Hang gliding pilot Gerrie enjoying the thermals

So a bunch of us decided to head for the Swartberg Mountains and spend the weekend soaring with Veraux Eagles in this edged mountain pass. Staying at the very comfortable and affordable Wilgewandel Holiday Farm chalets that is nestled in the foot hold of the pass and offers a variety of activities and eats, but we were more interested in the wind and thermal activity of the escarpment. 

Our journey up to the launch site

After checking in early Saturday morning we headed out to the mountains. Our fearless leader and windfinder Johan Anderson  briefed us at Kobus se Gat re: the landing areas and wind activity of this rolling topography of hills, dales and the infamous ostrich farms. 

Skelmdraai view point

Once we reached our destination, gliders were rigged and decisions were made. Johan was the first to take flight and soon after the others followed suit.

Waiting for wind and freezing

 I myself had the title of “Bakkie Bokkie ” and had to retrieve our pilots from all the interesting landing spots around. 

Pieter enjoying his flight

The paragliding pilots were definitely the most entertaining and popped up in a few amusing places like the back of bakkies etc etc. 

A welcome fire at Kobus se gat

The day ended with a late lunch and a few beers as we sat back and enjoyed the company of each other, reflecting on the days accounts while soaking up the last rays of sunlight. 

Catching thermals

Day 2 and the chill factor was still hanging in the air but fortunately not as severe as the previous day. 

Coffee served with love

We spoiled ourselves with  a latelish breakfast at the Cango Estate and washed it down with some excellent coffee, where after we headed back to launch and patiently waited for the wind to blow. 

Not a great day for paragliding and Trevor and Olaf had to eventually submit defeat and pack up to drive down with me to see the smiling faces of J and Gideon waiting for their pick up. 

A slow drive home with some sleepy pilots in the back reminded me of when I was little and had a long day out… happiness galore. 

In a whole, it was a great weekend and will do it again in a heart beat. 

Thank you Oudtshoorn for the great hospitality ❤ in the #kleinkaroo

The Travel Bug Rose