December 1998

Spain

This year’s Autumnal escape to the sunshine of Spain, was the usual mixture of big air, high temperatures and relaxed evenings. Our new accommodation was everything we hoped for. Dominique and Yvette in their coastal “Casa Rural” were perfect hosts, with their unique blend of warm hospitality, fantastic food, and unquenchable party spirit. The swimming pool proved the perfect way to relax after a hard day’s flying, and was handy for Brendie to push new guests into after dinner! Dom’s services extend to chasing your rubber doll through his orchard in high winds, and serving up cold beer and G&T’s from his chilly bin on the landing zone at sunset. For pilots with less airtime, and a penchant for the poolside after breakfast, we’ll be using this delightful spot again in May.

We were not to be disappointed by our new choice in the mountains either. The location of “El Pinet“ castle is fantastic for easy access to the major flying sites. There is much untapped flying in this area, and we pioneered a site so close to home that the take-off is 15 minutes drive from falling out of bed in the morning, and a five minute glide home. On the 1st day‘s flying at this new site Ed flew 37km, and landed when Alicante airport was getting a wee bit close. Unlike last year’s mountain accommodation, the roads around “El Pinet” are straight and fast.

of some we’ve only just begun exploring.

The castle itself is a great place for a large unruly group, with lots of space to lounge about, and a huge log fire to sit around and talk bollocks all night. As usual we did our best to sample as much of the local food and drink as possible, with a choice of restaurants and bars and noisy smelly dancing places. Young Brian was fortunate enough to taste one of the other local delicacies (WAHEY) and towards the end of his two weeks had the demeanour of a lovesick puppy. Talking of dogs, Dhu Donald of Dornoch brought a real woofer home one night, and although he didn’t actually get her into bed, let’s just say he still cherishes the toothbrush they shared. Steve Scott, however, had a different reason for looking sad. He was unlucky enough to break an ankle taking off, and sat for 4 of his 14 days with a big stooky on. This gave him first choice at the fireside, where he would sit semi-naked and sweating, quaffing an endless supply of beer until the early hours of the morning. We felt so sorry for him having to listen to tales of thermals and hours-long flights that, in a very weak moment, we let him off his bar bill. Steve’s leg is out of plaster now and he’s almost ready for take off. Our plans for Spain in Spring will be much the same, with the exception of the car hire company, with which we share a mutual dissatisfaction. We’ll be out there for all of May, but will be confirming costs and dates early next year. If the winter continues like this, we’ll all be gagging for it.

Christmas Party

It’s party time of year, and we’ve planned our revels for a weekend date, as close to Christmas day as we could get. The format is the same as last year, in the same place, doing the same thing. Price £10 (or £8, if you don’t wish to donate to the Lewis McLellan Fund) cheques to M. Graham. We need to know numbers ASAP, so get your money in as soon as you can, and start planning your costume. If any out-of-townies need a bed for the night just ask. You know it makes sense.

Physician and Firkin 19 December 20:30

Heroes and Villains

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year