|
        
| |
  |
|
|
|
The forecast was for still drier and more stable air than
yesterday. A gaggle of eight or so gliders sat it out at runway 36 waiting
for the first pilot to succumb to temptation. I wheeled 245 onto the runway
and, predictably, the remainder lined up behind me.
The tow was uneventful until we reached Hongrie, where an
almighty surge rocketed the tug above me to the tune of 30 feet or so. I
responded in kind a couple of seconds later, upon which I felt it only
polite to let him go. The subsequent 6-knotter got me to 6000ft in rapid
time.
Then followed the expected struggle, waiting for the
arrival of more suitably strong thermals. I had a good look at the strip at
la Motte, before giving Authon and Auribeau a chance. A retreat from the
latter prompted me to try la Bigue, which didn't work. and then, my old
sparring partner, the southern tip of the Vaumuse, where 30 minutes of
slow grinding away finally got me away again.
|
La Motte
Lac Serre-Poncon
|
|
Having launched at 2pm, I had to survive for
another three hours before I managed to gather thermals sufficiently
reliable to get me to Blayeul and the parcours. I considered having a late
go at the Ecrins but a failed attempt to get away from Morgon prompted a
quick reassessment.
|
|
|
|
9-knots at the Trois Evenches
|
|
Oh well - I retreated back to the parcours, finding a
magnificent 9-knotter just below the Trois Eveches. A quick track southwards
to the Couard was enough for me, and I headed for home after what can best
be described as another "technique day".
|
|
