SAFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 11 March | April 2020 ensure any curious kangaroos could nibble but not stomp on the glider. The harness bag was perched in a nearby bush for the same reason. The 5km sweaty walk to the Soldiers Settlement Road allowed me to guide the ever-calm Richard back into this unique farm. We finally got to the glider, and humorously Tom took off on foot for a snake hunt. Once again, he didn’t see one and I suspect he thinks the whole Australia snake thing is a hoax. Day six sawanother firmNW, but slightly trickier conditions which saw Australia dominate. Nick flew farthest, but was forced down at 103km by air sick- ness, closely followed by Pistol and Doggy at 93km and 75km respectively. Tom struggled 55km along the course at an average speed, less than stall speed, and claimed that deserved a trophy. Trevor had flown on several mornings before landing next to the car, so thankfully we had another driver. He’d come back from having a surgeon replace practically everything, so when Annette was available to drive, he finally went XC and made it clear he flew further than Viv. The last day, the wind actually changed to W, a firm 15kt on the strip and pointing straight at the sizeable Toowoomba civilian airspace. The military airspace can be accessed on the weekends and we may or may not be able to have crosswinded over the main divide back toward Canungra. Rightly or wrongly, the morning call was made to can the day due to firm wind and airspace. Two cars, which included Pam, Richard’s partner, went on an enjoyable trip to the Bunya mountains for a walk. On the way, we stopped at the Bell pub. According to the publican it doubled as a therapy centre for local farmers, a few of whom had taken their lives in the year she had owned it. Some Australian weather forecasting Nostradamus had apparently made many predictions and previously had never been wrong, claimed it was going to rain in this area by the end of November, that very evening. A keg was primed ready for either cel- ebration or commiseration. She estimated the pub would close if it didn’t rain by January but somehow seemed ready to face the next challenge, if required with a smile. We came here to fly, but people make a flying holiday. Thanks to all of those mentioned above because without them there would have been no XC and it was a joy getting to know you all a little better. Thanks to Annie for organising team dinners with trophies. Not sure that I have the right stuff, but I may try to recycle Bruce’s method of impress- ing upon a house build client when all else fails, not to head down the wrong track: “There’s two things I won’t do, [sexual relations] my sister and timber floors in a bathroom.” Viv, this relaxed event or five PBs wouldn’t have hap- pened without him or the unique, well-oiled machine that is the Dalby HG club. There isn’t enough enthusi- asm in the world, but luckily Viv provides more than his fair share. It was a fitting reward to snatch 2nd place on the World XContest table after this wonderful week. It’s one of life’s mysteries how Trevor and Doggy thought they were flying this week for Australia. Viv dropped us off at Brisbane airport and after goodbyes, unsurprisingly, Tom led the charge of the harness-filled trolleys through the terminal entry. He was greeted by a Brissie airport guide, a woman of 70+ vintage. Tom enquired as to where we could find the China Air desk. She pointed to the overhead board and with a very straight face looked him in the eye and replied, “Row G, which you’ll see is next to my phone number, you LOVELY MAN”. We were powerless to avoid pissing ourselves laughing. Clive James couldn’t hope to top that airport guide, but unfairly he gets the last word. While the following quote summarised his attitude after a cancer diagnosis 10 years prior to his death, this sentiment will hopefully resonate with three of the four kiwi pilots on this trip enjoying the twilight of a now richer XC career: “If you don’t know the exact moment when the lights will go out, you might as well read until they do.” Thanks Queensland, what a blast. Kangaroo proof author’s harness Bell Pub branding board