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Forever Chasing Bubbles

For what appeared to be a reasonably good forecast, few turned up to launch. I met Don at the Puhoi Pub and we shared the ride to the launch car park. Mark was unloading his hang glider, and we followed him out to launch.

It was quite South and while Mark rigged his glider Rodger turned up and we unpacked and got ready to launch.

Rodger was first away, and was soon climbing out. Mark launched and unfortunately found nothing. Don was more fortunate and was able to maintain.

I held on for a little longer then launched, turned left and got a lift from the spur, I was soon at over 2000ft and drifting northwesterly along the ridge, getting another boost to 2400ft.

Flicking north onto the Woodcocks Road ridge I hoped to pick up something more substantial under the clouds that were forming, but they never came to anything. By now I was over the road and flying into blue sky so I headed over toward Dark Summit, but still nothing.

Having seen Don land toward the glass-houses I decided to join him to simplify retrieve, landing just over the road on what could only be described as a bowling green of a paddock.

Joining Don, a decision was made to hitch back one of our vehicles. Being a "hitching" virgin I listened to Don's advice and we split up and down the road to maximize our chances.

Lo and behold, the first car along pulls over and offers a lift. The next weird thing is that it is someone I have met before. Having read his power meter a week or so before, he introduced his dogs to me.

He offers a lift to Warkworth which of course I accept, but after talking on the way in he asks where I'm going, and offers to take me to the start of Moir Hill Road. And as you do when hitching we talk about our passions, me Paragliding, him Kayak Fishing.

When we get to the start of Moir Hill Road I drop the hint that I only have to walk 5 km up the road to my car, and being the good man he is, immediately offers to take me to the end. A great first hitch experience.

Once back at the car I contact Don and arrange to meet at the Puhoi Road turnoff. I'm there for about 5 minutes when Don turns up and we then proceed to the Pub for a well deserved drink and to wait for Rodger to turn up after his flight to Whangaripo.

A good day.

Leonardo Track Link

Prepared Landing Paddock


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