Cairns    November  November 18   2009

Wow, the world is bigger and more interesting then I knew and….I thought I had travelled and seen so much already.
This Aboriginal Culture Park , we visited on Monday, was a most inspiring experience.We were guided to all the most important events. First there was the Dance Theatre with the real Aboriginal dances performed by 5 in their own tribe- painted -colours with music from the wooden boomerangs clapping together and the great sound of the didgeridoo. That guy  really could  play it. The live performance showed us the traditional corroborees and songs.
They showed as well how to make fire with sticks , turning/moving them between their hands as quick as possible on a bed of dry grass. Then picking the grass up , blowing and “waving ” it and ……red flames showed up.
After we walked to the lady who was a cook/medicin doctor. She explained about all the bush food, how to cook them, how to use them to save people  and how to use them for craft.The wisdom of those aboriginals we met was phenomenal.
Back to the didgerido by it self now and we got the explanation how to play it. If you do not have a “real” under lip, you best go to get some botox-injections, if you really want to play it  well!
After it was exercise with throwing spears, [nobody could reach the speed of the 3 traditional performers] and boomerangs. Both George and I were good in it and we got applause from the rest of the people.
There I could see that listening to the owner of the little boomerang factory in Barooga and looking at how he did it, must have stayed in my brain. Was there many times with our guests!
Listening to the history of the Aboriginals in the History Theatre made me a bit sad. The audio visiual presentation retold the effects of modern man’s impact 0n a 40.000 year old culture.
In the Creation Theatre , the performers showed us the traditional beliefs of the Tjapukai people.
Last but not least the Magic Space; An artspace futuring artifacts and murals retelling the stories of the DREAMTIME.
A day I will remember! Specially when one of the family members of this tribe came to talk to us. He was 33, but had the simple clear wisdom of a 100 year old. We spend over half an hour listening to him. It was he, Trevor, who taught little Indya last year, with great patience for an hour how to play the didgerido, with as a result that  she wanted one for her 6th birthday and she got one and it was not an easy job to find one in Holland.
Go to  http://www.tjapukai.com.au/ for more news and to listen to their music!

Tuesday was the day to “fly ” over the rain forest,  another great and unforgettable experience.I saw the biggest and longest trees in the world. Never realized that trees could grow so high!!! All the trees, ferns, palms ,etc.  grow on rocks , no soil. They “fight” their way up and the toughest survive. We looked at the waterfalls over the rock area, saw the little train “tjook” through the forest and learned that this forest is 120 million years old!!!!! The oldest in the world. To ensure they are protected and preserved for the next generations, they were added to the International World Heritage list in 1988. Indeed they are ” remarkable natural wonders”!!!
114 Gondola cabins fly around over 7.5 km. , hanging on cables between 33 tower-points. The tallest tower is 40.5 m and the highest point is at 545 m.
An unforgettable flight!
Go to www.skyrailfoundation.org or www.skyrail.com.au to read and see more about it. I can advise  you all  3  web sites.

What’s more? Of course Tiger  won the Melbourne trophee at the famous golf club. It was interesting to see that Neil Cathels ,our tax accountant from Sportavia, appeared to be the president of that club and was allowed to present the great looking glass globe to the famous winner.

In between pilots have started the 1000 km attemps everywhere. In Africa, New Zealand and Australia. Was impressed with the speed of Dane Dickinson [told you last how good he is and still young, so a bright future in gliding!] while flying his 1000 km. in wave from Omarama; 1.108 km with a speed of 177.72 km /h. in an LS 8.
Kiripotib had it’s 1000 km.  with Bernd Dolba in an ASH 25.
Rumour is also that Bernard Eckey flew in South Australia,  where the heatwave has hit hardest, a 1125 km task.
In Lake Keepit the club class Nationals are still on till November 20. At this stage after 7  days of flying , Peter Trotter leads before Paul Mander in club class. In Sports class David Jansen [ ASG 29 E] is a strong number ONE with more then 400 points over runner up , at this stage Bruce Taylor [Ventus 2cxt]! David has a fantastic season till now!!!! Tony Tabart will find out of the 1000 km. he recently flew , was the first one ever in Queensland only!

