Significant controversy has broken out here in Austria over the use of loggers and GPS and the impact on the results. The protests are flying thick and fast - unlike the balloons.
The Event Director earlier in the week had stated some additional rules concerning use of 'backup GPS tracks' in the event of a competitor's offically supplied 'logger' failing.
During the early protests today the CIA stated that only officially approved GPS's could be used as backup and that backup logs provided during the week that didn't meet the strict requirements would end in a nil result of those pilots.
Why would someone want a nil result - well if a number of nil results were issued than the scores would be reshuffled for all valid competitors and some would get more points as a result. This is having a significant impact on positions 2 and 3 at the moment with UK's Mike Howard being dropped from 3 to 5 subject to the end of protests....
we are waiting and watching here in Austria...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
All over bar the shouting
Well, we actually did a launch this morning much to Team Gibbs surprise.
At our farmhouse overlooking the Pollau Valley it was blowing a gale but as there was no briefing cancel call we all trundled down to the CLP for briefing.
The smart money was get up and get the 2 tasks done before the strong north easterlies kicked in.
So after a rocket exit from the CLP we tried a few potential sites with Piballs and moved to a site we'd used previously around Hinteregg.
Inflation was an exciting affair as a gust front hit us and Team Springett as the 6.30am takeoff time clicked over. After some strong arm tactics by both teams on our Cameron Racer (Les pulled out and deflated offering us his crew for extra weight) we launched like a slingshot.
It was actually nice in the air although 26kph with turbulence was going to make hitting the marks hard. But then the flight was cancelled and we were ordered to land.
17mins and 45l of fuel later we dropped into a paddock next to the CLP and packed up.
Unless anything changes in the next hour and half the standings for the Aussies are:
Paul Gibbs - position 46 -7859pts
Sean Kavanagh - position 50 - 7655pts
Edwin Michell - position 59 - 7148pts
Les Springett - position 73 - 6685 pts.
Photos to come at some stage.
At our farmhouse overlooking the Pollau Valley it was blowing a gale but as there was no briefing cancel call we all trundled down to the CLP for briefing.
The smart money was get up and get the 2 tasks done before the strong north easterlies kicked in.
So after a rocket exit from the CLP we tried a few potential sites with Piballs and moved to a site we'd used previously around Hinteregg.
Inflation was an exciting affair as a gust front hit us and Team Springett as the 6.30am takeoff time clicked over. After some strong arm tactics by both teams on our Cameron Racer (Les pulled out and deflated offering us his crew for extra weight) we launched like a slingshot.
It was actually nice in the air although 26kph with turbulence was going to make hitting the marks hard. But then the flight was cancelled and we were ordered to land.
17mins and 45l of fuel later we dropped into a paddock next to the CLP and packed up.
Unless anything changes in the next hour and half the standings for the Aussies are:
Paul Gibbs - position 46 -7859pts
Sean Kavanagh - position 50 - 7655pts
Edwin Michell - position 59 - 7148pts
Les Springett - position 73 - 6685 pts.
Photos to come at some stage.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Four flights...is it over...
A lovely cold morning greeted us with 4 tasks to complete.
Paul had 3 out of 4 excellent results just blowing the CLP dual-throw by being too much of a perfectionist as wind changed.
This afternoon's flight was cancelled. Ed Michell couldn't figure out why but then south australians balloonists are used to 50kph winds.
The last flight is scheduled for Sat morning but no-one is confident it will happen.
Will the world champs be over with just 4 flights completed?
Stay tuned...
Paul had 3 out of 4 excellent results just blowing the CLP dual-throw by being too much of a perfectionist as wind changed.
This afternoon's flight was cancelled. Ed Michell couldn't figure out why but then south australians balloonists are used to 50kph winds.
The last flight is scheduled for Sat morning but no-one is confident it will happen.
Will the world champs be over with just 4 flights completed?
Stay tuned...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Up one minute...down the next
Well on day 5 of the comp we finally got a full days flying . . . and then some.
