Nice little XC today, following the Sacred Valley down to the small town of Pisac, about 30km.
 |
| On my way, Sacred Valley ahead. |
More typical conditions today I think. Clear blue skies with only a few small fluffy clouds dotting the mountains in the distance. Was a lot quieter on launch than yesterday with just a handful of tourists out for tandems. The tandems seemed to be struggling again so I didn't take off until 1pm but flew straight into a nice, relatively smooth thermal of about 3m/s up and was up and away. I don't think the tandems are a good guide.
 |
| Inca complex in the bottom right |
The flight was pretty straightforward after that, following the mountains on the edge of the valley all the way down to Pisac. I was delighted to brake the 6000m mark - just - after working the very last out of a dying thermal, but then soon after found a strong thermal while still high, that boosted me up to over 6200m - my highest yet!
 |
| Woop! |
 |
| Higher than the mountain |
 |
| Looking back towards takeoff |
 |
| Looking across at Cusco (should have followed this line yesterday) |
Flying over Inca ruins is fascinating and all the hillsides are terraced which look amazing from above. Pisac has an extensive complex of Inca terraces and ruins and I really wanted to fly over them; they were on the far side of the valley though and the strong valley wind I dropped into near Pisac put paid to those hopes. I descended pretty quickly in the wind, flying over Pisac and landing just outside, near a very friendly and curious group of locals that had watched me come down. Had a nice chat and kept the audience while I packed up my glider. I shared a few sweets and as I was walking away, 2 of the young girls came chasing after me with a gift in return: 2 hot potatoes!
 |
| Could have gone further... |
 |
| Terracing below |
 |
| Pisac |
I'd packed my toothbrush with the plan to fly to Pisac and spend the night there and it's a very satisfying way to arrive in a place. My first baby step into the world of vol bivouac!
36 km, 1:53 h
Tracklog: http://www.xcontest.org/world/en/flights/detail:iamado/26.07.2015/18:22
No comments:
Post a Comment