Let's Go Fly a Kite

Finding myself being drawn back to kites again - have loved them for years, in fact since a holiday long ago in Wales, near Portmeirion, with my ex's family, when I rediscovered Peter Powell Stunt Kites. We had a great olf time and it fired my enthusiasm. Never went through the single-line thing to start with, but moved straight on to flexifoils and the occasional delta stunt-kite.

Then discovered fighter kites and the joys of steering with one line only. With fighter kites, they are designed to be stable only when the line is taught, and unstable when the line is released - therefore, when you let the line slip through your fingers, the kite turns - as soon as the line is tight again, it will go in the direction it is pointing. Sounds complex, but it becomes second nature after a while.

Then tried making one - this is a lot more difficult than you might imagine, and requires skill with the sewing machine, 'cos ripstop nylon slips all over the place. Have now decided I would like to try making a rokkaku, which is a japanese design, basically octagonal and very stable in the air. I'll keep you updated on that.

Heading off to Cambridge this evening in the campervan for a weekend by the Great Ouze. Got Sunday lunch booked at the Cock in Hemmingford - pub/restaurant that specialises in sausages - yum. The dog likes it as well - it was the place he first went for a proper swim. Lovely walks, tequila, tea and cake - perfect.