T.V.S.F. In Devon 2000
Here
we go again, the week we had been waiting for, (picture right illustrates
why) it was Friday, work was way back down the M4 and we were on our way to
Devon, normally we travel down on the Saturday morning but Terry had the bright
idea of travelling Friday meaning a whole days flying Saturday!!!
So after a good trip down (the last section was particularly enjoyable, ask
Graham) we left the cars at the house and by 9-45 were enjoying a pint in
our favourite pub The Kings Arms. Terry and Colin travelled down in the morning
and had been in the pub most of the day.
We awoke Saturday morning looking forward to a full days flying as promised by Terry but it was p***ing down, so a trip to Newton Abbott to harass Ben Godfrey at Bekra R/C was planned. No flying today.
After
a hard days wandering around Newton Abbott it was time to hit the Kings Arms
with a vengeance, we had a birthday to celebrate, my 40th as you can see from
the picture I enjoyed myself. The lads did me proud and arranged a birthday
cake which arrived with the entire pub singing 'happy birthday to you' then
we retired to the garden were they had arranged for an enormous firework called
'Armageddon' to be let off. The coast guard were informed so you can imagine
how loud it was, and only one complaint from the village. Thanks chaps.
Sunday morning arrived groan!! not much wind (outside) but at
least it wasn't raining, so with pasties for lunch courtesy of the Kings Arms,
we headed for Bolberry Down.
It turned out to be one of those days when light winds lead to stupidity and
the highlight for me was a Twinstar session three up as usual Terry, Ian and
myself formation flying through the gaps in the gorse (sometimes) then a touch
and go whilst flying through the gap, until Terry's battery went flat leaving
him in the landing area with me right behind attempting another touch and
go, which touched but didn't go, having insufficient power to unstick, but
at least I was in line with Terry on the formation flying, you could tell
because there was a loud crunch and Terry's tail fell off !!!!!
That gave me something to do Sunday evening. Everyone had a fly but only electric,
hand launch and paper bag stuff.
Monday dawned and again not much wind but it seemed to be on for Prawle Point, Graham shot off early to check it out but mobiles don't work to well at Prawle so we found ourselves flying at opposite ends of the cliff, Graham had trekked over to the best bit and we had taken the easy option. After an hour or so the wind was going on and off the slope so you had to pick your moment. The highlights of today were during a short combat session Terry managed to hit himself with his Zagi and I hit my Sharp whilst it was on the ground (we must read the rules again). In the afternoon we walked up to the Coastal watch lookout and met the volunteers who showed us around and let us play with their equipment (steady on). we always seem to meet someone new on these trips and it was very interesting talking to them about their work and the equipment they use.
Tuesday
was superb, smack on Bolberry, approx. 25 M.P.H. Graham was like a dog with
two *&$£" (It was his last full flying day) We flew solidly
all day with only minor damage to some models (It can be turbulent landing)
until the National Trust ranger turned up. A very long story could be told
here, but suffice to say several hours of negotiation later by Graham and
a 'sort of' agreement was reached. With the help of a local retired fisherman
and flyer who we see most years some new sites were found, thanks John.
Still off to the pub to celebrate John Skinners birthday (do we need an excuse)
Wednesday
was on for Bolberry again so we flew from the top of the cliff, nearer to
the Port Light for lunch.
We persuaded John to get out his electric Zagi which just would not fly (so
he said). We charged it up, switched on and launched it, what was wrong with
that then John?
In his defence he had been trying to launch it on his own which does make
it more difficult untrimmed. There were several bids for it up until the first
flight then John withdrew it from the auction, must be o.k. after all, eh!
John.
The day was mainly a Twinstar, Zagi and hand launch day, It looked like we really only needed one of each of these models for most of the week, so why do we cart so many expensive models on holiday. Tomorrow would remind us why.
Thursday
was an almost perfect day and the wind was on, for one of our new sites, The
Warren.
It was about a mile walk from where we parked the cars but was well worth
it. The landing area was large and flat and the view was superb there was
some natural shelter from the wind, oh! and the flying wasn't bad either.
All of the good stuff came out the F3F and scale were always
in the air and we even had a bit of Zagi combat, ending with the 'knock the
beer can of the stick' competition.
A great day, on a great site in dare I say it great company it was a shame
Graham went home on Wednesday(snigger).
Friday
could have been a lot better, very little wind and damp so after a late start
we went straight to the pub for lunch etc. and then some more etc.
After a couple of hours we thought we had better make some effort and headed
of to Bolberry, where Bill spent a long time praying to the wind God, picture
on the left shows him offering a stir off the sticks which secured him the
odd puff of wind allowing him to have a few impressive flights with his 'Simply
the Best'.
Things got so desperate he even tried sloping of the beach at Slapton Sands,
landing in dogs $%£" for his troubles.
The rest of us stood and watched, lunch must have taken its toll.
That was nearly the end of the holiday we all had a really good time, the
flying seemed to be superb but only on alternate days (can't have everthing)
and the evenings in the pub, fun as usual.
It was good to see Terry on form despite his recent troubles and I look forward to seeing all of you again in Devon 2001.
