Sometime in winter the thought of organizing a wander around the Republic in which would participate "slow pokes", two Minimaxes and a motor-hangglider, was born.

    The plans began to come together. Vaclav, with the help of a computer and GPS, printed a route, chose airports, mostly Ultra-light airfields. We calculated the flight stages with regard to fuelling and we also knew how much we had to save for gas. Since we budgeted and rounded off to a higher amount, the price increase in fuel excelled out expectations.

    The wander was planned for the beginning of June with respect for Vaclav who, like a locomotive engineer, has to plan his vacation in advance. Part of the preparations was what to bring along in regard to keeping the weight minimal for our flying machines. Later it became clear that although we thought it was all planned, it really wasn't.

    Finally Sunday June 2 we met for take off. Vaclav Basek and Honza Horak with Minimaxes, Vladimir Bartl and Vasek Pejril with a two-seater glider. Fog and a low cloud cover held us up, and so we took off after 9 a.m., first the Minimaxes , we following. The goal of the trip was Rokycany. After Rana, clouds all the way to the round appeared on our flight path, from which we could see it was raining. So we turned against the wind, heading for Zatec to wait it out there. There we learned that a short while ago Honza had been there, also running from the rain. Vaclav flew through the rain, but the gloss on his propeller suffered.

    We refilled the gas we had lost in the counterwind. Vaclav called that he was sitting at Plesnice with Honza and that they're going to the dam for some refreshment. After a while we continued on towards the goal. The flight was calm, below us were hops farms for a time and then the charming curves of the Berounka River. We flew over Brasy and the GPS reliably led us over the Rokycany airfield, which was quiet and empty. We anchored the glider as a storm was rushing in. We refreshed ourselves and later the machines as well from the gas station by the highway. The storm moved off to the side, and so we informed the boys at Plasnice that they could fly over. They appeared a short while later. After setting up camp, we got to making other plans.



    They agreed to our suggestion to fly in the morning to Tabor Vsechov, which Vasek and I had flown to last year during a wander to Moravia. From there we would fly to Moravske Budejovice where we already had a base from last year at a crop duster's and my classmte's. After successful planning all that remained was an excursion into Rokycany for dinner and to see what kind of beer they have on tap.

    We slept well, so the storm didn't disturb us, that is , me, overmuch. The morning waking wasn't the most pleasant, the wind chased relatively low clouds. Later the wind situation improved enough that we could start for Tabor Vsechov. Just before this Vaclav found out that the restricted area of military training space, which we would have had to avoid, was not activated, so that we could fly direct. We had to gain height, because at the forested region of the Brdy Highlands what we flew over was not at all pleasant - especially when considering the possibility of an emergency landing. Some flight it was though! Wind at our backs and above the forest it was a dance! My speedometer showed 80 km/h, but the GPS in relation to the ground showed up to 125 km/h! We passed Mirosov, avoided the highest hill, Praha, flew over the Padrtske ponds, and flew between Pribram and Rozmital. My foot holder for my map, which I valued so much, was unnecessary because the wind at my back turned the individual pages so vehemently that I was afraid it would rip them up. And so I held the map holder between clenched knees the whole flight.

    We swerved off course a little because Vasek intended to phootograph a village where his daughter has a cottage. When flying over the Orlik dam, on the right side we got a beautiful view of Orlik Castle along with the Zdakovsky bridge, but for the "dancing" it was not possible to photograph. On our right we passed by Milevsko, and ahead of us we saw Honza's Minimax and before we knew it, we were in Tabor. Immediately following us landed Vaclav and Honza. Quickly to anchor again. Then it was time for a good lunch, at a local, already known, restaurant. Also time for personal hygiene. We tanked up pleasantly, as the gas pump was a few steps away from the anchored machines. It was sunny but still windy. And so we waited until evening to see if wind would "lie down".

    Our wish was granted, the wind lessened and so the flight to Moravsky Budejovice was possible to realize. Before taking off I called MVDr. Bohdan Dvorak, my classmate that we'd be flying in. He informed me that he had good news for us, as he had the keys to a crop duster's shed where we could park our machines. It was a calm flight, the wind helped us a little, and the GPS reliably led us over the landscape covered with forests, lakes, and villages. On our left hand remained Kamenice on Labe, we flew over Zirovnice and Stojcin, on our right hand in the distance was Jindrichuv Hradec. Then already on our left, below us we had the Mrakotin quarries and Telc. On the left was Nova Rise with a majestic church, in the distance then Zeletava. I couldn't take much time to enjoy it, because Vasek was after me at every slight deviation of a line on the GPS from our course. And soon in the distance I saw the silhouettes of Moravske Budejovice and Dukovan. And also the dry crop duster airfield with the Bumblebee and machine of Vaclav and Honza.



    From last year we knew that landing is one-way, uphill, so all went without problems. Bohdan Dvorak was coming in as well, surprised at how quickly we'd arrived. With the magic key he opened our temporary parking ground, which provided the comfort of anchoring to cement panels, water for cooking and hygiene. Follow all the necessary chores of settling in, Bohdan and his wife took us in to town for refreshments. This was our goal bonus.

    Following the night's rain the morning was sunny, and so we agreed that Vaclav would sit behind me, we'll do a sightseeing flight, take pictures not only of Honza in the air, but also of Moravske Budejovice for me. And so it happened that I was also able to get Honza in the shot and the rest was a nostalgic flight of the youth I spent here.



    Because in the evening we were flying to Trebic, where there was a gathering, as well as there being two holidays ahead of us, we went into town to stock up on food. In the evening it looked like a storm was coming in. We watched the preparations with interest, photographed all of the color changes. At that point we didn't yet know what was coming. We all agreed that we'd never seen anything like it. Looking out of the tent I saw the straps on the glider come loose. I ran out and held the wing by a cord. The wind was wild, at times lifting me up, and I already saw myself going home by train because the wind would smash the glider up. Add to that rain and hailstones. I was in my underwear, and had never known how painful a hailstone massage can be. The guys were by their MiniMaxes, holding them by the bars. Vaclav held the tent. Thus it went on endlessly for half an hour. And by then not only the wind was shaking me, but a chill as well. A relief came when the storm subsided and I could go dry off and put on my shirt from Moir, which I take on almost every wander, and climb into my sleeping bag. I shuddered for an hour despite the fact that Vaclav brought me some Fernet to warm me up. It was wet in the tents, so instead of flying to Trebic, we stayed put to "lick our wounds". The laboriously-printed maps I had been so proud of were now useless after having been soaked. The hailstones had also left their marks - on the Minimaxes the matriculation marks were battered, at on the hangglider the fiberglass runners were beaten.



    The Bumblebee with the crop duster woke us in the morning. We admired the aviation skills of Mr. Picmaus. His narrarations were also instructive. We waited for good weather, missed the right moment and suddenly it had got so windy that flying was impossible. At times the wind speed was 16 m/s. So we lazed around in the sun and in the shade, took care of personal hygiene and Vaclav did a big load of laundry. The Dvoraks came around, brought good food and offered to take us to Trebic by car at least. Vaclav and I went there to have a look, our participation at the meet being stigmatized thus a second time by the wind.