We were going to go skiing today, but the forecast was for 14C in the Pyrenees (22C at the coast), and the avalanche risk was still high this morning, so the top runs were closed. Once it was too late to go, we found out that they were blasting and hoped to get the higher runs open this afternoon. Never mind. I hate slush.

Instead, we had a proper classic forecast for Santa Brigida. Five to seven on the Beaufort scale at the coast, light inland. Perfect! I skyped Nicky to see if she fancied a flutter and we posted that we were going on the Parapent-Girona list. Lots of people replied saying they would come.

There were massive wave bars over the Pyrenees and unusually, close to Santa Brigida too. We met in the parking place and Roger, Sergi, Joan, Nicky and us headed up the hill. It was a bit scratchy at first, but then came good. Roger was the first to sky out, followed by the others. By the time I was ready (too much chatting!), it had become scratchy again and Geoff was struggling. Roger promised me a free ride up if I went down, so I launched. Now two of us were scratching low…

It was far harder than yesterday, but we eventually managed to get up again. When I landed, I looked around and squealed with delight… Xevi’s back after a year and a half in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. So nice to have him back! By this time conditions looked to becoming very good indeed and Sergi, Roger and Xevi all went into orbit. Sergi went to explore the valley and el Far, whilst Nicky did a hop, skip and a jump that ended in a twist and shout. No serious damage done, she and I went on a nice evening flight where I tried her Karmasutra harness. It was like flying in a kiddie’s camping chair. I think I need a size bigger!

Joan, whom it was a pleasure to meet for the first time today, did a first couple of top landings and was last to land. Seems he couldn’t get enough of the lovely evening conditions.

Oh, and it’s the first 100km day in the UK. At least two in Scotland, five from Wether Fell and I assume that more people are not even home yet… [later edit: no, these five were all from Wether Fell, not Scotland. See http://www.xcleague.com/xc/leagues/view-1.html?vx=200318]

See photos of today.

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