over the back…

A much better day than expected today. The Group was split into smaller groups with one guide to 2 clients.

I was teamed up with John Silvester and Lex. We were one of the first to go and was soon climbing with the Vultures above take off. The idea was to make it over to the top of the ridge above Billings weher we make the transition over the back. I got slightly freaked at one point when a massive Vulture was following inches away from my wing and appeared to have a rest on the top!

By this point there was John Silvester and Eddy Colfox and 4 of us ready to make the transition over the back.

When I got to the other side I was fairly low and had to scratch around with another guy to get some height which we did.

From there we got a bit of height and followed the ridge around.

Cloud base on the front ridge was much lower today at around 2300m, we managed to get up to around 3700m over the back which is low by all accounts to what is possible here. The guides said it is probably the lowest they have done going over the back and we made a new route.

You can see the track here.

At times I was looking around whilst low thinking that a walk out from here would be a nighmare. I tucked into the sides of the mountains following Johns flight path with the others close behind.

A couple of times I got stuck and Eddy came down and guided me back from the shite.

One things for sure and that is without having the guidance I would not have made it back out without a long walk. These guys really know their stuff and I have done something today that I have never done before. Fantastic.

After souring metres from trees and rock faces, we then had to gain enough height to get back over the front ridge. Me and Eddy waited while John helped the other 3 who had tried the transition without enough height and a combination of soaring and thermaling, they was with us soon after. Even then we were back over, it would have still been a nightmare if we landed out but we all stick together and could soon see civilisation again. The only thing was that now we were out the front, we had to avoid the clouds that were forming around us and beneath us…

It was a wonderful Keeling when we were back out in the flatlands again and now the ban has been officially lifted, we Could land in the oficial LZ and a short walk into Bir for a chai and discuss the great day we all shared.

It may be a guided flying trip but there is nobody to assist you actually flying, you need to be very conpetent with your flying skills to head over the back. Today was quite mild, 12m/s climbs are not unusual over there.

This morning was the final slog to 360 take off and tomorrow we will be at the Billing launch where we will be in a much better position to get straight over the back into the big stuff..

Today was just a master and there are much higher mountains further back that top 5000m. Better wrap up warmer tomorrow… J

Another great day...

2010-10-13T22:23:00.000+05:30

We set off once again to the local site away from prying eyes but things are starting to get much more relaxed now. In fact, to me it seems like the ban does not exist but it is my first time here and everyone seems to prefer the Billing take off. This is for a couple of reasons I understand. The first is that it is much closer and far less effort as a road goes straight to launch, the other is that from here you are in a much better and safer position to go over the back.

Out front - 360 camp

There are 9 of us in the group and we have 5 guides, 3 are of course from Himalayan Sky Safari (Jim, Eddy and John) with 2 other guides being Adam Hill and Antoine Laurens. There really is a wealth of information and experience here and you can see this not only with their flying bit from clear instruction if it required. Knowing the area is crucial to maximizing your day and I feel that due to the low bases we have, this is happening.

Smooth steady climbs on the front ridge

On launch today I found that a piece of plastic has broken on the mount for my GoPro, so sadly there will be no flying footage for the rest of the trip unless I can rig up something. This is a shame but I will make an effort to take photos but for the moment, it is more important to be in control of the wing than take images. What I am seeing will be with me for life yet just scratching the surface I think.

We took off from 360 camp and the aim was to try and stay more in a gaggle unlike yesterday where we were spread out over a good few km's... I held back and did not race ahead today and was good to thermal together. I was flying mainly in a group of five. Base was lower today and when near the top of the front ridge, going over 2500m would certainly put you in cloud most of the time. I stayed around the outside but did have to big ears out to prevent going in. We bounced from ridge to ridge with one group landing on the banned Billing launch for a chai before taking off again for another flight. My group decided to push on but the ever descending clouds limited our options somewhat. After around 30km we decided to head back where I found myself low with a couple of options to land which was quite a way from the flatlands. I chose the more difficult option and sqeezed into a small field (garden) in the mountains only to be quickly surrounded by about 30 children and adults. Eddie also landed not far from me and by the time we met, I guess there must of been 50 people in total trying to help us pack our kit, have a photo and try and assist us on our way.

The lines took a while to sort after the children had helped me

My track for today can be found here
Low bases make it impossible to go too far back at time...

