April 19, 2010
Getting Home from Berck: A Pain in the Ash

I was supposed to be on a flight home today. But that was before Iceland exploded and shut down air travel all over Europe. My flight was cancelled and I was re-booked for Friday -- five days later. Some of the overseas fliers in Berck decided to go sightseeing; some looked for alternatives, and I headed for the airport. When things started to move, I wanted to be at the counter looking for an open seat.

The festival in Berck was once again, spectacular. Last week I reported on the sport kite championship. Great and exciting flying. But up and down the beach, big kites were also lofting into the gusty winds and creating a show that is hard to describe.

Berck is one of the best organized kite events in the world. And it attracts fliers of large inflatables like no other festival.

There are tons of large Peter Lynn designs. But there are even more individually crafted home-made and custom kites of huge scale and delightful creativity. Two full fields framed the competition areana and from a distance, it was hard to imagine how all could stay airborne without crash or conflict.

I've posted photos of my 30 favorite kites below. Squint at the thumbnail hints and then click on an image to see what is behind.

Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites Berck Kites

If my current flights are on schedule, I'll land in Portland at 9 pm on Friday and depart for Japan Saturday morning at 10. That's little room for error in a situation that is completely uncertain. Meanwhile, Susie flies out with her crew to Ocean City Friday morning so I'll miss her completely.

If I can, I'll be home sooner. But that will take persistence and luck. We'll see....

Like those Berck kites?? We can't sell you all of them, but we can make you some.

Showkites in the photos above include our Giant Spikey Balls, Opera Masks, the larger Diablo, Caterpillars, PL Fish, and the Blue Meanie. Order one in the next ten days or before I get home -- whichever comes first -- and we'll discount the price 20%.

Email me. I'm not home to answer the phone and Susie is busy!!

*Back to the Update Index
*Back to Gomberg Kite Productions International
BULLETEmail: [email protected]
BULLETPlace an Order.

* Tell a friend about this page: