This picture was taken in California a few weeks ago by a hangglider pilot filming a thermalling training video. The bird is the huge Californian Condor: there's probably no better thermalling 'instructor' available :-)
I've been talking with the SyFy guys about the 'Legend of the Thunderbird' filming and it looks like its all planned from 28th April to 4th May. I'm waiting for confirmation of actual dates but it looks like I'll be celebrating my birthday out in Big Sur in the sunshine!
Happy Happy :-) I've just contacted my paragliding 'big sister' Kari and she can come join me in Big Sur and fly the tandem with the cameras / presenter. Its been too long since we last flew/mountain biked/partied together (Manilla 2007) - I feel a girlie-party-weekend coming on :-)