From the moment I landed at Eggershof, I got smothered in a wonderful bath of hospitality and friendliness. After a hearty breakfast, Beate, my host, gave me a ride up towards their Almhütte. She was heading up to turn the hay, and took me a bit further.

After 40 minutes walk I then reached Grifitzerbühel. The day still being early, I decided to hike up higher to Lumkofel, super steep. Not that I expected the extra height to make any difference. The forecast announced a massive Inversion blocking all low thermals.

 

Before launching, I had a chat with my friend Nico. Over in Slovenia, he felt the day would be grand.

The wind was pushing from the north. Difficult, since Lumkofel’s slopes face south. I tried to launch and failed at first. After some repositioning, I managed to hurl myself out the leeward side.

Inspired by Nico’s optimism, I gave luck a chance and got rewarded by nearly two hours flying. Eventually I bombed out in Glitschtal and hiked to Hermagor.

Follow Rico: