One Way To Enjoy A Beautiful Alabama Day

Okay, so I’m guilty. I took about half an hour to play hooky while working in Shelby county this afternoon. It all started when I looked up and saw a glider, gracefully and elegantly sailing along, with central Alabama’s gorgeous deep blue sky as the backdrop. I knew that whomever was at the controls of the glider had been hit with an attack of spring fever, and had to get away from work and enjoy the fabulous day.

So, work got put aside as Fisbo (our spoiled six pound poodle) and I headed to the glider field on Co. Rd. 22 in Montevallo, to get a closer look at the folks having all the fun.

Paul Roebuck, of Riverchase, is Treasurer of the Birmingham Soaring Society. I caught a few pictures of Paul as he was coming in from his flight. Stanley Murrell, who flew the tow aircraft for Paul, was providing ground support.

This is one group that watches the weather carefully, and for obvious reasons. For these folks, at least some instability in the atmosphere is a good thing, since thermals are their crafts’ fuel.

On most weekends–weather permitting, of course–you’re likely to find these enthusiasts sailing across the wild blue yonder … and doing so very quietly…!

Interested in watching? The airstrip these folks use is on the north side of Co. Rd. 22, immediately west of Ballard Lake, and about 1.5 miles west of Hwy 119. Here’s a Google map link to help:

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Even without having flown in a glider myself, I can see why these folks love it so much, especially on a gorgeous spring Alabama day!

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