A Paragliding Personal Best (PB): Part 1

Note: The FlyinOrange has moved to: flyinorange.blog

Day 6 (Thursday): Overdevelopment shuts the day down. Only Richard launches and spends the majority of the flight trying to avoid being hoovered up into the stratosphere by the towering Cu that has set up shop over the mountain.

Day 7 (Friday): A botched initial climb out leads to my sliding off the mountain and setting down in 'Jurassic Park' (the bomb out at the foot of the mountain). A break down in comms on my end leads to some confusion over the retrieve picture. The end result: my electing to hike back to the hotel in GV.

35 C.
2.5 hours.
10 kgs of kit.

The decision to go lightweight pays dividends during this and subsequent hike outs.

Day 8 (Saturday): Perchance two bad days makes for a good one?

The Brazilian Cross Country (XC) league is holding the latest in their year long XC contest here in GV. We were told to expect 93 pilots to attend this event so things might get cozy in the air. Thankfully the comp organizers are not going to close the launch meaning we don't have to race to get ready and launch ahead of the main comp group. On top of this we get word that we can also expect a contingent of 20+ Norwegians to arrive for a XC course of their own. Rumour has it that the course is mandatory for these pilots to be deemed XC ready and given an endorsement by their National Association Committee (NAC). Is that a cash register ringing in the background?

Comp pilots setting up.

In amongst the hustle and bustle of the comp Dean gathers us up and lays out the plan for the day, an out and return (Dean's favourite - to save on the need for retrieve, I gather). The turn around point will be Engenheiro Caldas again (hopefully not blocked by growing overdevelopment/storms this time). The wind today is straight east (rather than the hoped for NE tail) which means a cross/tail component on the way out and a cross/head component on return. My personal preference would be for a straight SE run with no return leg - simply maximize distance with what little tail wind component we have. But it is not to be.

Rob (the second in air guide/instructor joining Dean this year due to the sheer size of the group) syncs up with me for a quick discussion regarding the flight - if I am able to keep up with Dean's group, go for it. Otherwise Rob will be hanging back to provide in air coaching as needed to stragglers.

Ready to go.

We get the crew in the air in record time (word has it afterwords that from first to last it took less than 7 minutes to get 12 pilots plus 2 guides off).

I quickly join Simon in snagging a climb just out front of the Cauldron.

Still giving this beast a wide berth.

Above launch but with everything shaded over, time to head for a sunnier spot.

While successful in getting above launch, the climb dissipates. I need to find terrain that is still receiving sun. The west side of the mountain looks to have just what I need (and will put me closer to the XC jumping off point - the hill to the west nicknamed 'Salvation').

Baking in the sun, this terrain is a good thermal generator.
These thermals will hug/craw along the terrain until a trigger point further up the mountain slope.

Thermal hunting.

Found it! Climbing anew.

Time to push on to Salvation.

Further away from the mountain another climb to top up and push onto 'Salvation' ahead.

About as textbook as it gets.
The source: sun baked fields and quarry.
The trigger: 'Salvation'.
The sign: the cloud.

Salvation delivers.

Climbing over 'Salvation'. GV ahead/below.

Onwards SE we go ...

How will today unfold?

Day 5: A flight cut short.

First day in Governador Valadares. The main reason why most pilots come to Brazil is to fly here and to fly far (the second location is Quixada to the distant northeast, though only select few can and do fly there).

The launch is on the lone mountain in the region, Ibituruna. At 1100 meters and surrounded by a near endless expanse of rolling hills to the south - it is the perfect place for the intermediate pilot to start building upon their flatland flying skill set.

For the solo pilot not booked into a tour, retrieve is simply a matter of catching the blue/red/white Rio Doce bus that runs up and down BR116 every hour or two - though many a local will stop and offer rides with little to no expectation of repayment (though this is starting to change so I hear - word is spreading that visiting pilots are a lucrative cash cow). Rides up the mountain can be found at the main LZ near the river - having some knowledge of Portuguese will help immensely in this regard (otherwise it is a pricey cab ride up the hill).

This being the first day in GV, Dean wants to limit the ambition level of the task. An out and return to Engenheiro Caldas is the plan.

I kit up quickly and launch with the first third of the group, including Dean. Putting to use lessons learned from flying here last year, I immediately fly to the lip of the Cauldron hoping to catch some lift that is being pushed up the slope by the easterly wind.

