HGFA Skysailor Magazine

24 SKY SAILOR May | June 2018 airport at the gate, waiting to board, when Steph broke the silence and said, “I think I’m leaving my heart in Bali.” Yup, that was definitely it. Back in Perth, it was cold and miserable. While sitting at work and thinking dark brooding thoughts, I was going through serious withdrawal symptoms. We kept in touch with Mark via Facebook as he relayed how good the flying was – hitting cloudbase and even above on a daily basis. It wasn’t a wind-up because the live posts and videos showed exactly how good conditions were. Steph gave me one look – she too had the bug. We sat down and agreed to head back over. Back For More… I spoke to my boss, Eugene (he needs a mention for the short notice approval), took more leave, and a week later we headed to the airport again, beside ourselves with excitement. We arrived in Nusa on the last day of the last tour and even though everyone had been flying together for a week and the dynamic was set, they all welcomed us back immediately. We travelled to Candi early on Saturday morning, again, not knowing exactly what to expect. The first thing I have to say about Candi is that this place is truly magical. It has this majestic old-Bali feel to it where everything has slowed down and it was absolutely everything we were looking forward to. Pure paradise. Lush green mountains, white (and black) sandy beaches, azure ocean and Mt Agung in the background. Absolutely amazing and pure bliss! I had my first flight that afternoon, and after an incredible four hours in the air, it was announced that anybody who was up for it should make their way to the White Sand Beach. The Cloudbase instructor team would meet us there and provide landing guidance, if required. I flew over the ocean and headed to an island in the middle of the big blue. Eventually I came around the point of the mainland and saw a white beach, speckled with umbrellas and restaurants. Chris guided me in for a landing and just as I finished snapping my brake toggles on, presented me with an ice cold Bintang. I was like a little boy who had just opened the biggest present under the Christmas tree. I could not stop smiling. What an experience. How do you top this? Well, the best was yet to come! About 11am the next day, my Facebook messenger lit up. It was Chris telling us to get our sorry asses up the hill ‘NOW’! It was on! Mark convinced Steph to join him for a tandem and promised her the experience of a lifetime. Mark took Steph to cloudbase, and all I could see flying past them, was the biggest smile on Steph’s face. She was having the time of her life. I worked my way up to base, flying high above earth with my wing and Bali Photos: Jaco and Stephmarie Snyman