I think it is much more of an experience landing out in the wild. The people here are more than used to seeing paragliders fly above them but from the reactions we got today, its a rarity for them to land near their homes.

Eddie was also somewhat of interest to the locals

The children was doing their best to pack my stuff away and I did not have the heart to tell them to stop so an hour was spent when I got back sorting out my lines.
Getting back took 2 buses and a taxi but as usual, the beer tasted so much better after all the action.

We all marched single file from our landing

Still over a week of potential flying left and the rain does seem to have stopped. We just need higher cloud bases now.
I will concentrate on using the speedbar more and more whilst tucking into the mountains.
Comps are still a big part of my plan and with tops from the likes of Eddie and Adam, I am sure my flying will improve no end.

Once we go over the back, conditions will be much stronger so I am told with even more landing opportunities.... Bring it on!!! :-)

Lift off...

2010-10-12T19:11:00.000+05:30

Still no official relief from the ban as yet but know its getting close to being lifted.

A big thanks to JP, Jim, Eddie and John who have really been pushing things!

Today we set off with our gliders none the less…

My alarm was set to go off at 07.15 but as usual, I was awake much more earlier than that.

The vans were loaded and we set off to the site that we went to yesterday. I managed to jump on the back of the van that was taking our gliders up today so the walk was much shorter and my wing was ready before half the guys had turned up.

Conditions Looked good and I was 3rd off the mountain admiring the cumulous and birds of prey that surrounded me.

This was more of an assessment day so the guides could assess our skills and plan some routes over the back in the coming days. Our Group is very strong and experienced so some good challenges could be in store.

The idea was to stay in a gaggle or two but I raced off in front with the others close behind.

We were to fly near Dharasalma and back but we still need to be careful where we land to avoid the police who may be waiting near the oficial LZ’s in the immediate Bir / Billing area.

We jumped from shoulder to shoulder of the mountains whilst trying to avoid the clouds. Most managed but a few got a bit to close for comfort :-)

One of the biggest dangers out here is the masses of power and telephone lines that are strewn all over the place in no particular order.

Its Amazing to see some of the places where people live from above. Even though for the moment we are still staying on the front, there are areas that if you go down, it would be hell of a walk to get back to the main roads. Many a small hut and home are located here and the only way to get there without walking is my horse.

The flight was around 45km and the final glide to the landing was very picturesque with a monestry set deep in the forest.

Even though the climbs were relatively gentle averaging around 3m/s, I was more comfortable just flying than messing around with my camera. It was possible to take a few still from the headcam that I was wearing but the battery had died before I got got near to land so the shot of the Monestry will have to remain with me for now until I fly past next…

The weather and conditions are only set to improve so this could turn into the fantastic trip I had imagined…
The track for today can be found here.

Darkness has fallen and the group are sat around the campfire and by the looks drinking spirits whilst in good spirits.

I will join them now...

Things looking up!

2010-10-11T19:46:00.000+05:30

Today we chose to ignore the ban and fly to another little used site in the area. We all had breakfast and was on the road at 9.30am...

Even just traveling the roads, you realize that India is such a beautiful place and to see people going about their daily Business is a pleasure. Here in Hamalchal Pradesh, life moves much slower and despite the weather and other obvious issues that we have, the Group here is very positive and always sharing stories and Jokes. It has been said by others and I tend to agree that the laid back vibe here in general is unique.

While Jim headed into Dharasalama for a talk with key figures, the rest of us took the bus as far as we could (near take off) to a flying site, away from the police and prying eyes in the Bir / Billing area, where they are keen to find paragliders breaking the imposed ban.

The walk up was a hard slog with over 25kilos of uncomfortable paragliders on our backs in the heat, but the views were outstanding.

Fresh snowfall on the big mountains

We got to the to the top and were surpirsed to see what Looked like a front rapidly advancing. Most of the group were ready to launch but we all thought it best to wait and see what happens. A couple of pilots had took off just before we arrived and were happily climbing.

Local ladies were keen to see us in the air

The front moved very fast and in no time we were in the clouds sat on take off. After maybe 30 minutes the front had past and we really thought that we could be in the air 30 minutes after.

Chilling near the shepherds huts waiting for the shite to pass

Sadly this was not to be. As the sun came out, the wind completely changed direction and was coming string from the west. We waited a little while but with no change, decided to call it a day and take the long walk back.