Working the eastern edge of the Cauldron.

The climb takes me above launch height, but it is slow going. Over the radio I hear Dean, "Ok lads, let's get going."

I need a stronger/faster climb, I need what is boiling on the rock face.

Skirting the Cauldron, I work my way around to the western edge.

Motoring along in search of a stronger climb that is sure to be downwind of this thermal generator.

Almost there - wing still well behaved.

Turn in and head south to intersect any Cauldron born thermals being blown by the wind.

Southwards I venture. In the meantime, Dean is now over the hill to the west nicknamed 'Salvation' (aka the 'Crocodile' due to its shape). Salvation is a common second climb out point for pilots hoping to fly cross country (XC) to the south east (which follows BR116) towards Caratinga, 100 km away.

I still need more height if I am to transition to Salvation and join up with Dean. Not much is found downwind of the Cauldron which means I will need to hug onto the slope and hope to catch a 'crawler' thermal, sliding up to a trigger point along one of the many ridges fanning out from the mountain.

Change in plans. Move in closer.

Time to get a little cozy with the hill.

A few beats back and forth. Little concern of sinking out - this tactic has worked countless times in the past, simply a matter of being willing to kick tree tops.

The mountain delivers. Back above launch and still climbing.

Next stop, Salvation.

Salvation bound.

Have a wee bit of altitude to make up.

Working a climb.

Dean is still climbing out over this hill, so there is a chance I can still join up with he, Richard, and Simon.

Joining Simon in the climb.

Over the radio I hear, "Ok Mark and Simon, lets go." Gather Dean figures we have enough altitude to make the next jump. Topping up as needed, we push southwards along the road.

And another climb.

Passing Alpercata, Richard and I sync up. Working the climbs together, we continue onwards south with Dean well in the lead.

The kilometer tall mountain off in the distance.

Nearing the half way point towards Engenheiro, Dean pipes on the radio, "I'm not liking the look of those clouds to the south". Richard replies,"Yes. Looks like Death and Destruction.".

Richard and I continue on.

One of countless low saves this trip.

A few minutes pass, Dean on the radio, "I think we should turn back. It might be ok, but I'd rather not chance it."

Looking ahead to the south, I am one to agree.

A dark and humid sky awaits to the south.

Dean on the radio, "Mark, what are your thoughts?" (aka you are going to do what I suggest, yes?)

"Death and destruction. Cats and dogs living together. Understood. Turning back."

"Heh."

I begin the return leg and make it back to a hillside between the two gas stations along the road.

Packed up and awaiting retrieve, I look up to see this:

Would say landing was the right call.

The flight.

Survived to fly another day. Los Hermanos for dinner.

Fly. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.

It gets better ...

Flying amongst Condensation Castles:Part 2

I give chase to the gaggle proceeding northwards.

Dean is but a spec, high in the distance with a train of gliders stung out behind. I get strong sense Dean is very much about flying fast - maximize time on glide, minimize time in climbs. Simply put, one does not rack up the km's going around in circles. Take risks, calculated ones mind you. In some ways it feels to be the antithesis of comp flying where one lets the gaggle do most of the work and flying conservative (until final glide) almost always pays off. In essence - comp flying is fixed distance vs. near unlimited time (relative to the distance), while XC is fixed time (sunset) vs. unlimited distance. A lot of overlap in skill, but differing in mindset.

A satori of sorts but there is still flying to be done.

The crew push on northwards. Landing options are more limited with restricted retrieve possibility. Bushwacking in 37C temps on my second day of flying here? Not so keen. And I am getting low again.

I need a top up. So back south to the ridge face overlooking the valley. I am sure to snag something there.

A Nova Phantom sharing the same plan.

Heading south, into wind.
Trying to avoid the venturi that is sure to be between the two hill tops at the bottom of the picture.

Climbing again.

Another climb scored.

It is unlikely I will be able to link up with Dean and the others at this point, so I branch off on my own to give the run to town a look.

Castelo ahead. Tick Hill LZ to its left. Wall LZ directly below.

Unless I find another climb, the Tick Hill LZ (so named due to the tick infested long grass covering it) is a gamble with the growing sea breeze (one needs to arrive rather high at LZs here in Brazil due to the potential for power lines). The Wall LZ is possible but will put me further from the retrieve van with its AC (thus a longer wait for no real benefit). 

Lets make the best of the situation and turn this straight line run into a triangle. Backtrack towards launch and try for an into wind valley crossing.

