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| The 3 Amigo's |
Friday dawned with a clear blue sky and hot with the threat of getting hotter. The gallant trio decided to make a late start if and when the mountain wind called the “Brise” established. We launched around 4.00pm and climbed on the Malup, and then sending Matt ahead across the valley of the river Durance we hoped to work our way north toward the Pic du Bure, the high mountain to the NW of Gap. Matt found a good thermal and thus encouraged JB and I followed to find very scrappy conditions after half an hour of scraping about I decided to return to the Malup and try more familiar ground to the east of La Motte. JB eventually climed enough to head north only to struggle again at the Petit Ceuse (one of the favourite jumping off points for gliders launching from Gap Tallard).
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| Eastern face of Pic De Bure |
Matt eventually made it to the Pic then returned to join JB and I who were enjoying the rather easier conditions on the other side of the river. Some pleasant evening soaring was enjoyed by all three of us charging at Vne around the local “race track”; a pair of vertical ridges 3k long, one in front of the other, namely the Mure d’Aribeau and Authon. Landing back at La Motte with the mandatory cheesy grins around 7.30 with plenty of soaring left but to give time to pack up and head for the local Pizzeria for the traditional Friday night out with the locals and other visitors
With a similar but even hotter forecast for Saturday it was decided to take the day off. Sunday is expected to be epic even by southern alps standards and a little R 'n R in preparation was felt to be called for. A short drive into the mountains which lie beneath yesterdays fun and games found a cool lake and a stunning view just what the doctor ordered.
Phil
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| Sundowners after a relaxing day |
