Wind was moving from SE to NE rather quickly. 11:30am seemed to be the best time to get going according to Seabreeze.
I threw the glider in the Zook after doing some chores and headed for the hill.
The wind was ever so slightly crossed at El Strez but no-one was flying.
Walked down towards the Coastal Patrol building and noticed a para flying off Watt St.
I hate launching there so I figured I'd flew down from Strezzie rather than embarrass myself trying to get off from Jimmy Fletcher Park.
As I was setting up, Tony Barton came in to land. He'd just flown back up from Watt St and said it was ok.
It was my first flight with my new Go Pro Hero helmet mounted camera system so I was keen to get at least a little bit of airtime.
I launched OK and headed left (north). I faffed around the fort/Bogey Hole end for a bit until I realised I hadn't clipped my speed bar in. I fumbled with the connections for a bit and got it assembled. I then decided to get some height and head to Watt St.
There was one other para down there - Brent - who had landed. I made it to the cliff with a fair bit of height and Brent took off again.
The two of us flew around for a bit - getting pretty good height and having a pretty good time of it all.
I top landed after about 40 minutes flying time at JimmyF Pk. It was lifty on the grassy bit and the wing dragged my a little bit but no real problem.
The problem came when Brent landed and talked me in to having another fly. He took off with ease.
I got the wing organised and built a nice wall but hesitated when trying to launch instead of just going for it. The wing got a bit tangled so I sorted it out.
I raised the wing again and it was a bit crooked and got a big surge in the compression. It flew straight over my head and dumped me on my arse!!
Nothing damaged except my pride as Coxy from the Central Coast had shown up just in time to witness my clumsy launching attempts.
I decided to quit while ahead and packed up.
Coxy got away OK, Brent landed and gave me a lift up the hill.
I'll get the video sorted and put up on Vimeo or YouTube - it came out Ok.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Sunday, 12 April 2009
Zappa plays Zappa, Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Just like seeing Frank, but I didn't have to travel to London to see him!
Saw Dweezil belt out some of his father's more famous tunes and some of the less well known songs from the Zappa catalogue.
As a guitarist, Dweezil sounds as good as his dad. Every quick little note comes off clean and precise.
The gig itself was well attended and DZ seemed pleased with the decision to include our fair city in his itinerary.
His band was comprised of a keyboard/sax player, appropriately named Sheilah. Appropriate for an Australian gig anyway. Also featured were a percussionist/vocalist, drummer, bass and second guitar.
I did a quik 'n' dirty review on the Zappa Plays Zappa message board. Check it out here.
More photos to follow soon.
As a guitarist, Dweezil sounds as good as his dad. Every quick little note comes off clean and precise.
The gig itself was well attended and DZ seemed pleased with the decision to include our fair city in his itinerary.
His band was comprised of a keyboard/sax player, appropriately named Sheilah. Appropriate for an Australian gig anyway. Also featured were a percussionist/vocalist, drummer, bass and second guitar.
I did a quik 'n' dirty review on the Zappa Plays Zappa message board. Check it out here.
More photos to follow soon.
Monday, 30 March 2009
Flightlog 28th March, 2009
Spent the morning shopping with the young gentleman as the forecast called for a quick change from SE to NE. I figured it would be too crossed by lunch time so I thought I'd indulge the little bugger instead.
Upon returning home I noticed it wasn't as bad as I thought so I grabbed the Live and headed to Strezzie.
Tony Barton was flying a paraglider and Jimmy T Thompson had just taken off so I set up and made ready. The wind was appreciably to the east but not so bad as you couldn't get away.
First attempt saw the wing swing with the breeze to the southern end of launch and land in a bit of a heap. I built the wall again and walked it back towards the middle of the launch and got on with it.
Heading into the wind was painful and a bit slow and the downwind leg was quite brisk.
JT had headed over to Watt Street and was getting good height, but then again he should as he's flying a top of the line Advance wing and had just returned from the World's in Mexico. I decided to stay at Strezzie and was joined by Anton and another hangie.
It was quite nice but a bit light - I should have brought the Confidence - so there wasn't much opportunity to get out away from the ridge. Conrad was flying Tony's UP at this stage and made several attempts to top land but finally nailed it. After he had packed up the paraglider the launch site was clear of all craft and I briefly thought about top landing but then a few hangies threw their wings over the fence and started to get unpacked.
At this stage I had the ridge to myself so I tooled around for a bit then headed down to empire park as Anton and his mate had landed and I figured someone would give me ligt back up the hill.
