Well this
year saw a mixture of fortunes, both in weather and personal achievements. We
had some fantastic days and some not so fantastic ones.
Gliding is
a sport with "equal" measures of excitement and disappointment. Now
here's the trick; when you can't fly you must find something else to do that
entertains, fulfils, and satisfies you. What you do is up to the individual.
The trip this year contained people that wanted to walk, fly model aircraft,
sightsee, birdwatch, study, fettle, and of course, eat and drink!
The thing
that I noticed most was the group, although fragmented, collected itself into
both small, and sometimes large groups. It was rare to see an individual on
their own.
Groups
would walk from the clubhouse to the top of the hills in bitter winds, when
they came back they were smiling and energised. Others would walk to the bird
sanctuary, sometimes continuing around the Loch (9 miles), again returning with
grins or maybe grimaces!
Back at
the clubhouse model flying took place with plenty of crashes to keep the locals
entertained! The new regime at the Portmoak is so relaxed now that we were able to repair models in the dining
hall. Previously you would have been shot at dawn or dusk (whichever came
first).
When
people had problems with Loggers or Ipaq's, software or hardware, there were
always people to help out without even having to ask. The feeling of
togetherness was fantastic. Back home at North Hill people of course help each
other, but when you are away everyone bonds tighter together, a fantastic
feeling knowing that there is help and advice all around.
This
friendship is not limited to within the North Hill members, Portmoak folk are
brilliant, from the caterers, ordinary members and of course Chris the resident
instructor, who goes the extra mile every single time.
We had
trips to the seaside, in the air and on the ground, trips to a nuclear bunker,
trips to the mountains, Edinburgh, St Andrews. We had fun and that's the
name of the game. The flying has been well documented on the blog, what
sometimes does not come across is the great pleasure we get from being amongst
friends.
Next years
trip is booked already. Many people who went this time put their name down
straight away. If you have never been, I strongly suggest you give it s go. If
the weather does not play ball you may not gain a gold height but you will
definitely gain new friends. - MC (intrepid roving reporter)
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