Summer solistice Skiddaw fly down

gordie · Post by **gordie** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 9:50 am

The longest day is nearly upon us and falls next Saturday/Sunday. In the north Lakes there is a tradition of walking up Skiddaw after the pubs shut form various sides and then meeting on the summit around 1a.m. for a few drinks a wee sleep and then an early morning fly down. Last time we did this tow years ago about 15 pilots had over an hours soaring from 6 a.m. in the morning, all then flying down to land outside my house in Bassenthwaite. Forecast so far are looking good with a high pressure and southerly winds. If you fancy something different then watch this space for up dates......

ron freeman · Post by **ron freeman** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 12:15 pm

Brian Day, what do you think of the NHPC having a go at this up the Cheviot !

Jim Bittlestone · Post by **Jim Bittlestone** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 2:04 pm

Quite ambitious that Ron, all the way from Skiddaw

brian day · Post by **brian day** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:13 pm

I don't think many will be in a fit state to do anything on the solstice, there's a BBQ to attend to.
Maybe another weekend. You'll have to give us a forecast to look for.

gordie · Post by **gordie** » Thu Jun 18, 2009 10:22 pm

Hi Guys,

I know you all have a much better plan and looking at the weather I don't blame you. But hay you know me and never say never so if any of you are over this way in the next few days and we do decide to go freeze our nuts off up a mountain then here are my current thoughts:

Sat/Sun winds will be NW backing to WSW (good direction for Bassenthwaite/Keswick) and on the fresh side, also looks like it may be a bit cloudy.

Sun/Mon Less wind veering NW to NNE (best chance of flying)still cloudy but clearing at dawn.

Mon/ Day Much less cloud and best chance of seeing sunset and sunrise aswell as the afterglow through out the night. Wind E and still lightish.

So there's the score, I am up for any night providing there is a good chance of flying and reasonable weather on the summit. If any of you are around this neck of the woods you would be most welcome.

gordie · Post by **gordie** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 9:24 am

O.K. were on for tonight (mon/tue) Weather looks clear so we should get a sunrise and after glow, winds due to go n.w. to n.e (ish) so should be bob on for flying back to Bassenthwaite. Meet at the Sun Inn Bassenthwaite after 9.30 p.m. to leave by 10.30 ish. Or if you ascend from the Keswick side see you on the summit around 1 a.m.Call or text if you wish 07830281986.

Make sure you strip your kit down to save weight and I would recommend a carry matt and sleeping bag if you want an un-comfy night.

milleboy · Post by **milleboy** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:06 pm

See you on top!

Going up from keswick, leaving approx 9pm. Plan to fly down to Portinscale a.m. Any body wants a lift to latrigg car park give me a shout. 017687 7 four 6 five 9.

DaveB · Post by **DaveB** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:13 pm

Any write-up and photos yet??
D.

gordie · Post by **gordie** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:10 am

Happy days

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ePq4ceah30

DaveB · Post by **DaveB** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:56 am

Nice one - looks like fun despite the "early" start.
What's the audio Gordie?

Davehorne · Post by **Davehorne** » Fri Jun 26, 2009 4:12 pm

Here's another one

http://www.vimeo.com/5329111

Many thanks to Gordie for organising it all and laying on:
a) brilliant sunshine and visibility

b) Great landing field - lots of trees and power lines

c) Bacon, sausage and egg butties at his place

Oh how I enjoyed that 3000ft walk-up in the dark