Christmas in Bitterwasser – at 33°C and glorious sunshine
In Europe Christmas is usually associated with cold temperatures, early sunsets and, in the best case scenario, snow. In Bitterwasser, the world looks very different.
As big as the country is, you are not in the sky alone here in January. The gliders brought into the country are used diligently. It is not uncommon to meet gaggles.
Bitterwasser is positioned on an international level with guests from USA, Russia, Great Britain, Italy, France, Switzerland and now also from the Netherlands. But the german pilots are not yet in the minority.
And the weather is right. The glider area south of Windhoek, which encompasses almost all of Namibia and part of South Africa from flight level 145 (around 4500 m) to flight level 195 (around 6000 m) can be fully used up to the upper cover. There is no need for wave updrafts. In the afternoon the thermals reach all the way to the top. To the north of Windhoek, the cover is in flight level 145. There you can longingly look up to the base but also make comfortable progress.
Photo: encounter on the way.
In Europe Christmas is usually associated with cold temperatures, early sunsets and, in the best case scenario, snow. In Bitterwasser, the world looks very different.
By Luc Stalman, Team Captain representing the Wilfried Grosskinsky Foundation
The second half of our 1000 km training camp has begun, and with the arrival of Felix Herold and Andreas Weitz, a new chapter unfolds.