Happy birthday to the Cookes. Tim celebrated on Monday and Bracey today! Time to say goodbye now , as  departure is tomorrow morning early. A HUGE thank you to ALL my Aussie friends in the Tocumwal area and here in Cairns. I had a fabulous time. Next story will be on Sunday from Holland. One more trip to Munich and Salzburg with German friends Maria and Dieter in the first week of December and that finishes the travelling for 2009.
Hope you enjoyed being part of this trip.
Cu from Alphen aan den Rijn.
Cheers Ritz

Cairns            November 15 2009

Sorry that the stories now are “look-alikes” of “twitter” ! Haven’t got time to really research the gliding and flying world,….but as you know , you are free to share with me the experiences of this Australian trip…..or not!

Yesterday we visited Cairns. Before that Diana showed us around in her world! The world of Search and Rescue! First we had a look at all the stores from inflatable boats to big de-watering pumps. Then we had a look in the different offices. Never knew that there were so many people involved only in this Cairns department , about 21. They are captains, co-pilots, mission coordinators, drop masters and observers.
The Dornier 328 was much bigger then I expected and I was very impressed with the mission-management -system, TV, forword-looking-infra red, beacon detection, search radar and the special dropping door. Nice colleagues, she had as well. One of them was Tim who showed us the system and who started already very young in his life with State Emergency Services. He seems to be an ACE in this field.
Diana started at midday , was back at 7.30 PM just finished her dinner, was called and ran off, before I even noticed her absence. So quick they are ,those rescue people and very devoted to their job.
Only this morning I heard that the reason for the quick departure was a possible person overboard. He was saved!!!

After we looked at the Belfast. This is the second larged turbo prop in the world. George flies this huge plane occasionally. There were 10 of them, this is the only one “left-over” and I was amused to hear that the manufacturer was the one who built as well the TITANIC. I could not even make a picture from the whole plane , so big is it!
Then quickly a picture from the great looking , brand new hangar of the Royal Flying Doctors Service on the Bush Pilots Avenue and that was the end of the airport tour, which I really liked.

Off to the beach in Cairns and the Lagoon walking along the Esplanade and along the Marina. Still enough money in Cairns as the biggest smart looking ships were moored. The Lagoon is a beautiful swimming pool with grass to enjoy summer to the fullest. Even with all the skin-cancer-scares, there were a lot of sun bakers,nearly no place on this Saturday afternoon to lay down, but we did not want that anyhow.
Lot’s of great looking hotels here in Cairns, nice shops and a partly covered shopping centre. Enough to see and to buy here in Cairns. Even visited a big Aboriginal  Art Gallery which nice jewels , great paintings and different seizes didgeridoos.
Mountains full of  green trees “board” the valley where I live now. It is very relaxing here!

Sky rail is still on the schedule; “flying in a cabin ” over the tropical forest, as well as an Aboriginal  Culture Park, with the slogan” we have been rehearsing for 40.000 years to bring you this show”!  Will keep you informed!
Also interested in golf where TIGER has his last round today with equal points as 2 Aussie players. There is a REAL Tiger-mania here in Australia , specially in  Melbourne where guests, more then ever ,  walk with Tiger along the fairway.
cheers Ritz

November 14 2009

Hello from Cairns, where I arrived without any problem , even on Friday the 13th! Must say Virgin Blue is doing a great job. They were very friendly , had very good -looking 737-800 Boeings and no empty place left, so they seem to do good business as well. Sorry to Ernest and Steffi, I was stuck in the transit at Brisbane so ….very sorry I could not see you! But….I met Kate at Tullamarine for one hour.

The flight along the ocean over Fraser Island, Rockhampton , Hamilton Island and MacKay was absolutely superb. What great islands and what a beatiful shore! Have never been higher on the East Coast as Noosa!!! Temperature here is as on The Antillian Island Curacao, where we lived for nearly 2 years as well. Always around 32/33 and a bit lower during the night. The house and pool from Diana and George felt “homey” straight away and I will enjoy every of the 5 next days here! Understand now as well , why people love Cairns;it is a great holiday destination!

It was pretty sad to leave Toc again, but I enjoyed every minute of my stay. Margie made me feel very welcome in her house, my friends felt “if I had never left” and though the visit to the airfield was difficult , I have been able to give it all a place! THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY !!!!!! The last week every minute was filled with visits, but I just loved to see as many friends as possible!

