Seminole-Lake Gliderport

Today was my big day.  But, after several hot, humid days with little breeze, today was cooler, drier and very breezy.  Lake wind advisory in effect.

We watched a flight in progress while we waited for our flight time.  After the tow plane returned you can see the tow cord lying on the ground.

My flight was given the go-ahead, but I was advised not to take my camera since the flight would be bumpy.  So, we'll have to wait for the Go-Pro video which should be ready in a couple of days.

My able assistants took pictures of my adventure.  First, we drove to the sailplane via golf cart and installed the GoPro camera on the end of the wing.

Then, yours truly was buckled in and shown how to close and lock the cockpit cover and to release the tow rope.

My pilot was Johan, a Dutch Airman who went to Canada as an 18 year old in 1954 and learned to fly in London, Ontario.  He was later stationed in Alberta and says his two years in our country were among the happiest in his life.  He loves our country and our people.  Seems to me I couldn't ask for a better pilot to trust my well-being to!

Once I was strapped in, he towed the glider into position with the golf cart.

Final instructions as we waited for the tow plane.  It would be my job to latch the tow rope and lock down the cockpit cover after Johan got in behind me.

The tow plane got into position, I did what I was told, and we were off.

We flew to 4,000 feet where I released the tow rope.  Johan subsequently got us up to 4,800 feet, just below the clouds.

After about a half hour in the air we returned to terra firma.

Removed the GoPro camera.

And "taxied" back to the office.

Mardi took videos of the takeoff, and the landing.  The files appear too big to fit the blog.  Sorry!

To celebrate, we headed to Mount Dora.  First a stroll through the wetlands on the boardwalk.

Then drinks at Pisces Rising which is near the waterfront.

A bucket list item thoroughly enjoyed!

Tomorrow we golf at Lake Wales.