More good news has arrived though at this moment, we are still awaiting more details which should be here soon. It seems that during the meeting, it was agreed that a mistake has been made in the interpretation of the order and that clearly, this location is outsider the 400km radius of Delhi. As long as we have the weather we will try to fly regardless but we Could be legal in the next day or two. As previously said, to now it has not been a real issue as the conditions are not exactly epic anyway.

For me, it was always going to be a difficult decision to take the chance knowing that the ban had been imposed. But India is a wonderful country and the people that I have met have been great.

My plans have changed over the past few days as I was going to leave and explore more of India after the 20th of the month before my flight back home on the 24th… I somehow feel that I will remain here to the last moment and get as much flying in as possible. The weather is the only thing that can stop that really, and I have been flying long enough not to get bitter about the skies…

For now, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy…

Final rain...?

2010-10-10T19:54:00.000+05:30

The weather has been pretty reasonable to date but one good storm in the afternoon is common.
Even if we were flying, it would hardly be epic so the ban is not a major issue still really but as soon as conditions improve, we will be in the air regardless. I will at least.
Everyday seems to improve and the monsoon season went on bit bit longer this year
Yesterday was pretty much a day of leisure with a walk around Bir but mainly socialize with the group and drinking around the fire until the early hours.

Yesterday was also a day where those who hadn't got all the documentation complete and set up harnesses ready for we are given the official green light.
We saw the paperwork today that clearly stated that airsports should be banned within a 200km radius of Delhi. We are clearly outside this but this is India I guess...

Today we went to take off and got familiar with the site (the immediate site that is as of course these mountains cover a large area and are the biggest in the world). I very much look forward to seeing this from the air.
We will see what happens tomorrow but there are further meetings in Delhi....

Lets see what tomorrow brings :D

Will we fly?...

2010-10-09T10:32:00.000+05:30

I had a final walk around McLeod Ganj before I left and and a ride on a tuc tuc to another smaller village called Bhagsunag before I left. Here there is a small temple and waterfall with many loacals were washing themselves and their clothes.

The taxi ride to Bir was pretty uneventful with the exception of the crazy aggressive driving leaving. Some of the views on route was nice and 15 quid for nearly 3 hours in the taxi was pretty good.
Actually, the extra baggage I had to pay for my glider was very good with the domestic flight. The equivalent of £1.50 as opposed to £30 per kilo with Emirates airlines! The woman from Kingfisher even let me off a couple of kilos. Top show!

I arrived at the Colonel's Resort and was shown to my room. The idea was for me to spend a good few days exploring the area and paragliding from the 10th to 20th.

I met up with the team, Eddie Colfox, John Silvester and Jim Mallison and some of the guys who are here to fly. Its still bad news regarding the nationwide ban though and many rumors are going around.
There have been some people flying but apparently there kit has been confiscated once they land (at Manali).
There are many people from all over the country and others trying to get the ban lifted at this site. I have heard from different people that it may be lifted on the 11th, 15th and 20th so you can see its difficult to make plans. For me at the moment, I am not too concerned as there are other things to see and do but of course this is primarily a flying trip so to not fly at all would be a bit disappointing at the end of the trip.

The plan today is to try and get our local licenses to fly sorted ready for when the ban is lifted (if), get some basic essentials and to have a look around Bir.
We will then see if there have been any further developments during the day and discuss our options this evening. There could be the option to do your own thing but further into the Himalayas.
We'll see... Its a wonderful day out here none the less :-D

The expedition as started....

2010-10-07T21:43:00.000+05:30

So, today I caught an internal flight from Delhi to Dharamsala...
The idea was to jump in a taxi and then get the 3 hour taxi to Bir. I met a wonderful lady on the plane who was heading to McLeod Ganj and has a charity set up called Art Refuge UK who is here for a couple of weeks to set up a new classroom for children. The charity founded primarily to support the newly arrive Tibetan refugee children in Katmandu (Nepal) and Dharamsala (India).
She had a taxi arranged and said I could hop in so it was a good opportunity to see this small colony that his home to the Dalai Lama who has lived here since 1959.

After the day in Delhi, the busy roads did not concern me but this was not an issue until we neared Dharamsala and then further up to McLeod Ganj where the roads were narrow and avoiding the buses, cows, goats, people and monkeys were an issue. Sections of the the route had many moneys everywhere and even climbing the buildings.

