Paragliding Holidays - Flights from Annecy

Paragliding holiday flights by clients at Maison du Moulin B&B. Why not join them?

Home - Adrian - Andy - Roger - Gareth - John - Brendan

Jon - Lance - Andrew - Home

For those with Google earth A Lark - John English - Richard Barber - May2006

Me? I'm Lance Nelson. I have been paragliding for 14 years. However my first proper XC was little over 3 yrs ago. I have 210 hrs. Have flown in Annecy once before, but total Alpine experience is probably no more than 15hours. It's really only been this year I've really got going with my XC flying - i.e every good day I've been out I've either gone XC or attempted to go XC. This was my day with Irwyn.

 

With the good predicted forecast for Saturday 10th July 2004, I got early to the main paragliding landing field for some ground handling practice. Believe me, looking at the amazing skills being displayed by some very young paragliding pilots made me realise how many more hours I need put in on the ground!

I took off on what was a quiet Forclaz take off area for a mid July Saturday. The lift was plentiful and staying high was easier than I expected for a pilot of my moderate ability! However as I will remind all I consider I had a huge advantage on this day.

You see, Irwyn several days previously, had briefed me on main areas of lift and marked them up on a detailed Lac de Annecy map. With yet more local knowledge on the ways up I was confident that my first plan was to make it to Les Dents Du Lanfon (the teeth). We had agreed that, through radio contact, we would review the best plan for the flight once airborne. So, after a pleasant 30 minutes or so on top of the Dents, Irwyn joined me and instructed me to follow him on our first long glide to Perthuis.

The adventure began and the views towards the Aravis and Mont Blanc that are so legendary were all mine to enjoy. Back to the job in hand, quarter speed bar - aim for the rock face where Irwyn has now gained height. Then back up to cloud base at around 8,200 feet and another glide and time to enjoy more views and take photos.

 

All too soon its time to wind up another climb nearer Parmelan. This time I lost the thermal and had to glide back to the rock face - serious work to be done but the potential rewards of keeping this XC going, kept me focused. This next bit was the Glieres and is probably unlandable and a very long walk so we took 2500M (8000ft) before heading off under a cloud.

 

Oh and the fact that the sky was looking good and getting back from this spot looked a little tricky. Irwyn headed straight for a big sunny rock on the far side of the Filliere valley - La Tete and caught a screamer. I Followed luckily I catch another ride up and spin up towards Irwyn who has decide we skirt the big stuff and aim more towards Bonneville.

However the views of Lake Geneva and a leisurely bimble above a nice large field and a moderate valley breeze made a nice and satisfying end to a 40k XC - personal best. Irwyn having seen me land tried to make for home and landed some 8k (??) back towards the road towards Annecy town. Whilst it took some time to hitch a lift, this lift, admittedly with the help of a little bribe to the driver, took me back to the Annecy landing field at Dousard.

Thanks to Irwyn for a very memorable day out in the mountains, which undoubtedly I would not have had the confidence to do if I was flying alone. Hope to be back again next year.