:lol:
This is a picture, taken today, of the Keithy “incognito”. Yes, it is me underneath all that. Can’t you tell by the nose! (I particularly like the twig coming out the top of my head :lol: )
I’d pulled up at Nine Stones today to find some radio engineers there complaining that the road up to the mast was snow bound, they warned me not to try to get up there. I pointed in the opposite direction and told them I would be flying only 100mtrs from the car park.
It was a little bit chilly on the Big L today, but who cares when you‘re having fun! And WHAT lift! Wow, with wind speeds around 60 - 70 Kph coming straight onto the North Slope it was fantastic.
The only model I’d dare fly in such conditions was, of course, the P.6. I found it rather difficult launching with a gloved hand, the plane kept trying to slide out of my grip. The situation wasn’t helped by the fact that the winds were changeable in direction. I had a couple of quite ‘hair raising’ attempts I can tell you! I added a few hundred grams of ballast and once the plane got out into the lift the flying became a little more predictable.
With County Carlow as a backdrop and blue sky above her, the Phase 6 danced her usual waltz’s, pirouettes’ jives, shakes, rock & rolls, then chased a few crows around the sky for good measure, all whilst roaring about like a raving Banshee. (The plane,…not me) I felt the adrenaline whizzing through my veins. (There were a few occasions when I felt my buttocks get a bit tight as well, but we wont go into that! :oops: )
After an hour or so I decided to pack up and head for home. As I packed the plane into the car one of the radio engineers approached me. A Polish gentleman, he told me that he too flew models. We stood chatting for ten or fifteen minutes exchanging rc flying stories. (Probably like the old fisherman’s tales that get more exaggerated every time they’re told. :roll: )
I drove home looking forward to a warm house and a hot cup of coffee. I felt happy, and that sense of deep satisfaction that comes with having enjoyed some exciting flying and good conversation.
I enjoyed today, and the winter is only just beginning. It’s good to be alive!
Keith (Little version)
