I have often said that I would like to experience a glider flight so for my Christmas present last year Noel arranged for me to go to Lasham airfield to do just that.
As the weather was so poor I did not get around to organising the trip until last month. So on a lovely sunny morning we set out for Lasham which is south of Basingstoke.
"So you are here for three gliding lessons" said Barry my gliding instructor. That was a bit of a surprise I was only expecting a joy ride.
After showing me around the glider and helping me into my parachute we climbed in and waited to be towed into the air by one of the small tug planes.
Up, up and away it was a bit bumpy then a loud klunk and we banked away to the right away from the tow rope and plane.
"Oh no I think I might be sick" Here I am 1500 feet up sitting in a fiberglass tray only about 8 inches wider than me with a plastic bubble over my head and an ex RAF pilot behind me.
He was busy talking about what there was to see how the stick and flaps work etc. Now he said hold the stick gently in your right hand, now push forward. Wow it was like being on a roller coaster with nothing in front of you.
And so it continued terrifying and fabulous at the same time.
By the time we landed for the first time I was beginning to relax. There were two more flights to go. Each flight he got me to take control a little more I will never make a pilot but it was a great experience soaring round and round on the thermals to gain height. We went up to 3500 feet so we had plenty of room to fall while I tried to control the glider. Thank goodness he was there.
Finally it was time to return. i was exhasted but it was worth it.
