11th October. Bit overcast and drizzly.
OSOW. Gits, Hindhead Commons and some KAP.
It was decided, as last year had been so much fun, we'd celebrate OSOW 2009 somewhere where kites are not normally flown. To this end, Hindhead Commons was selected. Google Maps are very useful for finding kite flying sites. 10 O'clock was the time, the National Trust Devil's Punch Bowl car park the place.
A very nice coffee was had at the National Trust Cafe, where we discovered they do the Full English. Something to remember the next time.
We were very disappointed to find the Common Car Park, which we had selected as the place for Base Camp, was locked. Never mind we can walk. Do us good.So armed with all the gear, we crossed the road and ventured into the unknown.After a 10 to 15 min walk we found a good open spot to launch the kite. Wind quite strong but manageable. Alan makes a good anchor.
Camera on KAP rig, all plugs and connections checked and away the camera went. I have recently added an A/V transmitter to rig, so we were able to see what the camera could see.
Well John, what have we got, "Boring, heather, gorse and some trees.” Let's move down the path. Still more heather and gorse, I did wonder if we'd see Holly and Ivy.
Just then we had our first encounter with fellow commoners. They were intrigued with the kite (don't think they had ever see anything like it at Hindhead) and then amazed that there was a camera hanging on the line. Even more exciting; they could see what the camera was looking at.
They had to learn all about the Grumpy Old Gits.........
........ and the ladies had to have their photograph taken with Minkey.
It was very lucky we found these people as they pointed us in the direction of our final destination - Gibbet Hill. Being Grumpy Old Gits, we don't need maps and compasses.
On our journey, we encounter many groups, couple and families who were intrigued to find three grown men out in the countryside with a Minkey, taking photographs of wonderful scenery, Minkey, fungus, toadstools and ourselves.
Minkey loves climbing and Alan has a lovely smile.
After many detours we arrived at Gibbet Hill were there is a superb viewing point. The wind was picking up but we felt we had to give it a go. Not only that, we had an audience to entertain, many of the people we had meet on the way were there.
All went very well at first, we had sunshine in the valley below and all looked good for KAP, but as the wind picked up we had to tie the kite line to a sturdy National Trust post, so we could have a rest.
Sturdy Post.
Over the trees, you can see the A3 and the tunnel workings.
With the wind stiffening Keith was wondering why he had not retired hos 15 year old line yet. Hiskite had have never beenseen so distorted against the wind.
OK, time to retrieve the camera. This took some doing, but we managed to remove the KAP rig from the line. Good job there were three of us.Then, while packing the camera away, disaster struck The wind suddenly shifted and before we could release the kite she landed in a tree................
How embarrassing.
Let's pack all the gear up, and then have a look. On inspection of the kite and the tree it was felt that the only way to salvage the kite would be to cut the bridle lines.
To this end, John used his knotting skills to attach Keith's penknife to a roach pole. WELL DONE John.
I should explain that using the local knowledge from our new friends, we were able to bring the van right up to Gibbet Hill, so that we had all the rescue gear on hand.
After a lot of sawing, hacking and the odd cramp, (not easy, bracing oneself against the branches of a tree and holding onto a roach pole) the bridle lines were cut.
What a relief !. That's a lot of kite to abandon to a tree.
During the rescue, it started to rain so now we were wet and cold but Alan had promised hot soup and a sandwich, so we retired to the van; luckily now only a few feet away.
Did that food taste good ! Alan always looks after us but this time it was extra special. WELL DONE Alan.
Once we were fed and rested we embarked on the last part of our journey.Sadly this last bit was to defeat Alan. It was too steep. He may have got down, but I don't think we would have got him
back up, and I didn't want to be the one to tell Anne we'd left him behind.
John, Minkey and I pressed on to the North bore of the Hindhead tunnel, an amazing piece of engineering with Tonka toys littered all over.
When we climbed back up the hill. who should we spot but a..........
SLEEPING GNOME
Then up to the van for fresh brewed Coffee and Bread Pudding. The perfect way to end a perfect day.
Since there were so many lovely FUNGI, we just had to capture some images...............................
And some Sweet Chestnuts..
It takes more than overcast weather and a bit of rain to dampen the GIT SPIRIT. We had a fine time.
