Splashy Fen is a music festival held in Kwazulu Natal close to the Drakensberg over the Easter weekend. It caters for mostly local and the odd international band, been running since 1990. At one stage there was a R1000 price for the first pilot who lands there. This year saw about 10000 hard core party goers. It is also known to rain a lot that weekend, Saturday 3 April looked like the better day so a couple of us made the 1h30 trek to Bulwer.
On take off wind moderate northerly, so very crossed from the left. After 3 top landings I eventually got high enough on the north side off the peaks to go cross country. With about 1000m ato you can normally make the crossing to Pevensy about 5km away. From there it is flatland flying until you get Slagoma at Underberg 20km away. Drifting to the south off Pevensy I got my next climb back up to 800 where the wind switched to south east, drifting back north in the south east , till I got to 1500m ato where the wind switched to west, so drifting back towards Bulwer, I lost the thermal at 1980m ato. Base was at least 2500m ato [the westerly winds from Lesotho is the dominant upper wind.] Having a blue hole towards Underberg and funny wind directions I had to first fly north off Underberg , which is Himeville about 6km north. On the outskirts off Himeville I managed to work a crappy thermal back up to 800m ato while chatting to fellow paragliding pilot Mat Greeff, whom with 2 other pilots landed their Microlights on the airfield. Noise from wind a vario caused me to hear only half the conversation. Only found out later that they wanted to offer me a lift back via Microlight. Mat calls any person older than him a ‘fof’, so of course he blamed my hearing.
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- Over the triangle dams behind Bulwer.
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- Flying over the triangle dams.
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- With Cape Vultures, on my Macpara wing.
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- Flying with Cape Vultures over Underberg.
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- Flying with Cape Vultures.
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- Beautifull view of the Drakensberg.
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- Bamboo Mountain in the distant.
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- On my way to Splashy Fen.
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- Clear view of the Drakensberg.
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- Splashy nearly a glide away.
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- Last thermal, to get to Splashy.
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- Finally I Know I can make it.
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- Splashy with the Drakensberg in the back ground.
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- Awesome views of the Drakensberg.
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- On glide to Splashy.
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- Birds eye view of Splash Fen.
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- Over Splashy Fen music festival.
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- Looks very busy.
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- Great flight.
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- Splashy Fen music festival.
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- No to find a landing gap.
From 800 being in the lower northerly flew down wind to Underberg and over town got my next broken climb with 4 cape vultures. Phoned Brad Hadlow fellow pilot who was suppose to be at Splashy, only to find out he is at his holiday home in Underberg, but prepared to fetch me. I was a bit worried about recovery, being late and bakkie still on the mountain. Roads were very busy but only to Splashy. I got there still about 600 above the deck, so 2 big wing overs and small spirals and then flew 2km back to the main dirt road. My flight took 3h45, 5,7m/s up 12m/s down. On a Macpara3. Thanks to Malcom and Sandy from Durban North who saw me land and waited 3min while I squashed my glider back into its bag, a quick return and climb up the mountain to recover my bakkie. I only missed 5min of the Sharks against the Reds rugby game. Life is great, we WON . Another flight I can tick off as done.
Saturday 3 April 2010.
Glider – Macpara 3
Best height above take off – 1980m
Best climb – 5.7m/s.
Down – 12m/s
Distance flown : + – 45km
Check out ‘Splashy Fen’ Website : http://www.splashyfen.co.za
Please note booking in advance is essential.The Bulwer Hang gliding school has two fully equipped self catering cottages sleeping six in Mahaqwa Mountain cottage and two people in the Stables ideal for anyone wanting a very affordable country break, both cottages have beautiful views of Bulwer Mountain and are only a short walking distance to the local pub and shops. Phone Dave on +27728981808.
You can stay in the Wildsky lodge or Cabins, camping is also available, with beautiful views of the Mountain. Splashy weekend will be very busy so book in advance, contact Hans 0823953298 or e-mail ria@wildsky.co.za
Contact Philip at podproducts@mail.com to receive catalogs.
2. Dowsing Rods :http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2267944/dowsing-rods-electronic-catalogue-pdf-september-28-2010-2-52-pm-171k?da=y
4. Crystal Soaps :http://www.keepandshare.com/doc/2267942/pod-crystal-soaps-pdf-september-28-2010-2-52-pm-368k?da=y
Shaun Hurly
Tel 0398320008
MOUNTAIN PARK HOTEL.
The Mountain park hotel has also generously donated an epic buffet breakfast for two people towards the competition.
http://www.wheretostay.co.za/mountainpark/
Splashy Challenge 2011 can be found in “My Travel Stories”