This morning we flew for over 3 hours doing 5 tasks. A long flight with 3 of the Aussie teams doing really well. We had great winds and excellent steerage after real bedlem at the start. Our favoured launch site below our farmhouse had no resident landlord so we all launched from the roadway - well except for the koreans who tried slipping into the 5m between Team Gibbs and Springett-but moved after being gently reminded. And the russians who do whatever they like.
Team Gibbs, Kavanagh and Springett all had excellent scoring on the targets incl a speed run for 20+ mins at around 7,500 feet. Lucky we took our jackets and gloves, and camera for the magnificent photos of the Alps in the background.
This evening the winds were exceptionally light and we didn't see anyone make all 3 targets. Most balloons landing at sunset after 2hrs flight and a 2km traverse. It was a shocker for Team Gibbs but Team Kavanagh is really on fire with 2 close marker drops. As we wait in line for refuelimg we're yet to hear from Team's Springett and TongueKiss.
I wonder if they're with the same farmers who've been filling us with schnapps for the past 30mins.
Now, if the organisers would get the promised internet happening at the launch field we could upload some more photos. (and if 3 would turn on my voicemail I could return a lot of calls)
This morning we flew for over 3 hours doing 5 tasks. A long flight with 3 of the Aussie teams doing really well. We had great winds and excellent steerage after real bedlem at the start. Our favoured launch site below our farmhouse had no resident landlord so we all launched from the roadway - well except for the koreans who tried slipping into the 5m between Team Gibbs and Springett-but moved after being gently reminded. And the russians who do whatever they like.
Team Gibbs, Kavanagh and Springett all had excellent scoring on the targets incl a speed run for 20+ mins at around 7,500 feet. Lucky we took our jackets and gloves, and camera for the magnificent photos of the Alps in the background.
This evening the winds were exceptionally light and we didn't see anyone make all 3 targets. Most balloons landing at sunset after 2hrs flight and a 2km traverse. It was a shocker for Team Gibbs but Team Kavanagh is really on fire with 2 close marker drops. As we wait in line for refuelimg we're yet to hear from Team's Springett and TongueKiss.
I wonder if they're with the same farmers who've been filling us with schnapps for the past 30mins.
Now, if the organisers would get the promised internet happening at the launch field we could upload some more photos. (and if 3 would turn on my voicemail I could return a lot of calls)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
More delays but finally a flight
Boy, what a difference a week makes to the weather over here.
The good news is that we actually got the balloon off the ground today. Team Gibbs were super efficient in getting the balloon ready and airbourne really quickly in quite gusty wind. Unfortunately this wasn't the ideal time to launch and we had quite an ordinary flight in strong wind with little steerage. A 10 minutes delay would have been better. So 2 tasks and 20 minutes later we collected Paul miles away after he hit 35kph mid-flight.
Briefing this arvo was interesting. A few pilots got told off for dangerous flying but the wind was still doubtful. So after 2.5hrs from the original briefing time we got the black flag and put the balloon away then grabbed a beer before logging onto the field internet for the first time . . . Intermittently. Then retiring home to Lin's great quiche with fresh veggies from the farm garden.
With an overnight temp of 0C expected we've brought the gas bottles inside and hope the predictions about 2 days of good weather are true.
So, here's to tomorrow and some real competition - with only 5 possible flights left the organisers must be getting a little nervous.
The good news is that we actually got the balloon off the ground today. Team Gibbs were super efficient in getting the balloon ready and airbourne really quickly in quite gusty wind. Unfortunately this wasn't the ideal time to launch and we had quite an ordinary flight in strong wind with little steerage. A 10 minutes delay would have been better. So 2 tasks and 20 minutes later we collected Paul miles away after he hit 35kph mid-flight.
Briefing this arvo was interesting. A few pilots got told off for dangerous flying but the wind was still doubtful. So after 2.5hrs from the original briefing time we got the black flag and put the balloon away then grabbed a beer before logging onto the field internet for the first time . . . Intermittently. Then retiring home to Lin's great quiche with fresh veggies from the farm garden.