Motoring on back up the valley.
See the perfect crossing point ahead? Good. Cause I didn't.

If there is ever a master of the low save, you're lookin' at 'em right here (I've since been given the nickname 'ain't no thermal low enough' by my fellow tour mates). So I gamble on driving straight out in the valley with the intent of catching enough bubbles to make the opposite ridge line.

Rolling the dice.

Bubbles are found, but not quite enough. Eventually I roll snake eyes and need to find a LZ.

One final pass, looking for power lines.

LZ located. A side hill landing (crash) it will be.

Sadly, Little Baby Jesus did not smile on my attempt at a valley crossing today.

On final...

... and down.

 Landed nary a scratch or bruise (it goes 50/50 in my case with remote side hill landings). Radio in on the retrieve channel that I am down and push a 'retrieve me' message on the Delorme.

Doesn't take long for the van to pull up as I hike out and I find out I am somewhere in the middle of the pack in terms of landing time. Not a bad outing for the first XC at this site.

The result.

Off to GV ...

Flying amongst Condensation Castles:Part 1

Day 2:
A write off on my part due to health issues. The lads (and lady) have a great day of flying. Mr. Murphy paid us a visit in full with the overheating of the van on Day 1 but Steve saves the day by hiring a farmer plus his flatbed truck to haul the crew up the mountain. Word has it the ride is far faster than what the van is able to do. As witnessed the year previous - when things go awry, Steve comes up with a Plan A, B, and C.

Day 3:
Conditions today are expected to be more unstable with a risk of overdevelopment, maybe even rain.

The main group is to depart in the van @ 10AM and meetup with the flatbed at the Church located at the far end of the valley. The remainder of us (4 in total) are to join Steve in the pickup at 1030.

10 AM rolls around and the crew begin loading up the van. One of the lads, Ashley, returns to inform us Dean is sending him up in the pickup instead (there are only 4 seats and now 5 people). Looks like Ashley was evicted in favor of a pair of visiting Norwegians who are not part of the tour. The discussion the night before was that the pair would have to make their own way to the Church and arrange a second round ride up with the farmer. Gather that is no longer the case. Me thinks Steve and Dean might be having a little chat later today regarding ride logistics.

Ultimately Ashley is assigned to the bed of the pickup for what turns out be a rather bumpy and dusty ride up. At least everyone will get to fly today.

We arrive up top shortly after 11 and gather for the days briefing. The infamous 'Dick of the Day' award ends up in Ashleys hand for his flying exploits the day previous (what happens in Castelo, stays in Castelo). A quick overview of XCSkies and Meteoblue by Dean confirms our suspicion - risk of overdevelopment with a chance of rain later in the day. Dean's traditional round table debrief is kept to a minimum - there are simply too many people and the daylight is burning. The plan is a repeat of the day before - a single turn point will be utilized while folk try to keep up with Dean. Given the hotshot nature of the better pilots in our group, it is all but a given I will not be able to keep up. Simply not good enough yet. Luckily Steve has included another guide, Rob, to help with the 'newer' pilots such as Ashley and myself.

Crew slowly gathering for days briefing.

Rob approaches and explains the plan for the day. Basically fly around and see the sights. In a perfect world, Dean and Robin would have laid out a multi point task with turnpoints of increasing difficulty - making things easier for retrieve and give everyone one a chance to fly the same course (and if they end up isolated, able to follow the group). Maybe another day.

The north facing launch is fairly wide allowing us the ability to lay out a half dozen gliders line abreast.

Of note: cycles coming up launch have a west tendency. The western edge of launch is flanked by trees. Wind shadow and mild rotor. The east end is far better and is oriented much more into wind. Most pilots overlook this due to the extra walking involved and only realize the err in their ways once laid out. The walk is worth it.

Of course I have to learn this the hard way. Eventually a reasonably decent cycle passes through and I launch to join the 4 or 5 gliders already climbing out to the west.

Cruising by launch.

Climbing out.

View up the valley (facing west),

Still a ways to go.

A call over the radio from Dean to those of us in the climb: Time to head off to the next cloud. Conflicted given the instructions from Rob but I follow suit anyways. The first big mistake of the day - failing to top out the climb then follow. Altitude means options. By following Dean while I am not yet at cloud base means I just surrendered mine.

On I plod further up the valley to a cloud near mid life - it is neither a collection of growing wisps nor is it fading into oblivion.

