In total, Björn covered a distance of 1112 kilometers. After taking off early from the pan, Björn fought his way through the blue thermals to behind Veronica, where the first small clouds were waiting. The moderately good thermals, as described by the pilot, continued until the turning point at Gobabis. The clouds were there, but the thermal beards were difficult to hit.
On the approximately 450-kilometer route to the next turning point near Keetmanshoop, there were scattered showers, which made the whole thing even more difficult.
Shortly before the turning point, Björn gained height once again to be able to glide through the "blue hole" that was waiting behind Keetmanshoop.
Stronger updrafts were then found again at Brukkaros, which made the rest of the flight more relaxed. Even shortly before the last turning point, Björn was able to gain a lot of altitude and then enjoy a relaxed final approach towards Bitterwasser and the Palmallee.
On 30.12.23 Björn's 1000 kilometer palm tree was planted in a festive ceremony.
A successful end to the year for Björn and, of course, for Bitterwasser!
A stay at the Bitterwasser Lodge is usually beyond the financial means of young pilots. At the same time, the next generation is the key to the future of our wonderful sport—and of the lodge as well. That is why supporting young pilots is a core part of the Bitterwasser Flying Center’s mission.
Early October is the ideal time to prepare the runways for flight operations. You can land at the Bitterwasser Flying Lodge in every which direction—depending on how you look at it, on 8 runways (plus one emergency runway), each in two directions. Jeremias carefully levels the landing area over the course of several weeks.