With an overnight temp of 0C expected we've brought the gas bottles inside and hope the predictions about 2 days of good weather are true.
So, here's to tomorrow and some real competition - with only 5 possible flights left the organisers must be getting a little nervous.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hurry up and wait
9.30p last night we all got a SMS saying the morning briefing was cancelled, as expected. The 1am SMS inviting us to a Brewery Tour was somewhat unexpected though. But, hey, sleep is optional at a world championship.
We prepped to fly this arvo not really expecting to, and when the weather report in the Briefing showed 55knots at 2000 feet we were not surprised no loggers or task sheets were distributed. So, same old story, hurry, hurry, hurry...but now wait.
Tomorrow, wed, sounds better but still marginal. At least pilot's Gibbs, Spriggett and Michell can stop practising their marker throws from 2nd story balconies.
Team Gibbs is all raring to go. We've come off the back of a win last week and have been filling ourselves with all the health that rural Austria can dish up.
Every morning we rise to a view straight out of the Sound of Music. Drink fresh milk just milked from the farm cow, eat fresh eggs from the 2600 chickens on our farm, raid the veggie patch kindly extended to us by Family Konig and if not flying in the evenings we taste the lovely homemade schnapps and beer from the neighbours who are tickled pink to have a group of Aussies in their midsts.
The takeoff sites the neigbours have arranged for us all throughout the region is mindblowing.
Paul managed to get up a few of our shots onto Aunty Monkey this arvo, care of the McDonalds internet, but the internet at the Comp Centre is still not working properly.
Even Aunty Monkey super-guru and Team Kavanaugh Member Andrew R. couldn't get the Gibbs computers working. The organiser techs also have no idea why most people can't access their internet.
But hey, who needs internet when we've got this lovely hospitality.
So off to bed again for a hopeful flying day tomorrow.
We prepped to fly this arvo not really expecting to, and when the weather report in the Briefing showed 55knots at 2000 feet we were not surprised no loggers or task sheets were distributed. So, same old story, hurry, hurry, hurry...but now wait.
Tomorrow, wed, sounds better but still marginal. At least pilot's Gibbs, Spriggett and Michell can stop practising their marker throws from 2nd story balconies.
Team Gibbs is all raring to go. We've come off the back of a win last week and have been filling ourselves with all the health that rural Austria can dish up.
Every morning we rise to a view straight out of the Sound of Music. Drink fresh milk just milked from the farm cow, eat fresh eggs from the 2600 chickens on our farm, raid the veggie patch kindly extended to us by Family Konig and if not flying in the evenings we taste the lovely homemade schnapps and beer from the neighbours who are tickled pink to have a group of Aussies in their midsts.
The takeoff sites the neigbours have arranged for us all throughout the region is mindblowing.
Paul managed to get up a few of our shots onto Aunty Monkey this arvo, care of the McDonalds internet, but the internet at the Comp Centre is still not working properly.
Even Aunty Monkey super-guru and Team Kavanaugh Member Andrew R. couldn't get the Gibbs computers working. The organiser techs also have no idea why most people can't access their internet.
But hey, who needs internet when we've got this lovely hospitality.
So off to bed again for a hopeful flying day tomorrow.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Its Monday, we must be Hungary
Lots of rain overnight saw us greeted with a cold, grey old day with light rain. Our local spies say tomorrow is likely to follow suit.
Well we got a 4am SMS to say the morning briefing was cancelled. And when the 9:30am SMS came through Team's Gibbs and TongueKiss decided to take a day off and go visit Hungary. Via a castle and Slovenia, as one does.
So after a couple of hours looking at witch-killing gear, crusade armour, flopsy-eared rabbits and great scenery we shot over to the dark side, so to speak. Slovenia and Hungary are both bleak places by comparison to Austria. Far less people, darker coloured clothes, run down buildings, russian era farm machinery, and the odd ex-military establishment.
