Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!
HIGH FLIGHT

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun split clouds -- and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlight silence, Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

John Gillespie Magee, jr.
No 412 Squadron, RCAF (1922 - 1941)

My soaring career resumed on 1 May 1999 at Mangalore Gliding Club after a few years skydiving. How different the atmosphere is from skydiving. Enthusiasm here, is downright encouraged. Not a skygod or fig jam to be seen, or more importantly, heard. What bliss.

Mangalore Gliding is located at Carmodys Road, Locksley, about two hours up the Hume freeway. Turn left about 100 metres past the 124km post north of Melbourne and follow the signs.
Clubhouse facilities are superb and are constantly improving. There is a BBQ every Saturday night and the cost is about the same as a couple of cappuccini.

Plenty of aircraft (dual and single seat), a two drum Tost winch and two tugs ensure lots of flying. Flat country and good thermal activity provide ideal cross country potential. There are plenty of willing instructors and again, it's in the Goulburn Valley. Visitors are welcome for joy flights, trial instructional flights or to just have a look.

 There are plenty of other activities in the Goulburn valley. Visit one of the fifteen or so wineries, all within thirty minutes drive, or the historic goldmine at Whroo. Rushworth is always worth a visit, or you can do a skydive at Skydive Nagambie. It all happens in the Goulburn Valley

1 May 1999 My first Launch. Second time around.

Vonnie, Susie and the K13

My first flight in the KA6cr. 28/11/99. I now own half of this aircraft, but it's safe in its trailer well away from Locksley. (yd)


The Blanik on ground run.
Chris McGough is flying and Vonnie's in the back prior to jumping.

7500feet over the airfield in the Ka6.
My 100th flight since resuming soaring.
1/2/2000.


Me about to fly Bob McDickens' Grunau 4 at Locksley. (yd)
Pete Johnson taking me for outlanding checks in the motor Falke before signing off my "C" badge. YAHOOO!!!! (yd)

Susie flying Tango-Whisky. My plan is to do
my Silver "C" in GTW. I have a 50% in her.
This pic made a nice tattoo.(dd)

Susie and Chris's pride and joy, VH-MUM.
Chris pottering in the background.(sm)

HOME - NEWS - KOMBI - HINKLER - SKYDIVING - ARCHAEOLOGY -

PERMACULTURE - THOUGHTS - OFITTH
Photo Credits
(yd)Vonnie Deering
(dd)Diane Davey(sm)Susie McGough

Last update September 2005.