In Dracula’s Footsteps – Romania 2005
Romania. A country for enthusiasts of mystical legends and wild landscapes. In Romania you can find primal villages, typical trade and traditional customs. Horse carts with iron mounted wheels rumbling on the cobblestone pavement. Sheepherder leisurely walking with their flock on colourfull blooming hills. Cows droved on the hamlet streets to their lush meadows.
In February of 2004 MadMikeKüng visited this country for the first time. At icy 27 degrees Celsius below zero Mike climbed around at a SUV car in the ski ressort Poiana Brasov. This time Siria in the west of Romania was his destination. 30 kilometres away from the 480 000 habitants town Arad. And this time the temperatures had comfortable 25 degrees Celsius above zero.
The Romanian Paragliding League had a meeting to find their champion. But first of all they wanted to meet friends, to make party and to have fun. And it should have some premieres in Romania. MadMike would be the first paragliding pilot to jump from an ultralight hangglider. Mike learnt that improvisation is the normal order of the day here.
Shortly
before the take off a tuning of the aircraft was necessary to give
more power. How did they do? Very simple. The pilot
shorted the rotor blades at about one centimeter with a hacksaw. Better
don’t look on it. – But it worked!
In 800 metres height above the heads of the public Mike presented his aerobattle programm. AssChopper, Tumblings, Helicopter. The spectators and the mayor of the community were enthusing the show.
The hissing burner critically near to his neck, MadMike
let the acro glider slide down. Arranged the lines and jumped head
over into the deepness passing Marius. The lines stretched,
the glider turned around and flew. Short time later Marius
followed.
A
tractor carried the league pilots up to the starting
place. While the Romanian competitors flew their tasks, Mike enjoyed
the beautifull flight area. Thermal flying above
the ruin of castle Siria, soaring at densely wooded hills, cosily
lying on the grass, groundhandling at the take off,
landing in the village Galsa.
Many thanks to the organizers of this great event! Thanks a lot for the cordial hospitality!
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Cornel
