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Lac Ste Croix, sharp end
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Hoorah! I managed to arrive a few days early back in
the south after an extended spell of unbelievably poor spring weather back
in England. There were three forecasts today, two mentioning afternoon
storms, and the other not, so we launched with the latter in mind.
Although the wind was fairly light (220/10), the
thermals were unusually choppy, is if they had sharp edges to them that were all
too easy to
slide off.
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Noting some extensive cloud building up below the summit of the
Trois Eveches, I decided to fly south to give the weather a chance to
smarten up its act, turning the pont d'Aiguines.
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Parcours under a lid
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I tracked back up to the
Montagne de Coupe and on to the Cheval Blanc, but wimped out of the classic
parcours route because the Trois Eveches was still wearing its dark hat, and
went instead along the valley past Seyne to rejoin the parcours near
Dormillouse.
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The thermals obstinately continued their fractious nature, but at least they were
reaching a pleasing altitude. Leaving the parcours at 10,000ft I crossed
to the north of the Barcelonnette valley, past the Grand Berard and into
the western peaks of the Queyras.
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Queyras lac
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Over the col de Vars, I found some smooth
lift in clear air and the reason for those rough thermals became clear.
Despite the low wind speed, there was enough puff to generate some wave. I
climbed on the windward edges to the cloud tops, about 13,000ft, and set off
back to the south. By the time I reached the Serre Montdenier for the
second time, the air had stabilised, no storms were in evidence and I had
the best climb of the day, 9.1 knots for 2,500ft (it didn't take long) in a
heaven-sent smooooth thermal.
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Queyras Wave
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Now here's a thing: The CFI, Arnaud, at
briefing made a once-only, special offer. As today was the longest day, we
would be permitted to fly until 21:30. So why, I hear you ask, was I landing at
5:45, while enjoying the best the day had to offer? Part of my negotiations
(and I use the term loosely) for arriving a few days early, was to promise
as part of my normal job to do make myself available for work at 8pm, via
the wonders of the interweb.
Which I did, through gritted teeth. I am
sure the effort was appreciated...
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