As I crossed the park, I hit a bit of rotor off the headland which made me sit up and take notice a bit more as normally its pretty smooth sailing all the way in to the LZ.
The landing was Ok and my lift-up-the-hill prayers were answered when Anton's chum - Al - offered me a ride. Hurrah!
All up about an hour's flight (60 min).
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Dining out with the Lavs
Brettles and Natasha asked us to join them for dinner at Restaurant II in Bolton Street. Superb meal! Brett brought along some of his wine stash of which we had much.
At one stage I was gesticulating (as I am wont to do) and ended up smashing my wine glass on the floor. How embarrassment! Fortuunately for us, we don't get recognised - unlike our hapless dinner companions!
Monday, 16 March 2009
Monday, 9 March 2009
Flightlog 7th March 2009
Wind was forecast to be NW all day but swung around about Midday.
I headed on up to Strezzie where there were 3 hangies flying and a few more setting up.
It was a beautiful day and conditions were spot on if a little bit light.
Launched well and did the usual traversing of the ridge between Fort at KEP and Monument.
Hangies were by now in abundance but spread out over the ridge.
After 40 minutes Neil Bright, who had been flying at Merewether showed up and launched so it was starting get more crowdeder but he ended up going to Watt Street.
I decided against it as there was still a bit of south in the wind direction.
After an hour I burnt off some height over Susan Gilmour and headed for the park.
Made a nice landing and Anton cam down and gave me and Gary - a hangy who landed just after me - a lift back up the hill.
All up 60 to 75 minutes flying. Very Nice!!
I headed on up to Strezzie where there were 3 hangies flying and a few more setting up.
It was a beautiful day and conditions were spot on if a little bit light.
Launched well and did the usual traversing of the ridge between Fort at KEP and Monument.
Hangies were by now in abundance but spread out over the ridge.
After 40 minutes Neil Bright, who had been flying at Merewether showed up and launched so it was starting get more crowdeder but he ended up going to Watt Street.
I decided against it as there was still a bit of south in the wind direction.
After an hour I burnt off some height over Susan Gilmour and headed for the park.
Made a nice landing and Anton cam down and gave me and Gary - a hangy who landed just after me - a lift back up the hill.
All up 60 to 75 minutes flying. Very Nice!!
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Friday, 6 March 2009
Run Aftermath
I got this new phone (Sony/Ericsson C902) that allows you to post photos directly to your blog. So I do.I ran with the McPherson/Rabbitt chicks tis morning (6-March) and took this afterwards. We did about 7km in 35 minutes which we're all pleased with.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Flightlog March 1st 2009
Nice, steady onshore breeze a blowin' so I headed up to Strezzie around 3pm to give the new glider another hit out.
Neil Bright was flying off Dixon Park and a couple of hangies were aloft off Strezzie.
Ray Dunne had just shown up and Stewy Coad was setting up ready for a fly. Wayne Collison and Mick the Fun Flyer were narkling around and had been for some time.
The breeze was a little stiff but it wasn't white capping so I went ahead and unfurled the Live. Ray checked my preparation out as he's on the cusp of a paraglider purchase.
I got clipped in and ready. The launch was good if not a little overcooked as I hauled on the A's a little too much. The glider rocketed up so I had to dampen it a fair bit. I need to remember that its a lot smaller than the Confidence!
Once the glider was flying I spun around and was airborne before taking a single step. I traversed the ridge and made the occasional trip out over the rock shelf to try a few wing over/chandelles etc.
It really is a fun glider! Its a lot more nippy than the Confidence but still manages to feel quite forgiving. 2 punters in Gins were flying over at Fletcher Park decided to join us on the main ridge so now there were 3 paragliders, and 4 hangies now that Ray had launched as well.
The pilot of the orange Gin (who looked female and looked to be on the phone) seemed oblivious to the right of way rules and continued to hug the ridge in both directions! I made a few more passes and at one stage got quite low over Monument after doing one too many wingovers but pushed on in a northerly direction and regained my height. Susan Gilmore is once again a landing option with plenty of sand and a few topless chicks.
I flew for about an hour and then headed for Empire park.
Made a good landing and Mick drove me and some frog back up the hill.
Very enjoyable!!
Neil Bright was flying off Dixon Park and a couple of hangies were aloft off Strezzie.
Ray Dunne had just shown up and Stewy Coad was setting up ready for a fly. Wayne Collison and Mick the Fun Flyer were narkling around and had been for some time.
The breeze was a little stiff but it wasn't white capping so I went ahead and unfurled the Live. Ray checked my preparation out as he's on the cusp of a paraglider purchase.