Great to see that the “overseas-soaring” starts in Australia with fabulous weather. Hot and clouds everywhere! The heat wave in Victoria and NSW was pretty tough but as you all know , I do not mind the heat! Pilots love it as well. Fire brigade is on high alert however and close to Deniliquin at Mathoura , they had a big fire already. All those days the danger was EXTREME!
The Nationals in Club class at Lake Keepit have had 4 days and good old Paul Mander is 2d in his libelle. Great job.
In Africa Hans is flying again all those huge distances from Gariep and for sure will top the OLC FAI list again this season. Other friends enjoy Bitterwasser!
Tiger Woods is “hot”  in Melbourne and with one day to go he is ONE!!!!

Have to leave you now, more to do!
Cheers Ritz

November 9 2009    Tourist Information Centre

It’s only spring and we are in the middle of a real heat wave! It is “bloody hot” , not nice! We expect up to nearly 40 dgr. here in the shade! Melbourne has a forecast of 34! The weekend had nice weather again for gliding. November 7 , Inge’s birthday ,[happy birthday from all your Aussie friends, Inge!!!] John Nugent arrived early from Melbourne to catch up with me and also with Dundee. We decided to visit Beechworth as one of my to-do -things on the list. We were lucky as the Celtic Festival was on , with lot’s of River-dance-acts by young and old. Of course we visited the famous bakery, only however to the door ,as it was FULL in there!

On the way back we visited Corowa were everything is ready for another BIG season. We just missed out on Anders, as he was coming back that day from the annual inspection service on his glider in Temora. All containers however were lined up for inspection by quarantine this morning, so as I write they are unpacking and from now on we will see Corowa flights regularly topping the OLC list.It was good to see Grietje and Francesco and their children and they were pretty relaxed at the beginning of this 2009/10 .

Lot’s of flights at Tocumwal airport as both the club and Sportaviation had several flying guests. The young highschool “kids ” had their day of flying as well. It was good to see Neil and Glenda Burns. They are here for a month of gliding. While having lunch with Tony and Jo at Friday noon, we saw this “magic -solar-look-alike car” very low to the ground towing an old trailer with a glider. We had no clue who that was , but we found out that this was the car Neil was building  over the last 10 years.His own design all “his own”. Great looking car!

On Sunday I was delighted to see Daffie and Ralf Keller. They brought their friends from Denmark and I remembered straight away Bjoern and his wife with her twin sister. They visited us in 1996 and this was the first time after , they were back. Ralf flew with the ladies at Eddie’s and Bjoern flew an LS 4. They stay for 4 days in Tocumwal. After getting back some great memories we all said farewell again , but then Ojars flew in. He visited a FLY -IN in Deniliquin, catching up with Don there and heard that I was in Toc, so he decided to fly over for an hour. More nice memories and then I really had to leave as I had to prepare a meal for friends. But….I had met Grant before as well as Greg . Greg has put his caravan on Eddie’s CP so most of the old Sportavia -caravan -owners are back at the airfield now, which is great!

As said the last days here are busy, maybe hectic ,so I won’t have time any more to write from here, but I will reflect on 4 weeks Tocumwal ,when I am in Cairns. Let it sink in first!!

Glider pilots are pretty happy with the weather here and the South West parts of OZ have this huge and steady HIGH with causes the heatwave. Nice flights and one nice one is the Mosquito flight from Jondaryan yesterday, that is East ok, but a great flight from 584 km. Good old Terry Bellair flew in his DG 400 a triangle adding a few kilometers in the end; 715 km. .Also good to see that Max is back in Benalla as every year. He flew up North just between Toc and Corowa for a quick first flight.

You see, it is all happening again in Australia, no doubt Africa will follow soon. Pilots will be HAPPY!!!!!Safe flying this season for ALL!!!!
See you from Cairns. Cheers Ritz

Tocumwal November 6 2009     Tourist Information Centre

The weather is just great here today! Clouds were popping up at 11.00 and more are forming on a nice height. Temperature is around 28 dgr. at 12.00. In half an hour I will have lunch with Jo and Tony [Tabart]. They are on their way to Lake Keepit for the Club Class Nationals and stay for a short visit as they hope to reach West Wyalong tonight, which is another 500 km past Tocumwal.Very glad they make time to see me!

Yesterday Dundee’s caravan was moved and though he has been very happy in Ingo’s garden, he has a very nice spot now between the gumtrees at Sportaviation’s newly opened caravan parc, with the use of his own toilet!!!It took me a day to organise everything last Monday , but it is all perfect now as well for Swiss Chris and the Misselhorns who also got help from Peter, who did the removals.
 It was verey interesting to meet Peter. He was , as I found our talking to him on Monday, the brother of Vanessa and it seems that Dennis was good friends with her in the time before he got his tragic accident in January 1988. So I got her email adress and for me it is very important , even after so many years to hear something about the last days of his life!!!

