South Foreland 7 June 2015

7th June was a gloriously sunny day and we went to fly kites down at South Foreland Lighthouse a venue that has never disappointed us with wind. The first photo is a little reminder of the weather of past visits, however this time it was sunshine with added sunshine, so much so that my face and arms are now testimony to the necessity of sun cream.

The next couple are pictures are of the flower garden and a ground inflatable.

 

The next few pictures are of other KKF members kites.

These are a selection of some of the kites I flew.

A loan kite from the National Trust (our hosts)

I had a fun time (other than the sunburn) and my apologies and thanks to Len for his patience as my kites repeatedly wrapped themselves round his line.

Falconry

Just a few pictures from a Falconry visit at Adam and Sarahs Wedding. Apologies in advance for lack of guests in photos I have never been very good at photographing people.

Teston 10 August 2014

I managed to pack the car before the first rain fell and drove to Teston Country Park in darkening skies and an ever increasing windscreen wiper rate. On arrival the rain took a brief break enabling me to walk round the happy campers, say hello to the few showing signs of life and grab a quick cup of coffee. Then the rain really set in and like a wonderful classical piece reached a crescendo with thunder and lightening at its peak. It was not all gloom and come 1 o'clock the sun broke through and a few members of the public turned up followed closely by a rather optimistic Ice Cream van.

The first kite I tried in a very stiff wind was my Octopus - only a short 5 metre affair (with tails) it handled fairly well until hit by crosswinds, which were plenty, at which point it folded up and plummeted to earth. After several relaunches I gave up and moved on to my more resilient Goldfish.

 
The Goldfish flew very well and appreciated the high winds. I was not the only person flying, however it was odd to note more public flying than Kite Flyers. Another KKF member was flying this Fox.

The last kite I put up was this Rotobox, the high winds were now limiting greatly what would fly especially with gusts in the 35mph + range. Luck was with me with the second picture straight down the length of the kite.

 

KKF Teddy Parachuting at Brogdale Cherry Festival 20 July 2014

Spinning Pin-wheel

Kite flying at the Cherry Festival at Brogdale was hampered initially by a lack of wind and then by mid afternoon encroaching storms packed full of thunder, lightning and rain. Kent Kite Flyers did their best to put on a display but with no wind it was next to impossible to fly anything.

Parafoil lifter kite briefly in the air

As an “eye-catcher” Steve, Sue, Wendy and myself put together a wind garden of spinners, wind socks and flags which worked quite well.


Wind garden

 

Colourful Spinners made from bottles

Spinners and Pinwheels

As nothing was flying I put together a couple of Kites for the public to peer at.

 

The Cherry Festival itself was well attended and had a number of interesting stands and events on top of the KKF Teddy Parachuting; Archery, Classic Cars, a working Blacksmith, various food stands, a Cherry Pie eating contest, Fresh Fruit tasting were just a few.

A new way of face painting ?

 

I could not resist the picture of the Blacksmith hammering away with the Facepainting banner.  Towards mid afternoon as the storms approached the wind freshened for a while and Teddy Bear parachuting started to take place, this lasted until worsening weather made having a lifter kite up a little dangerous to health.



Some Teddy Parachuting

Overall though a nice day despite minimal wind. A few other kites were put in the air, sometimes briefly, from a large Rokkaku to a mini dragonfly kite.