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Storms
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Rules and Regs
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Our first job of the day was to fit some high
visibility markings to 220's wings, the sole benefit of which would be a
better chance of getting a relight should we be unfortunate enough to land
at St Auban (they don't like pristine white gliders there and pilots of
unmarked gliders have been refused launches in the recent past). We used
some fluorescent fablon provided by the club; fitting of the strips required
just a bucket of soapy water and a degree of patience.
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It was inevitable given the number of storm warnings we had
been given during the past week's met briefings that, at some point, one
would actually arrive. Today was the day, although when we launched the
skies to the east looked pretty good so there was no need for concern. After
climbing away from Hongrie we took a look to the west and chose to play a
cautious game, flying south to the Lac Ste Croix which was close enough to
Sisteron to enable us to monitor developments.
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Near the Lac Ste Croixe
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Stepped cloudstreet
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On the way back from the lake we saw a dense grey sky south
of the Lure, and a lightning flash or two which spurred us homewards. A huge
cloudstreet led the way, with curtain cloud to the south marking the
convergence.
Back in the cuvette, we ambled about the sky with our eyes
on a developing cell near the Ceuse, but even that looked like it was going
to pass to the north.
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The cu-nims had the effect of blocking the sun so we did a
little ridge soaring on Gache while the wind was pointing in the right
direction. Pete Stratten in JAC requested some hot video action and Ariane
and I were only too happy to oblige, running the ridge low down while the
camera man recorded the details.
It would have been possible to stay airborne for the rest
of the afternoon because the storms had missed us, but with uncertainty over
the possibility of further storm development and with no definite aim in
mind for the flight, we decided to land for early beers.
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Gache
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After flying, the club laid on one of its regular barbecues.
Ten euros got us an aperitif or two, salad starter, pork chop and merguez
mains, a cheese course and a slice of apple tart. The only thing missing
from this year's bash compared to previous ones was Jean Cosnard's model
aeroplane display, although that did mean we were spared the agony of trial
by Celine Dion.
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BBQ
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