HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 7 May | June 2018 while Annika continued to scratch low, attempting to find the climb. We committed to the glide and headed for our planned landing zone at 3200m: a small 50m by 20m cleared field surrounded by forest, shrubs and rocks. We passed into the shadow: no climbs, nil wind, and only one chance to make this tight landing, otherwise it was a long disappointing glide to the valley. Gabriel and I made the committed landing perfectly, then coached our fellow pilot, a colourful speck in the distance, up into the thermal and over the ridge for another great top-landing. We celebrated the small but great 22km flight, reliving the surreal, exhilarating and challenging two hours as we hiked up to the High Camp teahouse. Hiking at altitude took its toll. The short, 300m altitude gain to the 3550m high camp was slow, taking baby steps as we caught our breaths each Soaring alongside Fishtail Photo: Gabriel Schwarzmann