SAFA Skysailor Magazine

32 SKY SAILOR November | December 2020 Sky Sailing Sky Sailing 10 June 1995 I write these words in anticipation Of a sport yet to be unveiled, I’ve dreamt of flying all my life Now this form, will be of sail. I’ve decided at last to take a course And learn the art to soar, And leave the ground and glide around Where the foot hills meet the shore. I feel I’m ready to take it on To explore the over head sky, I feel a desire to drift and glide These feelings I can’t deny. But believing it’s in my grasp While achieving this different task Should put adrenaline in my body As never before. So now I can’t wait And hope it’s not too late For me to experience this excitement Along the Otway shore. Stage Flight 14 June 1995 Well, I’ve never done a gliding’ Or down a hill a sliding’ Tryin’ to get me lifting’ off the ground, But I’ve always had this feelin’ Of soarin’ or a wheelie’ Like the pigeon round a silo in some town. And I’ve always had this wonder Why clouds and rain and thunder Seem to dominate the vastness over head, I’ve also loved the theory But flying’s kind of eerie Coz as a kid I used to try it off the shed. But now I’m grown’ older And me keenness’ gettin’ bolder I’m itchin’ for the day that I can fly, Coz I’m gettin’ sick o’ watchin’ And me days are now a notchin’ So me coats’ll help me movements in the sky. Well, now I just can’t help a waitin’ To get further from ol’ satan And soar up there with angels in the sky, While me mates are all in wonder How clouds and rain and thunder Can encourage me to run off hills and fly. But I know me heart’s a yearnin’ For flyin’ I’m a learnin’ Should simulate this feelin’ in my heart, So no further shall I dither For flying’ I’ll consider So skyward I’m a lookin’ forward to start. Aero-towing at the airport 24 April 2005 There’s movement at the airfield Where gliders are abound Coz trikes are towing swiftly To get them off the ground. The weather is just perfect Nil wind, just thermal thrust Which makes most awesome flying When the dolly gets through the dust. Up and up so quickly As the tugs pull gliders swift And look for thermal movement In a column of upward lift. Yes, the day was quite exciting Towing gliders to great heights A day I’ll long remember Towing them in their kites. by John Norton Aero tow training course, held 27 September to 3 October 2020 at Pootenup in the southern part of WA Photo: Keith Lightbody