Day 1 : Billing – Dharamsala

“given how slow the roads are in this part of India and how fast the flying is, we decide to fly to Dharamsala, the most western most part of the journey, rather than drive.
It’s an unseasonably stable and slow day but still plenty good enough to go and return.
Half the team top landed at Hobitot and the others to Tattapani (hot springs) Both spectacular locations. Hobitot, where i was, is perched at the top of a steep grassy ridge at 2560mtrs, there is a small temple and thatched roof shepard huts (we slept in them!) Sure, tattapani would have been ….luxury, but..it was like that!

Day 2
Dawn with a thick cloud cover which shows no signs of breaking as we finish our long lazy breakfast. But we are so happy none of us mind the thought of another night here. Around 1pm bits of blue arrive and by the time we are packed, it has turned into a soft but beautiful afternoon..good enough to carry us to the familiar take-off, Billing. (the spot above Bir, where we made our home during preparations).

About halfway back a friendly vulture , a Griffin joined me, it was magic. He stuck with me through the next 3 thermals, often a foot or 2 above my wing tip, following every move i made. Mother Nature eh!!!! What a day!!!!!