17-18 Jun 10

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That Was The Week That Was


Rain in the Caire valley

I was just one of several lost souls gravitating to the airfield after the appearance of sunshine and cumulus in an otherwise unpromising, storm-like sky. Ariane had cleverly decided on some retail therapy in Gap, and Bob Grieve unwisely volunteered to accompany me on today's futile gesture.

A shortish tow to Sigoyer led to a slow climb to a low cloudbase and a run to Malaup, where heavy showers in the next valley encouraged a retreat. We tried some good looking cu over St Genis, but they failed to deliver. The sky cycled and we landed back in drizzle after another disappointingly short flight, due more to my poor tactical planning than to any lack of technique from Bob.

On the plus side, I can report to Alan and Wendy that all systems remain go in 220, which awaits their arrival along with the sunny skies they have faithfully promised for us next week.  

  


Gap facilities

You'd think that would be enough excitement for one day. But no, oh no, not with my recent history. Those in the know will appreciate that I picked up an injury a few weeks ago which left me with a hematoma the size of planet earth on my left thigh. On returning to La Toupine after today's flight, I misjudged a step and blew apart the good work that had been achieved over the previous three weeks.

 

And so it was that I ended up yet again back at Sisteron A&E (for which I now have a season ticket) eagerly looking forward to enough morphine to deal with pain of truly eye-watering proportions. I spent a better than expected night in the hospital (thanks in no small measure to the charming nurses in attendance) and the following morning I was ambulanced to Gap hospital where the (Italian) doctor discussed whether there was a need for an operation, how long I could expect to wait for the injury to heal, and how the English public regard having an Italian as their national football team manager.

I was given parole and Ariane drove us back home through the best looking sky I had seen since our arrival last week. Not that I would have been allowed to fly anyway, thanks to a firm directive from "Ooooh Matron!" Ariane.

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