Drakensberg Camp Well - despite the name we never connected with any wave at this year's Drakensberg wave camp. That did not stop glider pilots from a number of clubs from having some serious fun in the berg.  From Parys , I  dragged my Standard Cirrus "66" along for the second week of the camp. Having rigged at Berg Air at the end of the Champagne Valley on Monday evening it was time for a site briefing Tuesday morning, much sage advice. (far too many grey heads involved in this sport) and then aerotow in the Janus to Dragon's Back and an intro to the escarpment with Mike Gundrie. It' has been a while since I have flown in the mountains, and the "Big Berg" is certainly different from the Underberg area. Flying was outstanding during the week, with many flights spanning the Lesotho escarpment from Champagne Castle to the Caledon River in the north, and back South as far as Giant's Castle. Being less experienced I spent a couple of days running the ridges before following the camp director (Mike Barenbrug) up to the sentinel. this involved a lot of patience on his part as he waffled along with landing flap out and the occasional airbrake to allow me to keep in touch with his 18m Ventus CM. There are some traces of the camp on the OLC here.   As you can see Peter Riha in his beautiful Ventus 2CxM was far in front urging us on. Suffice to say the berg is spectacular with lots of energy around, massive cliffs and ridges to navigate and the opportunity to fly with resident black eagles and vultures.  Fortunately the gliders don't seem to bother them, and with luck they come and join the gliders in a thermal. Some pictures in the gallery. 28 is Mike Barenrug. Unfortunately there was no opportunity to take the camera in a two seater. The various family members enjoyed the variety of activities, from the Drakensberg Boys Choir to horse riding, to hiking. As ever the bakery was popular. Be there next year if you can. Bruce Last Updated ( Monday, 24 August 2009 ) [ Back ]

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