Yesterday I also caught up with Tove , Corey and Hanna. They all looked VERY well and happy. We got to see their new built house and Corey who looks the spitting image of daddy Grant, showed us the green speedboat they use on the Murray River and Hanna was proud to show us her beautiful girly pink room.

Congratulations to Sarah [Sarah worked in the office for us a few years ago!] and Kim who had their first born last saturday all being well. Little Madeline Piper looks healthy and gorgeous so does the new mum, as the proud parents of course showed us the pictures on Melbourne Cup Day.
Great to hear that Scott who was a tuggie in the past has 2 children now and lives and flies in Hong Kong.Found out that Curt is NOT flying the mail anymore , but is an airline pilot as well flyinbg Virgin from Brisbane. As a former owner of a nice life-style business it is good to hear that all who have worked with and for you are OK!!!!
Jonny has moved yesterday to French Gyuana , so he and Corinne are back home now!

Some other news I read in the paper;
Six seconds of confusion in Jetstar cockpit–Airbus black out probe!!
A jetstar plane may have last week suffered the same malfunction that brought down an Air France jet ovewr the Atlantic, killing all on board 5 months ago. At 1.30 am on October 29 the pilot of the jetstar Airbus 330-200 reported an instrument black out as the jet carrying 200 passengers passed through storm clouds. At that time the automatic pilot malfunctioned and fluctuating readings were transmitted by one of the 3 airspeed indicators.

You remember the 2 USA pilots flying too far while “discussing the world”m here in OZ 2 pilots from Quantas forgot to put down their wheels before landing and had to make a quick go-around!!!
I am a tiny little bit more worried now flying around with all these pilots who forget!!!???

Good to see that both OZ and Africa [850 km in ASH 25]are having their first guests to fly!And what about Dane , who I met during the  JWGC and WGC in Rieti, who had such a great flight in his home part-of-the-world New Zealand;581 km in the LS 8. Very nice young man, good looking and a great and very dedicated pilot! 

Agenda is over-full this upcoming week; will leave TOC next Friday for Cairns, but if possible I will be back. Cheers for now!Ritz

Tocumwal   November  4 2009   Tourist Information Centre

Just some time left to tell you that the weather for gliding has been great. Specially on Sunday! Monday was just too HOT! It was 37 dgr. in the shade and 40 in the sun with even 46 in the car[no airco!]
Lothar left on Monday after a great flight in the UE [ DG 600] flying 604 km. One day earlier the last day of October Alan flew his LS 1 from Jondaryan to another great 757 km flight.
A nice flight as well in Africa from Kiripotib with 660 km in an ASH 25. It is starting there now as well. Corowa has their first guests for the season as well as some staff members. Will visit them soon maybe on Friday!
Yes “the overseas season” is ready to go and at this stage the weather is really good, specially for spring!!!
Yesterday with Melbourne Cupday we were back to 19 dgr. so it is still really spring weather. Not normal those very high temperatures over the last days! Cupday was great as ever and I even managed to win 15 from my 20 dollars back!!!The race which brings the nation to a stand-still, except of course for the horses who happily run as fast as they can, was great joy for lot’s specially the trainer , jockey [first win] and the owners. It remains something special. I love it!!!
New Zealand is “over” and will be due to lack of time moved to next year . Will keep you informed

Time is gone, so much more to do , to see and to visit. See you next . Cheers Ritz

November 2 2009    Tocumwal Tourist Information Centre

It is Melbourne Cup weekend  and a lot of Victorians have a long weekend which means it is pretty busy in town here and on the river. I even had to wait to cross the road today , …for a moment I thought I was back in Holland.
As I told you Sportaviation’s  Caravan park is open now and a nice bunch of friends from Eddie and Sheryl had some bubbles and good steak on the BBQ last Saturday evening. A big job was done first by Bracey and Laurel, getting/lifting  all the “left-overs” from the builders as wood and plastic , tiles and more,  from the concrete where the BBQ was on. Margie and I swept the floor after [ it was 36 dgr.!!!]and we all felt well to have contributed a bit . Other people have done much more and as Eddie said,” many hands make the work lighter”. Compliments and congratulations to Ed and Sheryl!
Rolf the instructor joined in as well, but young Jake had to babysit. I found out that Jake is Neville’s son and I baby sitted him, when his dad was flying about 10 years ago. He was 4 then and  walking around with as it seemed at that time an “always running nose”.He is a good looking 14 year old young lad now and his goal in life at this moment it to take over Eddie’s business when Ed is old and he ready to go for it!! Atleast het gets the best instruction now and is eager to do some gliding when hew turns 15!