I arrive to find the climb at my altitude slowly dying. Dean chimes in on the radio to suggest continuing to hunt around while he goes and tries to find us a better climb.

My climb quickly begins to fizzle. Scanning around I spot a few other pilots more to the north and make my way over to them. The gaggle is more effective at finding cimbs versus a loner. And a climb we find.

Sharing a thermal with Graham on the Iota.

During this process of climb, transition, rinse and repeat: a menace coalesces in the distance. A CuNim.

CuNim (storm cloud) forming off in the distance, to the west of Castelo.

The group knows to keep both an eye on this beast along with the rate of formation of clouds surrounding the valley. If clouds start to pop up rapidly and go vertical ('Marg Simpson hair' as the Brits phrase it), it would be prudent to consider landing quickly.

But for now everything is kosher. The CuNim is still quite some distance away and there is still a substantial blue hole over the flats to the south west. My attention returns to the group as they begin a glide towards the low hills to the north.

Continued in Part 2 ...

2017 Canadian Paragliding Nationals: Signed up

Note: The FlyinOrange has moved to: flyinorange.blog

The pilot list has been updated and yours truly is officially attending (and so far the only EN B wing which will be lumped in with the EN C class). Next steps are prep for the trip to Brazil and get up to speed on the nuances of the Oudie 4.

Steve Barton from XC Brazil has already distributed waypoint files for the trio of sites our group is expected to fly (Castello, Governador Valadares, and Baixo Guandu) so hopefully Dean will have daily tasks assigned to help focus the flying (and allow for the Oudie to see some early season action).

Paragliding Video of my trip to Brazil in January 2016 with Steve Barton @ XC Brazil and Dean Crosby @ Active Edge Paragliding.

Video: Paragliding: Ibituruna to Feira Da Paz, Governador Valadares, Brazil.

Paragliding: Pico De Ibituruna -> Feira Da Paz, Governador Valadares, Brazil. from FlyinOrange on Vimeo.

Video: Paragliding Pico Da Ibituruna, Governador Valadares, Brazil with Dean Crosby (ActiveEdge) + Steve Barton (XCBrazil): Part 2

FlyinOrange Paragliding with Dean Crosby and XCBrazil - Pico Da Ibituruna, Governador Valadares, Brazil - Jan 2016: Part 2 from FlyinOrange on Vimeo.

Video: Paragliding Pico Da Ibituruna, Governador Valadares, Brazil with Dean Crosby (ActiveEdge) + Steve Barton (XCBrazil): Part 1

Paragliding with Dean Crosby and XCBrazil - Pico Da Ibituruna, Governador Valadares, Brazil - Jan 2016: Part 1 from FlyinOrange on Vimeo.

Final Day, Trip Home, and a Parting Gift.

Friday, final day.

As fate would have it, the sky is clearing and the winds dropping off. Just in time for us to pack up and head for home. Word has it next week will bring some great XC opportunities. Go figure.

But next week might as well be a lifetime away as we will be unable to capitalize upon it. So we will make do with what we have, today.

0930 hrs - everything is packed up and awaiting the crew. I must admit, upgrading to the posada has certainly helped to make the best of the less than ideal conditions. The Everest would have been alright if we were flying every day, but to be trapped in it most of the day with rain filled skies would be depressing at best.

Neighbour #2 bids adieu.
Neighbour #1 was too busy trying to escape (again) to pay me much heed.

0945 hrs - the crew has arrived and Steve gets the bill sorted out. We are heading back up the hill for a final go.

Up top, the winds are still gusting somewhat and cloud base is low. We wait.

The Norwegians arrive followed by Slovenians - giving the day some hope. The Norwegians are here on a extended flying trip giving them the option of being somewhat picky about flying days. To see them means there is a reasonable chance of at least some airtime.

Sometime later the bus load of Poles arrives and the bar magically opens. One has to give the Poles credit, they are full on when it comes to trips like this - either flying or partying. No compromise. It doesn't take long before cheers and singing can be heard from the direction of the bar.

Winds are still somewhat gusty, but Eric tries to give it a go - launching and subsequently sinking out. No one appears to be in a rush to follow his lead.

