From our Rome correspondent

John Wallis · Post by **John Wallis** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 7:50 pm

From your NHPC correspondent in Rome.

Finally got round to visiting the PG site at Norma 37k southeast of Rome. Italy seem's to have history under every stone and this place is no exception. The medieval town itself is picture postcard, perched on the edge of a steep cliff you can actually soar along the houses! Its exactly as you would imagine an Italian town to be with locals sitting outside watching the world go by and restaurants and bars at every corner. The best bit though is the take off is in walking distance of the town centre!

The flying site itself looks over the vast flat coastal plains with low level mountains behind, almost a text book site. Take off is situated amongst the part excvated ruins of the ancient town of Norba, with intact roman streets leading off into the hill! Today was extremely hot at 37 degrees, creating a thermal wind with gusts up to 20kph by midday, so no flying till 4pm. Chatting to the school and shop owner(which is also only a short walk from launch) he says that flying here is epic, which was certainly evidenced by last years PWC that was held here(check out youtube and PWC website for some superb footage of this place).

As you can tell I'm impressed with the place and am looking at getting some new kit. Neale can I have my reserve back!!

Ciao for now,

Andrew

PS if you let me back on the site I'll try and keep you updated with the flying down here(please!)

Combined with some other very nice flying sites in the area and incredible history around here ranging from pre Roman to the landings in WW2 I would certainly consider this as a destination for not only PG but a family trip aswell.

Post by **colin keightley** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 8:59 pm

Andrews loggin should still work if he cant remember his password send me his email address and i'll reset the password for him

Neil · Post by **Neil** » Fri Jul 16, 2010 11:19 pm

I have your reserve safe and sound will bring it to the barb tomorrow. What is wrong with your log in to the site. I have pm you but had no reply.

Post by **gary stenhouse** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 8:47 am

is that the same reserve that went in the sea last week

Post by **colin keightley** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 8:53 am

Gary sssssshhhhhhhh make like the cumbrians and say nowt

Andrew Maltby · Post by **Andrew Maltby** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:27 am

Password now working but not able to send or recieve pm's. Anyway thanks Neale, if you could give it to JW it would be appreciated.

Anybody got a used 1-2 for sale(must be vvgc) and also which is the best lightweight harness around these days in terms of protection and build quality?

Kay, how are you getting on with the Swift?

AlastairW · Post by **AlastairW** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:54 am

Woody Valley peak 2 served me exceptionally well Andrew.

Jan L · Post by **Jan L** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 12:13 pm

Hi Andrew..sounds like its not all work then! If you need some equipment sent out we could pop over with it

Kay & Paul are away I think (Portugal?) But from what she has said to us she loves the Swift.
Cheers Jan

Andrew Maltby · Post by **Andrew Maltby** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 12:33 pm

Thanks Jan,

I'm home a couple of times per month so I'm able to pick kit up in the UK, but thanks anyway. Think you'd enjoy the flying down here by the look of it!

Post by **gary stenhouse** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 1:14 pm

i have an artik 1 almost brandnew 90-110 very nice to fly and very damped compared to the new artik 2 so perfect, fits in my airwave gt harness very well so may sell if you are interested in the glider £900 for glider and is brandnew

cheers gary

Andrew Maltby · Post by **Andrew Maltby** » Sat Jul 17, 2010 3:29 pm

Thanks Gary, but I'm staying in the 1-2 category due to my infrequent flying.

Kay · Post by **Kay** » Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:09 am

Hola Andrew,
Portugal calling ..........

Great to hear from you AND that you are thinking of coming to the Dark Side once again.

The Swift is GREAT. I am getting used to the extra speed , glide , manouverability and thank heavens its safety.
We have had some great flying out here in Portugal but as you mentioned at the begining of your post the weather is hot and the thermals are STRONG STRONG STRONG..To say I have had some Toe Curlers is an understatement and the wing has never faultered.

Portugal. What adiscovery . A great place and great hosts . Arnold & Marie @ ParaglidePortugal..Fabulous I can really recommend the place.

Keep us posted on your Italia Odessey K & P xx