Seasonal News

Yesterday morning we received alarming news. Farther Christmas was spotted in some troublesome circumstances at the infamous "Wall" of Finnish fortress island Suomenlinna, just in front of downtown Helsinki. That site is frequently used by Finnish paragliding pilots, but is known to require significant skill and even more carefulness, as winds can pick up very quickly and large vessels pass closely by causing furious rotors. Understandably Santa must have been in some hurry, and must have compromised his usual careful assessment of the conditions.
It was with great relieve that we only some 12 hours later received joyous reports from Iquique, Chile, where Santa landed safely on the beach and was welcomed by many happy children.

Lokkilok wishes to thank reporters Markku L. and Jussi L. and all others who must have assisted Santa in his yearly epic adventure.
Finally, we wish all our readers Merry Christmas!

Finns flee to Spain

This time of the year the chances of getting some air under ones feet are slim, here in Finland that is. The days are short, the clouds plenty and very low, and the fields wet and soft. And this global warming thing doesn't really help until it warms up a lot. So Nordic residents get depressive and need therapy in the form of parties, alcohol or just light.
An even better remedy is to flee to a sunny place with good flying opportunities. Last week some 24 Finnish pilots enjoyed the sunny skies of Algodonales, Spain. Those who had to stay at home need more parties and alcohol to cope with the reports of nice 3 hour long flights. This (Finnish) report has a bunch of pictures. This week another delegation of over 10 pilots try to keep up the good spirit in Algodonales.
(the pictures here are by Mika Pousi)