We did get a great meal at a local pub even if we couldn't work out what we were getting or how much it would cost. Based on Deano's purchase of a keyring in euros and his change in something else we thought lunch with beers was about $2 each. Turns out Deano's keyring came with a $50 tip. Great for Deano but lunch was actually $12.
So after a visit to a couple of grocery shops we made our way home where Lin is preparing a Tuna Bake for dinner.
Tomorrow we hope to fly, and trust the organisers can get their internet working, target list finished, and not schedule clashes with any more airshows.
Well we got a 4am SMS to say the morning briefing was cancelled. And when the 9:30am SMS came through Team's Gibbs and TongueKiss decided to take a day off and go visit Hungary. Via a castle and Slovenia, as one does.
So after a couple of hours looking at witch-killing gear, crusade armour, flopsy-eared rabbits and great scenery we shot over to the dark side, so to speak. Slovenia and Hungary are both bleak places by comparison to Austria. Far less people, darker coloured clothes, run down buildings, russian era farm machinery, and the odd ex-military establishment.
We did get a great meal at a local pub even if we couldn't work out what we were getting or how much it would cost. Based on Deano's purchase of a keyring in euros and his change in something else we thought lunch with beers was about $2 each. Turns out Deano's keyring came with a $50 tip. Great for Deano but lunch was actually $12.
So after a visit to a couple of grocery shops we made our way home where Lin is preparing a Tuna Bake for dinner.
Tomorrow we hope to fly, and trust the organisers can get their internet working, target list finished, and not schedule clashes with any more airshows.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Trial runs rule
Well, Day 1 of the comp brought no flying but lots of practise.
We're up at 4am to cruise into the 5:30am briefing - or, as it is at the moment...to arrive at Launch site and read the notice board about a delayed start.
And after the delayed briefing we go on notice for a supplementary briefing 45min-1hr later.
Europe has been hit with a sudden end of summer. 35C last weekend, 10C this weekend. And light rain.
David Levin the Director is running a great breifing, even if the organisation is well behind schedule, and weather reports are good, even if the results aren't encouraging.
So 2 practise runs today went well, radio comms between team members is helping a lot.
11ish saw the Comp photo taken with lots of laughter with the comedian-photographer.
Then the official launch and lunch followed by a great airshow from prop craft. Wow, these Austrians are mad with their flying. All stunts being done at low level (eg 10 feet) and over the crowds heads too. Team Gibbs retired for a bit of kip in the middle returning for the 4pm briefing - delayed but a possible 6pm green flag. Not too be it turned out.
So like all good Aussies we took off, with Team Tongue-Kiss, to the 750 year old pub micro-brewery recommended by Werner, our local pilot-occassional helper. What a great place and it wasn't long before Team TongueKiss were into drinking games-although I'm still not sure what eating horse raddish has to do with it, but go Toby!
Last night was the official opening ceremony which was a lot of fun, including Walzing Mathilda being played as the Aussies paraded past (and Abba for the Swedes). Night glows, fireworks, live bands, it was all happening.
With all this waiting around Deano has found time for lots of sex. Well that's what the packet of cigarettes is called. At least he has moved on from 'foreplay' and will soon be onto 'police'. But as Austria still allows smoking everywhere we can't figure out why police will need to be called.
One strange thing we're noticing is that all the little children collect stickers and badges from the teams. We're thinking that if we run out we'll have to race the Brazillians to pinch the magnetic signs that Team America has stuck all over their cars.
Mind you, we could also see what happens if attach the american magnets to Ed Michell's new GPS enabled pie-balls and see where they land.
So, its now 9:30pm local and as we're up again at 4am we're all retiring after a fun but non-scoring day.
Tchuss
We're up at 4am to cruise into the 5:30am briefing - or, as it is at the moment...to arrive at Launch site and read the notice board about a delayed start.
And after the delayed briefing we go on notice for a supplementary briefing 45min-1hr later.
Europe has been hit with a sudden end of summer. 35C last weekend, 10C this weekend. And light rain.
David Levin the Director is running a great breifing, even if the organisation is well behind schedule, and weather reports are good, even if the results aren't encouraging.
So 2 practise runs today went well, radio comms between team members is helping a lot.
11ish saw the Comp photo taken with lots of laughter with the comedian-photographer.
Then the official launch and lunch followed by a great airshow from prop craft. Wow, these Austrians are mad with their flying. All stunts being done at low level (eg 10 feet) and over the crowds heads too. Team Gibbs retired for a bit of kip in the middle returning for the 4pm briefing - delayed but a possible 6pm green flag. Not too be it turned out.
So like all good Aussies we took off, with Team Tongue-Kiss, to the 750 year old pub micro-brewery recommended by Werner, our local pilot-occassional helper. What a great place and it wasn't long before Team TongueKiss were into drinking games-although I'm still not sure what eating horse raddish has to do with it, but go Toby!
Last night was the official opening ceremony which was a lot of fun, including Walzing Mathilda being played as the Aussies paraded past (and Abba for the Swedes). Night glows, fireworks, live bands, it was all happening.
With all this waiting around Deano has found time for lots of sex. Well that's what the packet of cigarettes is called. At least he has moved on from 'foreplay' and will soon be onto 'police'. But as Austria still allows smoking everywhere we can't figure out why police will need to be called.
One strange thing we're noticing is that all the little children collect stickers and badges from the teams. We're thinking that if we run out we'll have to race the Brazillians to pinch the magnetic signs that Team America has stuck all over their cars.
Mind you, we could also see what happens if attach the american magnets to Ed Michell's new GPS enabled pie-balls and see where they land.
So, its now 9:30pm local and as we're up again at 4am we're all retiring after a fun but non-scoring day.
Tchuss
Friday, September 12, 2008
Pilot declared Schloss, Paul on a winning run
Today was the last day of flying the pre-Worlds balloon event run by the Flaggls.
Light winds hit us but there were a lot of teams practising so the sky was full of colour.
A few more drops and a few more castles to fly into. Life is tough in rural Austria - Prost!
By late arvo the weather had moved in so we went to the final ceremony of this week's PrimaGaz BallonWeek 2008 for a quiet beer, or two...
... where Paul won the big prize-NUMBER 1.
Yep, first prize out of over 50 competitors. Great warm-up for the Worlds which starts tomorrow.
Go Team Gibbs!
So, we registered today and found another surprise - Team Gibbs is registered competitor number 1!
Go Team Gibbs!
No wonder our farmhost Gerhardt was shouting us more schnapps this arvo - or perhaps it was the cheersquad Mark arranged from Italy.
Yep, watchout world. Team Gibbs has groupies, cheersquads, gold stripes and number 1's all around. Bring it on!
Light winds hit us but there were a lot of teams practising so the sky was full of colour.
A few more drops and a few more castles to fly into. Life is tough in rural Austria - Prost!
By late arvo the weather had moved in so we went to the final ceremony of this week's PrimaGaz BallonWeek 2008 for a quiet beer, or two...
... where Paul won the big prize-NUMBER 1.
Yep, first prize out of over 50 competitors. Great warm-up for the Worlds which starts tomorrow.
Go Team Gibbs!
So, we registered today and found another surprise - Team Gibbs is registered competitor number 1!
Go Team Gibbs!
No wonder our farmhost Gerhardt was shouting us more schnapps this arvo - or perhaps it was the cheersquad Mark arranged from Italy.
Yep, watchout world. Team Gibbs has groupies, cheersquads, gold stripes and number 1's all around. Bring it on!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Beautiful weather continues
Team Gibbs woke to another beautiful morning in rural Austria.
A light rain the previous evening had brought the frogs out which caused Deano no end of stress dodging them on the road down to the launch site.
