Not a perfect day for flying, but the local gliding club were having an open day. To be honest, I like my aircraft to come with engines, and at least four of them at that, preferably on each wing. But intrepid aviator that I am, and ignoring the fact that winch-launched gliding has always terrified me - it's just not natural to be catapulted into the sky - I had a go myself. Actually I was shamed into it by the 7-year old in our group who took to the air like he was born with wings and wanted to go straight back up as soon as he landed.

And what fun it was too, though because the weather was not being friendly it was only a short flight. The club flies every weekend in the summer, and the pilot who took me up spoke good English. If you're visiting the area it's a great way to see some wonderful south west German countryside from above. Sorry there's none too many pictures - I was too busy being entranced by the views from 1000ft (300m) up.

German speakers can find more information on the Markgräfler Luftsportverein web pages.

• The Wine Road
• Schloss Bürgeln - A Very German Stately Home