Sunday had an optimistic forecast which predicted good conditions out to our west and a band of gunge to our east. The early morning sunshine strengthened the enthusiasm of members and by 9:30 the 2 seater flying list was 16 deep. Almost as if on queue a lot of low cloud started to form albeit with magnificent signs of wave, the gunge had decided to ignore the forecast and come and visit us. Texas Tom said that on his drive up to the club it looked like a scene from Independence Day with a foreboding lenticular shaped cloud hovering over North Hill hiding the massive alien invasion.
Undaunted, Simon L and Steve W marshaled the troops and launching from the south west corner was soon underway with tantalizing hints of the wave to the north of the field. The wave slots, or suckers gaps, as they are know as at North Hill, even prompted a couple of private owners to rig their gliders but no sooner had they done so the sky filled in and a gloomy overcast settled in for the day.
Flying consisted almost entirely of circuits in the very windy and surprisingly chilly conditions. The strong north wind was causing problems for the winch drivers too, with gliders kiting at the top of the launch causing the engine to stall and the parachute to go on an adventure down the side of the south ridge.
JB took over from Simon in the afternoon and Steve W soldiered on catching up on his instructing time. Late in the afternoon the sun made a welcome return and the toys were packed away at about 6pm with every one who wanted to fly satisfied.
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| The sun starts breaking through |