Them and the chickens at our farmstay.
With great winds this am Paul & Mark went for a 2 hr jolly at around 5,000ft - with 3 test targets enroute. Taking the opportunity to checkout winds in another 4-5 valleys to the NE of the launch area, as well as call in the ground crew along some new roads, launch pieballs and a few other 'special' training exercises.
This arvo we were joined by a local pilot in another hare and hound. Werner is a great guy and gave us some fabulous local knowledge so that the chase crew could really stalk the hare up close. We may have spooked him however as we peaked out from a 4WD track in the forest behind the hare pilot's house which looked very much like the proposed target site before we spooked him.
With bad weather predicted from Sat for 3 days we're hoping to get 2 more training flights in tomorrow. If the big cold front arrives as expected we might have time off to visit the aviation airshow this Saturday.
Registration for the Worlds has begun and more balloons are turning up everyday. Team USA arrived today enmass and Sean Kavanagh's group are still trickling in.
So, here's hoping for great winds tomorrow.
A light rain the previous evening had brought the frogs out which caused Deano no end of stress dodging them on the road down to the launch site.
Them and the chickens at our farmstay.
With great winds this am Paul & Mark went for a 2 hr jolly at around 5,000ft - with 3 test targets enroute. Taking the opportunity to checkout winds in another 4-5 valleys to the NE of the launch area, as well as call in the ground crew along some new roads, launch pieballs and a few other 'special' training exercises.
This arvo we were joined by a local pilot in another hare and hound. Werner is a great guy and gave us some fabulous local knowledge so that the chase crew could really stalk the hare up close. We may have spooked him however as we peaked out from a 4WD track in the forest behind the hare pilot's house which looked very much like the proposed target site before we spooked him.
With bad weather predicted from Sat for 3 days we're hoping to get 2 more training flights in tomorrow. If the big cold front arrives as expected we might have time off to visit the aviation airshow this Saturday.
Registration for the Worlds has begun and more balloons are turning up everyday. Team USA arrived today enmass and Sean Kavanagh's group are still trickling in.
So, here's hoping for great winds tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Fine weather and secret womens business
Well the weather has been beautiful over the 2 days. We're flying twice a day with lightish winds giving good practice time.
We're equipped with pieballs, windreaders, 'scary ' nav systems, as well as static and moving maps. All being put through their paces.
Lin, our 'social secretary' missed another party last night but we forgave her as Ed Michell had arranged for us all to have dinner with the Worlds Event Director and comp chief designer. Some very interesting knowledge was being exchanged, as well as old war stories.
This Worlds is shaping up to be very different - no observers, all targets on the official map have been designated obsolete, and new targets being mapped right now. There is still the message circulating that no target computer file will be issued to competitors.
Pauls flying continues to improve and he's consistently getting within a few metres of every mark. We made this mornings practice a bit more difficult by giving him 2 flouro jacketed people to aim at and then arranged a few cars to drive along the road at drop time causing the targets to move out the way at the critical time.
He had 'map man' Anthony from Team TongueKiss worried in any case.
A few teams are struggling with the beaucracy we see. With the Austrian secret radio police playing oom-pah-pah music over any unauthorised frequency they discover, some team's comms are going pear-shaped at the moment. Luckily we are not one disaffected by this.
We're expecting another hare and hounds chase this arvo through some more gorgeous rural Austrian countryside in 25C clear skies.
Bring it on!
We're equipped with pieballs, windreaders, 'scary ' nav systems, as well as static and moving maps. All being put through their paces.
Lin, our 'social secretary' missed another party last night but we forgave her as Ed Michell had arranged for us all to have dinner with the Worlds Event Director and comp chief designer. Some very interesting knowledge was being exchanged, as well as old war stories.
This Worlds is shaping up to be very different - no observers, all targets on the official map have been designated obsolete, and new targets being mapped right now. There is still the message circulating that no target computer file will be issued to competitors.