I got clipped in and ready. The launch was good if not a little overcooked as I hauled on the A's a little too much. The glider rocketed up so I had to dampen it a fair bit. I need to remember that its a lot smaller than the Confidence!
Once the glider was flying I spun around and was airborne before taking a single step. I traversed the ridge and made the occasional trip out over the rock shelf to try a few wing over/chandelles etc.
It really is a fun glider! Its a lot more nippy than the Confidence but still manages to feel quite forgiving. 2 punters in Gins were flying over at Fletcher Park decided to join us on the main ridge so now there were 3 paragliders, and 4 hangies now that Ray had launched as well.
The pilot of the orange Gin (who looked female and looked to be on the phone) seemed oblivious to the right of way rules and continued to hug the ridge in both directions! I made a few more passes and at one stage got quite low over Monument after doing one too many wingovers but pushed on in a northerly direction and regained my height. Susan Gilmore is once again a landing option with plenty of sand and a few topless chicks.
I flew for about an hour and then headed for Empire park.
Made a good landing and Mick drove me and some frog back up the hill.
Very enjoyable!!
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Monday, 23 February 2009
Flightlog 22-Feb-2009
Forecast was for onshore breezes.
I had the kids down at Bar Beach and watched while 3 hangies forlornly scratched at Strezzie in nary a puff.
A couple of punters made an appearance but not for long - I think they headed across to Newcastle Beach.
Lisa arrived at the beach about 1:30 to take over from me in baby sitting duties so I headed on up to launch, conditions having picked up a bit by this stage.
The breeze was a bit cross but strengthening. Adam Parer was waiting for a tandem customer and told me how a punter had fluffed his launch and hit the fence, bobbled over it and eventually took off from the adjacent bit of land next to launch (the same way I had done back in 2001!!).
After Adam launched I got ready. I was flying my recently purchased (but not yet paid for...) Edel Live - Rossco's glider. At 93.5kg I'm at the top of the weight range but its practically brand new and still very crispy.
Heeding Adam's recounting of the punter hitting the fence I made sure I had a secure and stable wall before popping the glider up.
The breeze was of a fair strength and consistency and by the time I turned to face the sea I was starting my ascent.
Got away nicely and got some height over the fort at KEP. I made a few passes sticking mainly to the northern end of the ridge as the downwind leg was very swift. The glider penetrated well back into th ewind, however. I tried a wingovery thing in front of launch and nearly brought up my lunch! The glider is way more twitchy than the Confidence - the higher wing loading must be the main contributing factor but it was a hoot. Rossco used to complain about pilot oscillations and this was a evident but due to his harness settings with his chest strap being set fairly wide. The glider is a lot more lively than mine in general.
After about 30 minutes I headed over to Watt St to take advantage of the more easterly aspect of the wind direction. Got a bunch of height over the bowl near the old bowling club. I made a few passes along the ridge there - and waved to Lisa and the kids who had driven up to see me. The glider was performing well - it turns on a dime - very handy for tighter situations.
I noticed that the breeze was picking up - wind lines were apparent on the water so I headed out over the rock shelf to lose some height. I had considered top landing but with a new glider and stronger conditions I thought better of it and ended up landing on the beach.
All up about an hour's flying. I think that the purchase of Rossco's glider was a good idea - I've now got 2 gliders for different conditions. The big fat Confidence for inland and the Live for fun coastal flying.
I had the kids down at Bar Beach and watched while 3 hangies forlornly scratched at Strezzie in nary a puff.
A couple of punters made an appearance but not for long - I think they headed across to Newcastle Beach.
Lisa arrived at the beach about 1:30 to take over from me in baby sitting duties so I headed on up to launch, conditions having picked up a bit by this stage.
The breeze was a bit cross but strengthening. Adam Parer was waiting for a tandem customer and told me how a punter had fluffed his launch and hit the fence, bobbled over it and eventually took off from the adjacent bit of land next to launch (the same way I had done back in 2001!!).
After Adam launched I got ready. I was flying my recently purchased (but not yet paid for...) Edel Live - Rossco's glider. At 93.5kg I'm at the top of the weight range but its practically brand new and still very crispy.
Heeding Adam's recounting of the punter hitting the fence I made sure I had a secure and stable wall before popping the glider up.
The breeze was of a fair strength and consistency and by the time I turned to face the sea I was starting my ascent.
