75km XC paragliding flight in Iceland

75 km XC Flight which I made on Sunday afternoon 14.06.2009 from Herðisavik close to GEYSIR landing in Miðhus. It took me 4 h to get there crossing few mountain ridges, some roads, Þingvallavatn lake and Loygarðalur area. I had a lot of luck almost landing after first thermal. I was sinking heavily in turbulent air behind Geitafell mountain approaching pretty close to the ground. I was looking for some grass area in the middle of a lava field, but I succeeded to catch another hot air that took me over the road nr 39 which goes to Þorlákshöfn and then over the main road N1 to Reykjafell close to the geothermal area. I had been waiting there for about 10 min to get another proper lift which could take me over Hengill mountain ridge. Jumping behind it I approached to Neshavellir with its geothermal plant. I used this thermal steam with nasty smell of sulfur to get high again reaching about 1.300 m over the sea level. I end up on the edge of Þingvallavatn lake thinking about jumping over it but I was too scared to end up in the middle of the lake. I have decided to cross finally but more on my right hand site flying over blue water which in a sunny weather looks pretty impressive. I used some lake breeze which changed finally into strong and constant thermal which helped me to jump over big lava field with maximum altitude of 1590m and then closed to the gavel road nr 365 as a shortcut from Þingvellir to Loygardalur. I was almost sure that I have to land because of lack of extra height, looking again for proper landing place. I was calm because some cars stopped below me looking at this strange flying creature which came from the sky. I wish that some of them could take me back to my car which I left in Herðisavík, but..once again I founded some light thermal air. Balancing on 0 I approached closet to Raúðumýrarmúli mountain and jumped over it reaching approximately 1.300 m. I had a good condition to fly all the way close to Langjökull glacier but wasn´t sure how I am going to get out of there ;) I passed Loygarðalur on my right and flown over Festdalsfjall. I´ve started sinking still looking for some good lift. This time I planned to land close to some bridge and road which goes to GEYSIR and Gulfoss. Flying over summer houses area with plenty of green trees and bushes,I managed to get tiny lift which took me few kilometers more to unknown terrain. Being hungry and wasn´t sure exactly where I am, finally landed next to summer house Miðhús watching children sitting in a hotpot. They were really surprised to see me flying over them. Jumping out of the water came to me asking where do I come fromJust from the sky replied! Owner of a house Ragnar Ormsson kindly invited me on his property and gave a lift back to Loygardalur. I had a lot of luck coming back quickly by hitchhiking to Herðisavik couldn´t believe what I did! Wish to have such flight again! I am waiting for a good weather and wish to fly with my friends form Fisfélag Reykjavikur. See you in the air !

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• iceland
• paragliding
• xc
• cross country
• flight
• szczepan pawluszek
• reykjavik
• geysir
• paraglider
• pilot
• flying
• above
• thermals

[indridi]

Fantastic. A great inspiration to do the same! :-)

[timpent]

I know your flight was two years ago, but congratulations all the same! Hope you beat the record again this summer :-)

[Thor2233]

Very nice man, I live in Iceland too, and would love to do one of those journeys you did, I just have to register for next years paragliding course at fisflug.

[dirtshaman]

That was an awesome flight! Killer! What a good ending too. You should have invited yourself in for dinner :)

[jansport0409]

Congratulations. I wish one day I'll have sucha a flight

[Astazou1955]

Magnificent flight, and thank you for the beautiful video! Quickly next summer to go and fly there!

[MaxDaddy75]

Good job! Lone wolf as me :)

[gj1690]

beautiful flight. well done

[rammers2006]

Im thinking about coming there for a week very soon...is the a club or school there? I have about 200 hrs flying a Gradient Aspen 2

[hotbiskits]

GOOD JOB

[airbuko]

ale masz tam fajne krajobrazy. Czy to Aspen3?

pozdrawiam

[majpawel1]

Piękny przlocik Szczcepan:) Gratuluje i pozdrawiam Paweł Maj Aeroklub Regionalny w Pińczowie