Pauls flying continues to improve and he's consistently getting within a few metres of every mark. We made this mornings practice a bit more difficult by giving him 2 flouro jacketed people to aim at and then arranged a few cars to drive along the road at drop time causing the targets to move out the way at the critical time.
He had 'map man' Anthony from Team TongueKiss worried in any case.
A few teams are struggling with the beaucracy we see. With the Austrian secret radio police playing oom-pah-pah music over any unauthorised frequency they discover, some team's comms are going pear-shaped at the moment. Luckily we are not one disaffected by this.
We're expecting another hare and hounds chase this arvo through some more gorgeous rural Austrian countryside in 25C clear skies.
Bring it on!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Monday and the Hounds
With early morning rain with a cold front there was no ballooning this morning giving us all a bit of a sleep in.
By late afternoon the thermal activity was restricted about 6000ft so we took off around 5.30pm for a game of 'hare and hound', followed of course by the free beer evening - thanks Puntigamer.
The late arvo drainage down the valleys was well predicted by Paul who at dropping his marker less than 1m from the target expects to pickup today's honours. Not bad in a 2 day old balloon.
For the guys waiting for photos - sorry. We're in rural Austria where internet is hard to come by. Luckily this blog can be updated from the phone.
While tracking the gold leafed balloon this arvo we were joined by some groupies-a germany couple who have been to Australia 3 times recognised our team vehicle and proceeded to shower us with praise and gifts. These guys even travelled with a 6 foot Aussie flag in their car! Of course we reciprocated the gifts and took some photos. Go groupies!
So our landing site also gave us another secret location for next week's worlds. Landowner permission achieved we're starting to get in the comp mode.
That is, even if we missed yesterday's opening drinks. Our social secretary must still suffering from jet-lag. Luckily her day job is with Qantas.
Predictions for the rest of the week is shaping up great. So, off to refueling (the gas tanks) we go and prep for tomorrow's flights.
By late afternoon the thermal activity was restricted about 6000ft so we took off around 5.30pm for a game of 'hare and hound', followed of course by the free beer evening - thanks Puntigamer.
The late arvo drainage down the valleys was well predicted by Paul who at dropping his marker less than 1m from the target expects to pickup today's honours. Not bad in a 2 day old balloon.
For the guys waiting for photos - sorry. We're in rural Austria where internet is hard to come by. Luckily this blog can be updated from the phone.
While tracking the gold leafed balloon this arvo we were joined by some groupies-a germany couple who have been to Australia 3 times recognised our team vehicle and proceeded to shower us with praise and gifts. These guys even travelled with a 6 foot Aussie flag in their car! Of course we reciprocated the gifts and took some photos. Go groupies!
So our landing site also gave us another secret location for next week's worlds. Landowner permission achieved we're starting to get in the comp mode.
That is, even if we missed yesterday's opening drinks. Our social secretary must still suffering from jet-lag. Luckily her day job is with Qantas.
Predictions for the rest of the week is shaping up great. So, off to refueling (the gas tanks) we go and prep for tomorrow's flights.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Inaugural flight goes great
Today started with great weather and after collecting our balloon yesterday we were keen to give it the first flight today. The balloon is a brand new Cameron TR 70 racer direct from the factory. Oh, the joys of being a factory team.
We launched around 7am in front of a lovely castle-sports school establishment and got to learning the characteristics of this fabulous racer.
The winds early were great, going in every direction. A couple of low level tactics and trial targetting and we were mighty impressed. With its gold trim we reckon this balloon has winning potential at next week's Worlds.
Backing up this arvo we were on hold pending a pre-frontal weather system. After figuring the locals were just wimps Mike Howard from the UK and Paul launched and started the run. Again the weather was actually great and we had another fantastic flight. We navigated to our farmhouse, stopped and collected our host's daughter for a long hop over to the next town and another couple of trial marker drops. Deano was especially happy about this as he got to leave the balloon and resume his erratic driving on terra firma.
