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Turbulence
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Morgon
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Having had my fill of pseudo-Mistral weather a couple of days
ago, I decided that yesterday, which had been forecast to consist of more of
the same, would be a rest day (I must be getting
old). So imagine my joy to find that today's forecast included yet more
brisk north-westerly winds. It's easy to launch onto Gache when you're the
first one there - add another dozen gliders and it just gets too
interesting. We spent an age trying to escape the ridge, finally following
La Bigue, Cousson and montagne de Coupe.
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Our fun had only just started. After getting thrashed about
on Cheval Blanc and during the run up to the Trois Eveches, we then had to
face la Blanche, with the wind on one side and the thermals on the other. We
banged and crashed our way to Dormillouse and Morgon, where I decided I
might try to reach Guillaume, across the lake. Big mistake: after losing
800ft in two minutes I backtracked to Morgon and gave up on any further
attempts on the Ecrins.
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Chabre Wave
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David's Pik
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We took a long glide to Chabre where at least the ridge lift
was consistent and the likelihood of smooth (savour that word) lift
was increased. We managed to gain entry into some good wave that took us up
to the local FL115 ceiling. As is the way with airspace, the best lift was
inside it, and our attempts to climb again further north in more relaxed
airspace were fruitless. It was with deep joy that we both agreed that
sitting on the ground with beer in hand was by far the better option.
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