After I had been here an hour, there was the most amazing storm I have seen for a long, long time. In fact, I have not seen rain for a good few months and it was really nice with the thunder echoing all around the mountains. It only lasted an hour or so which gave me time to have a look around.
During this week, the Dalai Lama has been giving talks and this was his final teaching today so was quite busy. There were also a number of beggars around mostly sadly suffering from leprosy and were heavily disfigured.

The people here though are very welcoming and some nice restaurants are around. I have listened to the advice though and gone to cleaner ones so my stomach is still OK... for now at least.

The plan for me tomorrow is to get up early and walk to an impressive waterfall that is nearby before heading of to Bir. This was the plan for today but tomorrow is anew adventure.

The situation there is still unclear at the moment regarding paragliding, but I have heard rumors that the ban in Bir will be lifted at noon. Still not sure about this but will not let the lack of flying get me down in such a wonderful country (although it would be nice ;-)...

Now in India

2010-10-07T08:20:00.000+05:30

Well, I am now in India and unfortunately its the commonwealth games.
A couple of days before my trip started I had work that the Indian Government had put a ban on paragliding in the country. Then it was within a 300km radius of Delhi but included Bir where I was heading (despite it being nearly 400km from there).
Anyway, a decision need to be made quickly. It was either cancel the trip and try and find somewhere else I could fly to get some good XC in or hope for the best when I arrive.
I looked into Brazil but it was just not feasable for me so as I had already paid for my flights here I have taken the flight...

Its a country that I have always wanted to visit anyhow so the trip was going to be a paragliding / tourist mix but with 10 days enphasis on flying the Himalayan foothills in the north of the country. I will be shortly taken a domestic flight to this region (Himachal Pradesh - Bir) which is a Tibetan refugee settlement town and will spend a few days there regardless. If things are looking more optimistic for the paragliding, I will stay, if not, I will set off on a new adventure and at this stage I have no idea what or where that could be. I am here until the 24th October anyhow...

I arrived in Delhi airport and had arranged with the hotel I was staying at to pick me up at the airport. Sure enough there was a couple of guys waiting for me with a placard. What I did not expect though was the severely battered car they led me to. It looked like a bomb had gone off near it with cracked windows, scratches all the the sides and no mirrors. Oh well, I thought and hopped in... After only a few minutes on the road I could understand why it was so battered. We did manage to somehow avoid the other crazy motorcyclist, cars. pedestrians and tuc tucs.

After settling into the hotel which is pretty basic in comparison to the extravagent Dubai where I stayed the other day but meets my requirements perfect. Just needed a shower (actually - it was a big bowl and a jug) and bed. A little stroll around my immediate neighborhood was carried out and care had to be taken to avoid the people sleeping on some of the side-streets and small fires that they had made in the streets.

I have woken this morning with groups of guys sat around little stoves making cha in little social groups on the streets. My flight is due in a little under 3 hours. Hopefully the small internal airline will not sting me too much for excess baggage.

Not yet had time to take any images of what I am seeing but will get the camera rolling soon...

Next trips being lined up...

2010-08-21T13:29:00.000+05:30

Well, the countdown begins...
At the moment I have been trying to collect lots of items for my next paragliding adventure which will start a couple of months from now for a bivi- paragliding trip to the Himalayas.

It will be part of a 10 day organised trip that will see a group of us being guided through some of the most impressive scenery that has been explored by paragliders.
Apart from the paraglider, adequate clothing and insurance, the main items of required for the trip will be a bivi-bag and sleeping bag to keep you warm through the night after top landing before setting off the following day through the Himalayan mountains of Bir / Billing, northern India.
Getting decent kit has been proving somewhat of a struggle. I don't suppose there is much demand for that kind of thing out here in the deserts of the UAE. Also, delivery from the UK has not been straight forward but these things are now gradually getting resolved.
The trip itself is planned for Oct 10th - 20th, but my intentions are to travel earlier as getting from Delhi to Bir is quite an adventure in itself I am led to believe, with long train journeys, etc.
The end of the trip I also have a few days spare to either paraglide if I haven't by then had enough of it, or to experience some of the culture for myself.

Following this (and my working period back in UAE), next on the cards will be a flight to Cape Town, South Africa in December for the Winelands pre World Cup paragliding competition.
This is another country that I have not been to and the area in which the comp is due to take place is very well known in the paragliding community.
Click here for some details of the site.