Got away nicely and got some height over the fort at KEP. I made a few passes sticking mainly to the northern end of the ridge as the downwind leg was very swift. The glider penetrated well back into th ewind, however. I tried a wingovery thing in front of launch and nearly brought up my lunch! The glider is way more twitchy than the Confidence - the higher wing loading must be the main contributing factor but it was a hoot. Rossco used to complain about pilot oscillations and this was a evident but due to his harness settings with his chest strap being set fairly wide. The glider is a lot more lively than mine in general.
After about 30 minutes I headed over to Watt St to take advantage of the more easterly aspect of the wind direction. Got a bunch of height over the bowl near the old bowling club. I made a few passes along the ridge there - and waved to Lisa and the kids who had driven up to see me. The glider was performing well - it turns on a dime - very handy for tighter situations.
I noticed that the breeze was picking up - wind lines were apparent on the water so I headed out over the rock shelf to lose some height. I had considered top landing but with a new glider and stronger conditions I thought better of it and ended up landing on the beach.
All up about an hour's flying. I think that the purchase of Rossco's glider was a good idea - I've now got 2 gliders for different conditions. The big fat Confidence for inland and the Live for fun coastal flying.
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
My Shot at Fame Misfires!
Had a callback for the Outback Steakhouse commercial today.
I though a callback was a function you pass as a parameter to another function in javascript but in TV speak its when you are "called back" to an audition! Those theatre types - they're so literal!
When I arrived at the casting agency, it was festooned with beautiful people, the like of which I have never before seen. There was a rock climbing chick with arms as big my legs and a flat stomach you could crack walnuts on. There was a young christian dude auditioning for a part as a waiter and a cool glider pilot/skydiver with snakeskin boots plus some young ingenues all looking gorgeousy and very Sydney.
Then the sea of buff bods parted and in walked this veritable amazon! She was at least 6ft 2 in the old scale with hair as blonde as Paris Hilton's and skin as smooth and as polished as alabaster - except it was tanned. She strode in and went straight into the casting studio to emerge some minutes later looking a bit flustered. The higher up the beautiful scale you are the more likeley you must think you are for the part.
I was called in after a succession of spunks did their thing for the assembled creatives in the studio, with a guy called Fabian, a sailor.
There was a bunch of people in there, a bit of a contrast from last week when there was only me, the kids, and Ally Fowler - the principal of the casting agency - Fountainhead Casting (I'm not sure if the name of the place reflects her politics or if she thinks its just a catchy name - but she was in the Chantoozies and on All Saints if that helps).
There was the director - a yank - 2 ad agency types (I think) and 2 of Ally's minions.
She had Fabian and me position ourselves in front of the camera and basically repeat what was said last week - how long have you been [insert adventure activity here] etc etc.
Afterwards we were told we had to look at a mark on the wall and pretend we were digging a groovy party and to respond when our name was called out. Ally was just prepping us for this staged improvised banter when the director interrupted and said "No, we don't need that!" (he said it with a smile though, and kind of offhandedly so it wasn't at all nasty).
I walked out with Fabian the sailor, grabbed my backpack and kept on going. Fabs was heading towards Central as well so we had a bit of a natter.
I asked him if not doing the party scene was a bad thing, he said it was. He's in advertising so I suspect he knows.
Well, that's it. There goes my part in 'Home and Away', the ensuing hit single, the raunchy video clip, the relocation to LA, the checking into rehab, the newer younger wife.
All gone. In as long as it takes to say "No, we don't need that".
I sat dejected on the train back to my normal non-celebrity, non-groovy life back in Newy.
Liam was there to greet me at the door with a big hug so I guess its not so bad after all!
I though a callback was a function you pass as a parameter to another function in javascript but in TV speak its when you are "called back" to an audition! Those theatre types - they're so literal!
When I arrived at the casting agency, it was festooned with beautiful people, the like of which I have never before seen. There was a rock climbing chick with arms as big my legs and a flat stomach you could crack walnuts on. There was a young christian dude auditioning for a part as a waiter and a cool glider pilot/skydiver with snakeskin boots plus some young ingenues all looking gorgeousy and very Sydney.
Then the sea of buff bods parted and in walked this veritable amazon! She was at least 6ft 2 in the old scale with hair as blonde as Paris Hilton's and skin as smooth and as polished as alabaster - except it was tanned. She strode in and went straight into the casting studio to emerge some minutes later looking a bit flustered. The higher up the beautiful scale you are the more likeley you must think you are for the part.
I was called in after a succession of spunks did their thing for the assembled creatives in the studio, with a guy called Fabian, a sailor.
There was a bunch of people in there, a bit of a contrast from last week when there was only me, the kids, and Ally Fowler - the principal of the casting agency - Fountainhead Casting (I'm not sure if the name of the place reflects her politics or if she thinks its just a catchy name - but she was in the Chantoozies and on All Saints if that helps).