That's enough flying for today and with rain expected overnight we off for a beer or two.
We launched around 7am in front of a lovely castle-sports school establishment and got to learning the characteristics of this fabulous racer.
The winds early were great, going in every direction. A couple of low level tactics and trial targetting and we were mighty impressed. With its gold trim we reckon this balloon has winning potential at next week's Worlds.
Backing up this arvo we were on hold pending a pre-frontal weather system. After figuring the locals were just wimps Mike Howard from the UK and Paul launched and started the run. Again the weather was actually great and we had another fantastic flight. We navigated to our farmhouse, stopped and collected our host's daughter for a long hop over to the next town and another couple of trial marker drops. Deano was especially happy about this as he got to leave the balloon and resume his erratic driving on terra firma.
That's enough flying for today and with rain expected overnight we off for a beer or two.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Team Gibbs arrives...and gets drunk with the locals
Well Team Gibbs pilot and crew have all arrived in Austria OK. Weather is warm, 35C, dry and a little humid - as we found last night when the mossies attacked us. Our 'farmstay' location was the most magnificent view over surrounding valleys and our hosts made our first night very enjoyable as they plied us with copious amounts of home made schnapps before switching to drinking games involving chopping blocks, hammers and nails.... Somewhere in the ensuing mess our pilot crashed ... into his bed, for a well earned rest. Morning brought the sight of a few balloons zipping fast across the skies- now all we have to do is find oir own balloon. Probably delivered this afternoon if all goes well. With van decoration and much IT prep done Team Gibbs is now about to taste the local 'bee-sting' cake...but maybe another beer first. Only because there's no flying this arvo
Friday, September 5, 2008
Arrived safe and sound
Paul called me from the airport to say everyone and everything had arrived safely. Too much luggage, as usual, but they got it there OK. Everyone was very tired, and since they'd arrived at just after 6 in the morning, they had a whole day ahead of them, which included picking up the vehicle and the balloon.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
On their way
I said goodbye to everyone at the airport today, they were all leaving more or less at the same time. The luggage was way too heavy, of course, with all the ballooning gear etc. But the people at the checkin counter were very helpful, and we managed to get everyone and everything on without it costing the earth. Paul and Deano even ended up with exit row seats, so that should keep them happy. The flight attendant amongst them was the only one who wasn't sure if she was going to get on her flight, and the last I saw of her she was still trying to check in - Linda, I hope you made it OK :>)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
6 days and counting
The Gibbs Team leaves Australia on 4 Sept and last minute work is at a frenzied pace.
Paul is in Melbourne launching a new balloon, Lin will probably have to fly to India and back in the week, Mark is doing it tough white water rafting in the Victorian High Country and Deano is practising his German (we all hope!!)
At least we've all got the Rulebook to read on the plane.
Paul is in Melbourne launching a new balloon, Lin will probably have to fly to India and back in the week, Mark is doing it tough white water rafting in the Victorian High Country and Deano is practising his German (we all hope!!)
At least we've all got the Rulebook to read on the plane.
Introducing the team
Paul Gibbs is the current Australian National Champion Hot Air Balloonist.
Paul has been National Champion twice before, and he has represented Australia at the Worlds since 1993, three times finishing in the top five, including a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships in Mildura, Australia.
At the current World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Hofkirchen, Austria (13-21 September 2008), he is representing Australia as one of four pilots. His team in Austria includes Dean Pegg, Mark Phillips, and Linda McCall.
Please feel free to follow the team's progress on this site, and leave any comments and encouragements.
Paul has been National Champion twice before, and he has represented Australia at the Worlds since 1993, three times finishing in the top five, including a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships in Mildura, Australia.
At the current World Hot Air Balloon Championships in Hofkirchen, Austria (13-21 September 2008), he is representing Australia as one of four pilots. His team in Austria includes Dean Pegg, Mark Phillips, and Linda McCall.
Please feel free to follow the team's progress on this site, and leave any comments and encouragements.
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