Jacobus BUSTS 50!

(Ed: Jacobus Hartman flew his 50 by doing a declared 163 km Audensberg, Swellendam, Robertson).

Hi ya all, I would just like to made a note on something that happened before I flew to Swellendam the past weekend.

My glider and trailer was all setup to roll, but I still needed to get the logger sorted out. Thanks for that one Nicky! After about 2 hours getting ready I got to the starting line and found a crowd waiting to be launched. Now this is is the part where I would like to thank 2 people in particular:

Sarel and Peter

Thanks again for giving me the opportunity to launch prior to the 2 of you. I know it was a gut wrenching decision and I really appreciate it! (hear in head a Afrikaans tune: " ...ons se baie baie dankie..") Thanks again to Peter who flew on the same ridge and gave feedback on weather conditions ahead. Both Your beers (plural per person) are on order...

Also to: Adriaan

He let me fly the ridge with him in the Lambada last year and gave a lot of comments on where to stay high and what to look out for. Also, he was the one who "kicked my ass" onto the ridge that day, saying that it would be a great day. Although u could not fly the whole of the ridge, thanks for starting it out up there with me. Really, If u were not there I probably would have just taken a local flight and be chilled out with it. Thanks for the info and being a notable driving force in this GPL endeavor of mine. (since bitching about not going solo to this 163km predeclared flight) When I grow up and have my own performance glider I might be able to keep up...

Also: The retrieve crew

Amongst of the best looking retrieve crew members on the airfield(s). It was a real pleasure to be picked up by 2 very good looking lady's. And they were totally able as well... (highly recommenced)

As a post script:

Ed: as always - proving that a lot of learning can be done even when not flying (ie: behind the bar counter) IF you listen hard enough. Peter Wooley and Mike Pascoe: Thanks for all the info on flying that particular ridge along with some of your OLC traces. Rico - for showing me a particular spot on Audensberg that has always worked for me. Garteh - for being such a subtle "competitor " - you really kept me on my toes since the Ab Intro Course. And have helped me to firuge out some stuff about flying which I would have overlooked. And then the hands that helped put the glider back together: William, Mrs. Cole, Kim, Adri, Kylie, Alison.. (do I detect a pattern of women here..?)

(lets not forget: "Windhoek" (windy corner) for refreshing - or finishing - a tired pilot after a day's worth of flying)

Most importantly at last - to: " THE MAN " up above, helping me live this live..

Regards

Jacobus Hartman