An hour passes. Talk of a low airtime pilot ending up the river the day prior dominates conversation. Word has it he tried crossing the river far to the east and came up short on the LZ - ending in chest deep water while the wing luckily ended up on the shore in a tree. Had it been the opposite, there would have been a body recovery underway. My preference has been to set up over 'Jurassic Park' as the go/no go point. If the winds or the altitude look questionable, take the Park LZ directly below.

Dean suggests we start to get ready ... slowly. I suspect he thinks there might be a flyable (and stay 'up-able') window coming. Watching the breaks in the cloud approaching, I think I see what he means.

As the first of the breaks arrive, the gusts on launch start to die down - thermals out front starting to block the meteo wind?

Launch fills with folk getting ready. In an unhurried manner, a slow trickle of wings make their way out front to test the waters.

Dean launches and climbs out. The only other wing able to stay up with him is a purple Mantra 6. Everyone else is stuck at launch height or sinking out.

I give it a try and abort, the wing rolling too much to the left for my liking. The Norwegians kindly lend me a hand getting everything reset.

While getting ready for a second go, Simon launches and joins the fray out front.

Second launch is good and I immediately push north. The winds are still cooking up top and are from the north east. I suspect a decent amount of the plateau directly in front of launch to be under the influence of rotor from the raised ground to the east. Last day is not the time to throw caution to the wind (pardon the pun) - so I stick to the lip to the northwest just before the drop off into the Cauldron.

I find lift but whatever core exists is fragmented, shifting with the gusting winds. So starts likely the hardest I have ever worked for a climb - 30 minutes of rodeo for a mere 400m. I approach cloudbase and Dean comes on the radio informing me he sees where I am and suggests we move along the ridge. I gather this to mean go east - > upwind (one certainly would not want to go downwind into the Cauldron with this stuff). Start heading eastward and subseqently get drilled. At this rate I'll be in the lee in no time. Attempt to relocate the climb I was in mere minutes before proves futile. Push out, maximizing options (aka altitude). Not much out here either, just sink.

Arrive over the Park with some spare height - though with these winds the Main LZ across the river doesn't look particularly appealing.

On the radio to Steve to let him know my intentions. Steve immediately replies asking if I want another go.

Sure, why not?

Land, pack, into the truck for round 2. Highlights:

1) My only reverse launch of the trip. Have to admit, I like how the Plus has been retrimmed (and re-risered) when it comes to stronger wind launches vs the original Carrera. Very easy to manage with the 'A's-n-C's (the original Carrera being a right PITA in comparison).

2) One of the speedbag closing lines hooking under my leg. A somewhat uncomfortable flight brought to a quick end. The gusty conditions were not going to allow me the chance to go hands off to untie, free leg, and reattach. Steve mentioned afterwards he normally give the tours the last day talk about complacency. In our case, we had flown so little, he figured we hadn't fallen into that trap. Surprise! Still getting used to the nuances of the RangeAir.

Landed and packed up. Thus ends the flying and now time to start heading home.

Given the SNAFU that Azul proved for the trip inbound, option to bus it back to Rio in the overnight Executivo.

6AM arrival at GIG, flight out at 9PM. A lot of time to kill.

If you need to recharge, have your 'N' power socket adapter.

The ghost town of Terminal 2.

I was warned about Bobs. I now understand why.
Olympics attendees, hope you don't have high expectations for the food options at GIG.

Flights back are uneventful aside from experiencing the new High Density 777 AC has decided to place into service. Business Class wasn't thrilling and from what I saw of the Economy I am pretty sure Air Canada is fully embracing its unofficial motto of 'We're not happy until you're not happy' ->  Economy is now Steerage Class with 10 pax wide seating in a 3+4+3.

New Business class 'Studio Pods'.
Brought to you by the 'new' Air Canada -> pay more, get less.

Over the Rockies.

Sunday: Home safe and sound.

Wednesday: wake up feeling bleah -> joint + muscle aches, fever, fatigue, headache, red eyes, and dizzy. Spend day working at home.

Thursday: exhausted. Remain home. Symptoms passing. Little red spots start appearing.

Uh oh. Wife makes an appointment with the doc for the next day.

Friday: Doc highly suspects I have Zika (symptoms are not severe enough to be dengue). Health Canada is only recommending testing for pregnant women at this point. So rest and fluids are the marching orders - return immediately if any weakness or numbness is experienced in extremities for referral to Neurologist. Parting gift from a skeeter unfazed by the 30% DEET, I guess.

That all said, I've since booked and put down a deposit to return for Tour #3 in March of next year.