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Glacier Blanc
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The forecast was similar to yesterday's, with
a bit less wind and some early unformed cumulus floating around the nearest
hills. I am now on LS6 duty, the
Duo having been packed away ready for its return to Blighty. Launching
started late today, and with only one tug (no other tug drivers available?),
Alex did a superb job of throwing a dozen or so gliders onto Hongrie in the
quickest time possible. And, in
complete contrast to recent days, getting away was simplicity itself. Six
knots on Hongrie to a most satisfactory height, same again on the Gourras
and I was soon on the Dormillouse with my eye on the Ecrins.
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Whispies above the Barre des Ecrins
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There was a little bit of wave about, but not
enough to stop the thermals doing their stuff. Clotinailles and Furan worked
well, and I was soon at the entrance to the glacier Blanc, above which lay
gossamer trails of nascent lenticulars. It was quite a spellbinding, and
almost other-worldly, sight. Cloudbase
at the glacier was 13,500ft and, to the north, thin lenticulars lay towards
the Maurienne; but as there were few cumulus I, not being such a daring
chap, flew instead to the col de Montgenevre and headed across the Queyras
towards Mont Viso.
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From Mont Viso
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Near Mont Viso, the Po valley lay once again
under thick cloud which lapped up against the higher mountains of the
Queyras. Viso itself was just clear of cloud and a well-placed eight knot
thermal just at its peak added even more comfort and joy. The wind was now
320/10kts and there were a few violent surprises when I approached an into
wind ridge, but adding speed and staying high kept my heartbeat within
limits.
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Queyras
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Flying past the southern edge of the Queyras
I took a look at the col du Larche, one of the major routes between France
and Italy. To the east, mountains had become islands in the cloud, a
magnificent sight. After a quick photo
of our house in the Jabron valley, I returned to base, to find that a glider
was being moved from the undershoot field that lies to the south of RW36.
Apparently the pilot was practicing his short field landing technique, with
predictable results. One broken glider but, thankfully, no injuries.
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Near the col du Larche
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