I am a bird! (+pics)

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Last weekend I had an experience that I would like to share.

Went with family to small airport with glider planes. Since I can be afraid of heights and I am going through alot of inner turmoil at this moment, I indicated that I had no wish to participate. I would just come along for company and enjoy watching from the ground.
The thought alone of being in such a small aircraft lacking any engines made me tremble.

But my fascination grew and grew and I discovered I really liked the planes.
Eventually I accepted the invite. Was so curious!

This one was to be "my plane":



There was a bit of waiting. Ooooh! What am I doing?!?!

Then the plane started to move as the winch tightened the cable.
It is really going to happen now! Here we go.... whaaaaaaaaahhh



Take off was thrilling.. quite a steep angle and it felt fast.
I remembered to breathe and as I exhale I realize the beauty of what is happening.
cable detaches and air currents rapidly brought the plane to even greater heights.
To achieve maximum lift, there was some interesting maneuvering and I got a good view of the area beneath.

Circling and more circling, climbing and sometimes suddenly dropping quite a bit.
But this was not scary? The fear I had felt beforehand somehow seemed to have stayed behind on the ground.

I felt the plane and how it behaved. It was an intense sensation of might and freedom combined.
It was marvelous!!

Looking down I spot the location where I had been sitting an hour ago thinking that maybe.. given 5 to 10 years.. I might muster the confidence to go up in the sky.
And here I am.. wow.. I fly!



Perspective had changed.
This is something I never deemed possible. The feeling of soaring through the air, the agility of the plane, dimensions, it was overwhelming.

I am so glad I took this opportunity.
It is something I will never forget.

Wow good job on doing that! And cool photo's :D I wouldn't even dared to just step into it o_o

Oh, you're so lucky! I've tried that two years ago. It was absolutely incredible!
I will surely try it again some time soon. And you are right, you simply can't forget that kind of experience.

Cool! Good outcome and it's reminding me that I want to try that someday. I've heard about those winch takeoffs and.they sound crazy/amazing.