down

[redgiant]

48-53: The fledgling aeronauts turn into the wind and launch themselves down the beach. Death lurks for those who don’t make it.


YouTube - Tiger Shark vs. Albatross

what is the meaning of "down" here?? they take off from the beach or land on the beach, or neither?

[BobK]

Originally Posted by redgiant

48-53: The fledgling aeronauts turn into the wind and launch themselves down the beach. Death lurks for those who don’t make it.

YouTube - Tiger Shark vs. Albatross

what is the meaning of "down" here?? they take off from the beach or land on the beach, or neither?

There's an on-shore breeze (as there usually is in the daytime). Birds (and aircraft come to that - since the commentary mentions 'aeronauts') can only(?I think this is true) take off upwind [=against the wind], so the birds run towards the sea.

b