There was the director - a yank - 2 ad agency types (I think) and 2 of Ally's minions.
She had Fabian and me position ourselves in front of the camera and basically repeat what was said last week - how long have you been
Afterwards we were told we had to look at a mark on the wall and pretend we were digging a groovy party and to respond when our name was called out. Ally was just prepping us for this staged improvised banter when the director interrupted and said "No, we don't need that!" (he said it with a smile though, and kind of offhandedly so it wasn't at all nasty).
I walked out with Fabian the sailor, grabbed my backpack and kept on going. Fabs was heading towards Central as well so we had a bit of a natter.
I asked him if not doing the party scene was a bad thing, he said it was. He's in advertising so I suspect he knows.
Well, that's it. There goes my part in 'Home and Away', the ensuing hit single, the raunchy video clip, the relocation to LA, the checking into rehab, the newer younger wife.
All gone. In as long as it takes to say "No, we don't need that".
I sat dejected on the train back to my normal non-celebrity, non-groovy life back in Newy.
Liam was there to greet me at the door with a big hug so I guess its not so bad after all!
Monday, 5 January 2009
Treachery 2008
Went with the Donnelly Cooks to Treachery Beach where they go annually for a post Xmas, pre NYE sojourn by the seaside.
Lisa stayed at home an painted the family room with El Fozzo. I took one for the team and had to endure drinking, surfing and camping with the kids.
Flight Log (FLOG) 02/01/2009
Friday, 2nd Jan.
First flight of the year and the first for some months.
Started out as a glorious day and by 11:30am I was on deck at Strezzie where Cottsy was about to launch after having a verbal joust with Matt.
It all gets rather silly at times.
James T had just launched and Matt had just top landed (to applause from the gathered throng). Tony Barton was about to take a customer aloft as I was making ready.
After Tony B got away I got sorted and waited a bit so Anton could grab some footage of the majestic Edel taking flight.
Launch was good and I was away after one step in the direction of the coal ships. Lots of consistent, fun lift. I flew out over the rock shelf a few times and tried a bunch of easy wingovers and some 360's and stuff. After a bit I flew to Watt St to see how it was going there. Got good height going over and managed to maintain it while I was there but it wasn't a abundant as the lift at Strezzie so I thought I'd head back. I applied 3/4 speed bar to cross the bit between the bowling club and the Bogey Hole and was sinking substantially. In a moment of panic I thought about heading back to the cliff at Jimmy Fletcher Park but held my nerve and pushed on.
By the time I crossed the Bogey Hole, I was about half way down the cliff face but by the time I'd reached the Fort at King Eddie Pk, I was back at launch height again.
One long pass down the cliff to Monument and I was back about 100ft above launch. Just goes to show!
I made a few more passes along the ridge and more hangies were setting up, plus the white caps were developing over the water so I headed down to the park for a nice landing. Mick - a hangy who was flying a fun - was packing up and took me back to launch. Hurrah.
All up about 90+ minutes. Excellent!
First flight of the year and the first for some months.
Started out as a glorious day and by 11:30am I was on deck at Strezzie where Cottsy was about to launch after having a verbal joust with Matt.
It all gets rather silly at times.
James T had just launched and Matt had just top landed (to applause from the gathered throng). Tony Barton was about to take a customer aloft as I was making ready.
After Tony B got away I got sorted and waited a bit so Anton could grab some footage of the majestic Edel taking flight.
Launch was good and I was away after one step in the direction of the coal ships. Lots of consistent, fun lift. I flew out over the rock shelf a few times and tried a bunch of easy wingovers and some 360's and stuff. After a bit I flew to Watt St to see how it was going there. Got good height going over and managed to maintain it while I was there but it wasn't a abundant as the lift at Strezzie so I thought I'd head back. I applied 3/4 speed bar to cross the bit between the bowling club and the Bogey Hole and was sinking substantially. In a moment of panic I thought about heading back to the cliff at Jimmy Fletcher Park but held my nerve and pushed on.
By the time I crossed the Bogey Hole, I was about half way down the cliff face but by the time I'd reached the Fort at King Eddie Pk, I was back at launch height again.
One long pass down the cliff to Monument and I was back about 100ft above launch. Just goes to show!
I made a few more passes along the ridge and more hangies were setting up, plus the white caps were developing over the water so I headed down to the park for a nice landing. Mick - a hangy who was flying a fun - was packing up and took me back to launch. Hurrah.
All up about 90+ minutes. Excellent!
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