The comp is due to be on over a week from December 12th - 18th with a practice day on the 11th.
Again my intention will be to leave a few days early and get some practice in as my only decent XC flying is now 2-3 months apart.
There are already a few friends registered for this comp and others talking about it so will be a great opportunity to catch up with them again.

Good luck to all those involved in the womens comp currently going on in Ager and also the British nationals due to start soon in France!

Comps end as they begin?

2010-07-27T14:38:00.000+05:30

The past 18 months have been better than I could have possibly hoped for when I took a new contract with work which took me from the UK to northern Spain.
Before then, I had just touched the 20 hour mark in my logbook consisting of a couple of hours gentle soaring in Wales, but primarily of some trips to Lanzarote (for final training to gain my CP), Switzerland, Argentina (XC), Turkey (SIV) and of course the famous Dune du Pyla in France.

Roberto and myself

Prior to my arrival in Spain, I contacted a local club and was in regular contact with a couple of local guys (Thank you Roberto Mato and Diego Vallina). I was surprised how the north of Spain differed (Asturias) to what I imagined sunny Spain to be like. I did arrive in December 2008 and it rained pretty much constant for a few months meaning I did not get to fly until around February 2009.
Bisente, Diego and me

Asturias is not the best place to fly XC but some wonderful sites to play around with. From a couple of coastal sites to mountains, all of which were around a 30 minute drive from Oviedo where I was based.
I beat my personal best of 20km which I did in Turkey, to 25km on a trip to Annecy then a 40km XC on a week spent with Steve Ham in Piedrahita.
By the end of the season I had over 100 hours logged in my book.

After the experience gained during 2009, I though I would try my hand at competitions.
I enrolled with a small event called Liga Centro (Central League) that host small comps over weekends and could learn very much everytime and saw a steady increase in my points. Still did not ever reach goal though nor beat my 40km XC but got close to goal a few times.

I knew my time in Spain was getting close to the end due to work finishing and that my next contract was likely to be in the UAE where decent flying is not possible. Not the kind of flying that I was now used to and the comps would almost certainly come to a close. i was determined to try and get in as much flying as possible until then though...

I decided to enter both the international comp in Portugal and a couple of the Spanish nationals. My idea was to try and get some experience from the better pilots of the countries.

The weather was not on our side for the Portugal comp and the first 3 tasks cancelled but a break in the weather on the Sunday made enabled a 50km task to be set. Not only had I not made goal before but never reached 50km either.
In short, the 3 hour flight to goal was great! I reached goal 17th overal, put me 4th in the sports class and 1st in the beginers catagory :-)
The next competition was the Chabre open in France. This is a comp aimed at pilots with little or no experience or not yet established on the comp circuit. The practice day went great and I was expecting a fantastic week after doing 35km and was just 10km short of goal putting me in 5th. Unfortunately, only 2 other tasks was possible during the week, both of which were stopped due to overdevelopement. Enough though to get 9th overall, 6th in sport class and again, 1st in the rookies class.
Next up was the tough conditions in Ager, Spain. by now I had already made some good friends on the Spanish circuit and a great week was in store. 4 tasks were possible and I managed to reach goal on 3 of them, beating both my previous distance - almost doubling in fact.
Overal position was 49th and (if i was Spanish), a 5th place in the Sports class would have been possible. 4 days of flying consisting of 17 hours of flying and 350km flown. Very happy!!!

I am now in the UAE working and have my glider with me. Some small flights are possible quite close in the desert on a man-made hill that trucks are constantly dumping sand on everyday. Nobody really know what this is for as yet but in the meantime, paragliders soar in the late afternoons and into the sunset when the wind drops and the workers retire for the night. It is not a site that I will fly regular as I am used to XC and the soaring is not so appealing to me, this and also the danger of the sand causing damage to my equipment.
There are other places in the North of the country that may be better and also between Oman and the UAE.
The pilots that I have met here are all great and we have a right mix of nationalities. They are very enthusiastic pilots and organise trips to other countries.

Fortunately, I do get over 4 months off during the year so will keep up the flying and gain as much practice in as possible, ready for next years competition season where I may trade the Sigma 7 in and go for the new Omega 8 that has just come out.

This journal is primarily a paragliding blog so will update when some good flying trips or news is available. If not before, a Himalayan trip is on the cards for October..

Many more opportunities will follow...