Some friends from Horsham  flew and drove in and it was nice to meet them. Got some info from Tony Brand the Chief engineer and managing director from Horsham Aviation Services, agents for Eurofox. Eddie bought his EUROFOX from him.  Bracey has his Mooney with them for maintenance.
A nice little “toy” this Eurofox is. Eddie uses it for towing and lessons. It has a large cabin I noticed when Terry {PC} came out after a flight before the 2 men flew it back to Horsham [about 2 hours] and the girls drove back.[about 5 to 6 hours!]
I was amazed to read that the wings can be folded in less then 10 minutes by one person.It also has a very short take off as I noticed myself, as well as a landing ground roll.It has a FITI Competition propeller and a 912 ULS Rotax 100 HP or 912 S Rotax 80 HP.
A beaut plane! [www.horshamaviation.com.au]

First caravans found their spot in the parc  and Ray and Tim and Laurel were the very first. Swiss Chriss and Dundee will follow soon. Prices are OK, though I found prices for young backpackers travelling around with their back pack, passing by the MECCA of Tocumwal gliding and willing to try it, a bit high , so I will try to convince the owners for a special price for them and their little tents!

In between the Sportaviation guests are happily flying. As said 3 pilots from China who also do some powerhours with Don and 3 from New Zealand. David flew , so did  Terry and the weather was great with some lenties in the morning and 39 dgr. later in the day! A “bloody hot day”, best was to stay inside in a cool room.

Waterrestictions will have stage 4  the next 3 days. That is pretty bad. With the heat here , even these high temperatures in spring, it is difficult with water here. Stage 4 means that ALL outside watering is banned during those days. The reason for that is that the council has engaged a contractor to replace the clear and back-wash tanks at the Toc. water treatment plant. Next week another 3 days will have stage 4.

The BUSH MARKET on Saturday was great and as busy as in the past. A place to meet lot’s of people so it took us some time to walk around there. Some of you surely remember the olive-oil business at the airport. They are doing well, I had a talk with the owner. Though he does n’t know any of the names of the planes flying above his estate, he knows all the colours and even told me that the DOVE has flown out just a few weeks ago.Talking about the “past” it seems that the old WW2 hangar will be used again. NOT the hangar itself but the briefing room and sunroom. Abour 30 “to-be-pilots from Malaysia and India are going to have lessons here. They come from Bankstown [Sydney] with their instructors. So a bit more action here at the airfield of Tocumwal.

Not more time as the hour has “gone”. See you later, still not sure if NZ will happen on November 5-6-7-and 8. Greetings Ritz

Tourist Information Centre Tocumwal on Friday afternoon.

Just 10 minutes left to tell you that Sportaviation had the thumps up from the fire brigade department from the Shire and….for opening the caravan park!!!!!Great news!
Dundee and I left just before the champagne was pourred but in our mind we celebrated with them as I heard and I have seen, how much has been done.
Fabulous job!
One day before 6 ” China -men” arrived at the airfield. No they were not all men I saw quickly, 2 ladies were there as well. 3 Of the men come for a one month gliding holiday.Some friends arrive already tonight so hopefully we will have a nice weekend! There is thunderstorm “hanging around” but it only grumbles , no rain, so I better rush “home” See you after the weekend.

Look for pictures from the Sportaviation caravan park at www.sportaviation.com.au

Cheers Ritz

Tocumwal    October 27 2009   Tourist Information Centre

Well now I have to speed up as time is money here, but not to worry it is not too bad!
I have been here now tomorrow for 2 weeks and though it feels like I have never left Australia, I do realize that time is flying. It looks like NZ is off, but however I would have loved to go there it would have taken out also some precious time here. Still enjoy every minute and it is great to hear planes flying over and to see tugs towing gliders.
The weekend was rather busy with several pilots flying both at Sportaviation and the club.
Ken and his friends have left again. They were off to Sydney to …..climb the Harbour Bridge …….at night!!!!!! They are all involved in sport business so no worries , they would be able to climb this bridge while enjoying the scenic view at night. Ken will be back soon again to fly both his Vintage planes!

