And so to Berck

So off to Berck we head, and the weather forecast looks good, at least for the first couple of days. This year, I decided to try the new LD Lines service from Dover to Boulogne. Despite the early start on Thursday morning, I've got to say that I was impressed, and I think Bill was too. So following a safe arrival in Boulogne and a short drive down to Berck, we arrived at about 10 am in bruight sun, if somewhat chilly conditions.

The weather was to prove good throughout the weekend, though on one morning the wind was blowing extremely powerfully. So much so, that Bill persuaded me to play with a mini-gem. ME FLYING A BENSON?! Well I enjoyed it soooo much, I bought it. Unfortunately, the wind was to prove extemely fickle throughout the weekend. On the Friday, it was extremely difficult to get anything to stay airborne. I met up with some fellow KAPpers, who were bemoaning the wind, but enjoying the fact that there had been no rain (so far).

I don't know whether it was the wind conditions, or economic climate or what, but the number of kite flying attendees seemed very down on previous years. So throughout the weekend the sky seemed bare. In fact, two of the single line arenas seemed positively deserted and one of the German teams went home on Sunday morning. Also the wind garden was a mere shadow of its former self. It did mean that Bill and I probably spent more time flying than at any other Berck, but unfortunately, conditions were not really good for KAP, and whilst I managed to get aloft for a brief flight, getting where I wanted to be was impossible, so I had to make do with some shots of people on the beach. However, my KKF rok and Janet's KKF roller both got an airing.



Despite the glorious sun most of the time, there was a distinct chill in the air, which forced us to keep well wrapped up. And so the weekend was spent flying, sitting in the bar(s) looking around the shops and various displays and generally chilling out! Come Monday morning, and the day of departure. There had been some overnight rain, and the wind was blowing very strong at the beach. So a wander up to the museum (like the rest of France - closed Mondays) an eventually time to take our leave and head back to Blighty. Certainly a relaxing time, and I think Baz and Janet enjoyed the trip too.

Long awaited photo

Well it seems like along time ago that I promised a phot of the new rig, so here it is nestling in its carry case. Top left is a handheld viewer for the wireless video camera. Just next to that is a small 35MHz frequency scanner, to check that no-one is on the channel that I plan to use. At the bottom, between the rig and the receiver is the Swan nighthaw wireless video camera.

Successful first flight

Its been a long time coming and weather conditions have not been favourable. However today I was determined to get a successful launch no matter what the conditions. This was largely because of the upcoming Worldwide KAP Week (WWKW). The rig, camera transmitter, etc are all new so were badly in need of a test flight.

As usual for Capstone Park, the wind was tricky, swirling on the ground, turbulent at low level and pulling like a train once you get above tree level. Not to be put off, I decided to go with my favourite KAP kite, a Premier Rok. After a bit of a struggle launching we eventually got the kite into the steady wind.

So the rig was attached, powered up and tested - PAN fine, TILT fine, Shutter fine, vide downlink fine. Time to get some height. Another problem with Capstone is its proximity to Rochester Airport, so we are limited to 100 feet, just enough to get out of the worst turbulence. The final problem is that it is just fields, there is nothing there to photograph - or so I thought.

Up above the hedgerow that separates the event field from the barbecue field and with the camera pointing towards the barbecue field there were a group of cars in the far corner.



You can see the full size picture by clicking on it. So after a successful first flight, time to pack everything away and prepare for the trip to Berck festival and the WWKW.