Stanwell again and 28km flight

Flying in Stanwell can be boring after some time especially if you hang out near take off for too long. That is why some of us like exploring the North and South from Stanwell. Going North is relatively easy, there are no 'jumps' without the ridge. You just have to watch the weather because walk from the deserted beach on the bottom can be long and 'exciting' (famous Australian snakes and spiders...). On the other hand no one wants to be blown to the lee side of the hill. It is never a good idea for paragliders.

Ralph, Mitsi, Alex and Nir encouraged me to go down south and do the 'jump' over Stawell Park. If the wind is right it is relatively easy. If not you can struggle and end up on the bottom. This time I get lucky and went South with Nir and one hangie pilot. Going south was fun with a bit of tail wind component. In the meantime down over the beach a squadron of seven Navy helicopters flew past approximately about 2km away (probably with Prince Harry). Ok, that is a safe distance.

Coming back was a bit tricky since the wind turned a bit more northerly and there was not much ridge lift. Using thermals I managed to come back and top land. This was more of a thermal flight then soaring in the end. Smooth, strong and narrow thermals were fun.