Dundee had a good look  at the new Sportaviation Caravan Park and it seems he has made a decision . As I told you the new toilet bloc looks marvellous. It is , when you go in there, not that you enter the toilets at Sheryl and Eddie’s Caravan Parc but you feel more like entering the Hilton’s “powder-room.” Certainly when you remember the ones at Sportavia, though I must admit they were clean , the girls always worked very hard to keep them as clean as possible, but for sure they were not fancy.
They are still grading , but it looks everything will be ready in time.
If you want to see it all by yourself , you can look at it this upcoming weekend. Don’t forget bring your eski with meat , salad and beer/wine/bubbles!

The place to be at this moment is still Australia , though Omara had some very nice flights as well this week. I particular liked Andrew Hugging’s flight in the Mosquito 519 km over an interesting triangle, departing from Jondaryan on the East Side.
The West side from OZ is active now as well as good friend Terry Cubley used the wind for an out and return from Gawler up North;312 km in his LS 3.
Gliders to Australia and Africa seem to be on schedule so a few more days and the action will start again!!!
In Holland they STILL fly as well. Yesterday a pilot flew up and down along the side of the DUNES ….after a shower ….to still make 123 km. You see we do have some kind of ” ridge-flying ” , in Holland as well.

Though Inge is already home for 2 days , George is still driving to Cairns. First day he made 1280 km to reach Miles. I read in the news paper that the weather in Queensland at the moment is very bad!!!!
On his way home he visited Albury and fell “with his nose in the butter” as the celebrations around the Uiver where in full swing. He also visited the Australian Soaring Centre in Corowa and caught up with Francesco. I plan to go there as well one of these days!

To finish this blog; US Federal investigators are struggling to determine what the crew of a NW airlines plane were doing at 11.000 m. as they sped 240 km. past their destination; Minneapolis. When they flew over Wisconsin, the pilots realised there was something wrong and flew back while on the ground military jet’s were ready to chase them, as nobody had a clue about what was going on! They were not drunk!!! They were not asleep , but “just talking” , is what they said! Interesting conversation it must have been !

That’s it for now. See you after the weekend with news from the BBQ and all friends visiting!

Cheers Ritz

Tocumwal        Friday  October 23 2009

Last news from the all-seasons-motel, as George is leaving for Cairns, a trip of 3 days with each 1200km. and Inge is flying back home today to Amsterdam.
I have moved out from Gina’s unit and moved in at Margie’s, so another former owner of Sportavia , Margie is my host now.
Yesterday we spend a nice afternoon at the airfield. Sheryl was very busy painting the last important signs and Eddie with towing as the UE “boys” had finished the form 2 [ annual inspection] on the glider. Lothar had 2 flights , then one for Neil [82 now I heard !!!] .Unfortunately Otto is not allowed to fly anymore after his operations, but he is not too sad about it. He has had great times, he said and is happy enough now ” to hang around with the boys”! They bring over their longtime knowledge of doing a form 2 on their DG 600, to the young generation; Lothar!
Bill Riley visited as well, feeling happy about all the action at the field. In between graders were leveling the places were the caravans will be in a few weeks , when it is all ready.
Before that we will have a nice get to gether to drink on the finishing and well being of the amenity bloc in the weekend of October 31 and November 1. So if you are interested to see and hear all THE NEWS at Sportaviation , please drop in that weekend. There will be a BYO-BBQ on Saturday evening, so fly in or drive in with an eski full of meat , salad and drinks.

Ken had 2 Japanese friends  to fly around in his Slingsby T21 and both loved it. Goggles on ….off they went! After Ken flew his other toy ;the Olympia, a very vintage single seat glider . The Olympia was designed for the Olympic Gliding Championships, flying as a demonstration sport in Berlin in 1936 ,but sadly enough it never became an Olympic Sport due to the war from 1939. The Olympia has been restored in Tocumwal by Mike Burns and Ingo Renner. Both gliders ‘live’ in Tocumwal. In the evening George and I had dinner with Ken and his friends and lots of memories came back.

Some nice flights over the last days in Rieti [336 km. in Italy] , in Hausen am Albis [597 km. in Zwitserland] where they used the fohn and George Lee flew from the after himself called airfield here in Australia, 523 km. while in NZ Hugh Turner flew a nice 634 km. from Omarama.
Gliders for the overseas season are still on the ships so when they have arrived in either Africa or Australia there will be enough action again on the soaring-scene.

Cheers for now from a full weekend here in Tocumwal.
Ritz