Things in the LZ

When paragliding, you always check out the LZ before your flight. Where's the wind sock (or flagging) that will show wind direction? Where are the hazards (fences, power lines, trees, etc.)? You're not looking at the details, only the big things that could affect your landing.

But when on the injured list you have the opportunity to inspect things further while waiting for your partner to land. Here's a few things I saw in the Swansea landing zone.

Killdeer hiding in the grass or speeding through the air.

The osprey squawking from her high perch.

Sparrows flittering about.

Relics from times past.

Flowers (or weeds?)

The sound of rushing water.

And a good partner will keep an eye on the wind sock and report approximate wind speed and direction to the pilot as they come in, just in case it has changed since they went up to launch. Windsocks or flagging are notoriously difficult to see from the air before it's already past decision time! Having said that, a pilot's vario will give them wind direction information as well. 

And then there are the things, like a bright pink bra at the base of the wind sock pole, that make you scratch your head and say "Hmmm???" Perhaps someone was really excited about a good flight??