Sometimes Life hits you hard.

You know, when you have a problem that you have been ignoring for while, but one day, it comes out badly, and the reality gives you a slap on the face. It did hurt and I have learned a lesson. I will not tell what my situation is but I can tell that I have learned that a misfortune or bad experience can teach you something if you ready for it.

I needed a lift this weekend and nothing could be better than flying the thermals.

I woke up different this morning, and also late. It was a good morning feeling which I haven’t had for a long time.

In my first check on the weather I saw a couple of pilots over Lagoa hill. The conditions settled in the last few days and wind was blowing the way we like it.

Lagoa hill take off is one of the most popular ones. The right wind direction is south/southeast and there are always some thermals to bump on. The only problem are the landing zones, which are few and will soon disappear. It is sad so I enjoy while is there.

The take off was easy and soon I was flying the little thermals. Some pilots who launched earlier, crossed the Lagoon and flew to Mole beach. I stayed over the hill waiting for an opportunity to go higher but soon the clouds shaded the area and lift was gone.

My rule is never get too low on Lagoa hill or you will NOT gonna make it to the Landing Zone, so after a 40 minutes flight I started my landing approach.

Lunch time and I was home looking over the window watching the wings flying at Mole beach, Galheta side. I was hungry for flying and went off for more.

Arriving at the top, the southeast wind was blowing weak but good enough to stay up.
I took off and the flight was just perfect. Due to the light wind I had to wait for the right moment to jump from one hilltop to another till I reached the end of the ridge. In every stop I could practice sharp turns.

And then it was getting dark with the moon showing up above the horizon line. For my surprise it was full, and it had a beautiful glow. It was a good feeling…no worry, calmness, just the moment. And when the wind was too light I flew in the moon direction, just like following the shining path it makes on the ocean.

When I touched the sand I was feeling better.

Sometimes we need a shake to pay attention to the good things we have in Life. God has a funny way to teach us, and I believe I got the message.

“Your whole body, from wingtip to wingtip is nothing more than your thought itself.”
from “Jonathan Livingston SeaGull” by Richard Bach.