Will Hopkirk. 2007

A still morning out east had the hillbillies (THS And I) hopeful of some flying but things weren't looking good on the ring plain. However Tim thought a hop in the well ballasted Twin Astir was possible, as ballast I was keen.
After a rough 3000 ft tow we released into some patchy lift over the Goldpine timber yard close to the east west cloud bank. Tim worked the patchy lift to 5000 ft, by now we were between the York Road quarry and the DOC house. At this stage the patches of lift were countered by sink and turbulent air. We then turned south to check out some wispy clouds. In close was rough air but further out on the windward side was a narrow band of lift, we dialed in the top floor and giggled a bit. The lift was stronger as we got higher and the band wider. At 9500 ft Tim flew upwind to the next wave,then back to original lift, then back to the next wave over Eltham. We turned back at Te Roti and we were still at 8000ft when we made Brecon Road near the airfield.
As JB (Blanik) is the only other glider I've been in so far I really enjoyed the room, comfort and reclined position of the Astir, also my first time above 6000ft, first 2 hr flight first time in wave and a great day out.

Will Hopkirk
2007