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South
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Lac Ste Croix
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We did not fly yesterday, as it is generally held that
storm watching is best done on the ground. Team 13 departed before the cu-nims
developed, on their way to Montlucon on the next leg of their European tour.
We spent the day 'doing jobs', but rounded it off with an excellent meal at
the invitation of Evelyn and Jean Cosnard. Their house is astonishing, and
if you want to see a true aviation-head in action, pop round to Jean's
'shed' to see his work in progress.
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We were not sure this morning what today would bring, and the
Regionals task-setter played a cautious game by setting a 155km yo-yo along
the local valley. As the afternoon developed it became clear that the
weather was far better than expected, so Barbara and I launched in 220 with
the general aim of flying to the south. Apart from a small struggle at the
Cousson, we reached the lac Ste Croix without too much trouble and decided
to carry on further south where the weather continued to look
good.
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Montagne de Ste Victoire
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Cloudy parcours
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There was some difficulty the further south we went - strong
climbs were few and far between, but we managed to reach the montagne de Ste
Victoire and then headed back via Vinon towards the north. A very large cu-nim
sat over the Mercantour, and its effects had spread to a large area around
the Trois Eveches. We ridge-soared Cheval Blanc and, seeing that routes to
the north were now blocked, we decided to head west towards the Durance
valley.
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Blayeul
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We reached the Blayeul low enough for us to exercise our
ridge-soaring technique, but the mountain worked as advertised and we were
soon away again, flying over the soft peaks of Oratoire, les Monges and
Jouere. Alas, time was against us and after a short burst of Gache-running
we landed back at Sisteron after what had turned out to be a surprisingly
good day's flying.
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And so to dinner, at the invitation of our house guests John
& Barbara Glossop. In previous years we would normally have gone to the
splendid Becs Fins, but since the previous owner/chef Rafael Videau left
last year, prices have remained high while quality has plummeted, along with
its former reputation.
Our restaurant of choice therefore was the Lou Pebree
l'Aiet, located in the heart of Sisteron in a beautiful location
overlooking la Baume and the river. The meal was both excellent and of good
value, and we were also able to enjoy an unexpected floorshow in the form of
a dozen women (and one man of indeterminate sexual preference), out on a hen
night. I was forced to sign the bride-to-be's dress and provide her with the
requisite number of kisses. These French - love 'em or hate 'em, you end up
loving them.
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