On a recent Sunday drive I noticed glider planes soaring over Walney Island and the Irish Sea. It's not the first time I have seen them, but it did pique my interest in their relationship with web. Curiosity got the better of me - here are some interesting sites found while gliding around the Internet.

This site is just getting off the ground, but already has a vast quantity of helpful information. The Flying Zone at http://www.flyingzone.co.uk has sections for flying schools, air museums and an air shows directory, just to name a few. It is a great source for news and for links.

Closer to home, the Lakes Gliding Club sails online at http://www.lakesgc.co.uk/ The site on a background of clouds - has information for those new to the sport, and a section (requiring passwords) for the more seasoned' members. They have posted some stunning photographs of the landscape you can see while up in the air and they have lots of news to motivate who flew when and submissions by gliders about their experiences.

Now if paragliding is more your thing - visit the very colourful http://www.paragliding.net It has links to countries around the world where you can paraglide (feeling a need for a holiday?). From Mauritius to Mexico the world is your paragliding oyster. They also have links to competitions, holidays, and work in the field. You are greeted with Fly in Cyberspace' in bright letters and the site does take you global and offer you the world of paragliding on a page.

If you really want to soar closer to home, visit http://www.cumbriasoaringclub.co.uk The site is excellent. You start the journey by picking your wind direction then click on the sites button. Up comes your flight options. Each site is given a detailed description so you can plan your expedition. It's a well-developed site, helpful and entertaining.

If you prefer someone else to steer you into the wild blue yonder, then visit http://www.high-adventure.co.uk to find out about hot air balloon rides over the Lake District. The site offers a gallery as well, so you can see some of the views. Based in Bowness, you are almost guaranteed a great view of Windermere although, as they say, you just go with the wind. The post-flight champagne is a nice touch.

However, you want to get your feet off the ground, the sky is the limit in the Lakes. You can get your feet wet first with a quick fly by through sites on the Web.

Thisis site of the week:

A retired couple from Lindale, Eric and Dorothy, wrote to me about their award winning site http://www.classic-cars-reunited.co.uk. A labour of love for these self-professed silver surfers', the site helps classic car enthusiasts trace the history of their cars and provides restoration tips and guidelines. If a member wants e-mail updates and other services, a small fee is required. Profits go to the NSPCC. They also have a photo gallery The site is in its infancy two months old but is doing well. Let us know about your favourite sitee-mail:

digital.media@kendal.newsquest.co.uk.

May 29, 2003 11:00