Thursday was forecast much as the previous
days: high pressure, dry unstable air with a chance of isolated thunderstorms
later in the day. But as we have learned, subtle variations can make
considerable differences to the soaring conditions.
For once the Dynamic Quadro got away
cleanly and vaguely at the same time. It was a basically thermal day so little
reason to stick rigidly to the accepted sources of lift, though the thermals
were usually to be found close to these places.
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| The view south from the near Le Grave |
Strong thermals with an inspiring sky lead
to a bold move to the East to a peak on the Parcour called the White Horse; no
not a pub in sight:-) From here we went further East into unknown territory
toward Italy. With a cautious eye on the hight of the ridges behind we pressed
on until a clear valley to the relative safety of the airfield at Barcelonette
became visible. From here we pressed North but seeing the peak of Monte Viso
was in cloud we kept more West in our track and ventured further North than any
of us had been before, into the mountain range to the North of the Col on the
route between Briançon and Grenoble close to an off piste ski resort called La
Grave.
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| EZ climing over Pelvoux |
By this time the cloud base had risen to
4,300m (14,000ft) and Phil was beginning to feel the effects of altitude. So
the Team turned South to the Glacier Blanc and the Barre d' Ecrin down at
4,000m. The route South from here involves a bewildering hotchpotch of peaks
and ridges where you have to be mindfull of your escape route should you get
low. The Team became split with Matt and Phil eventually meeting up at the
South of the range and crossing to the Pic du Bure where an
impressive cloudscape beckoned. Hotly persued by Dave and JB; Matt and his
faithfull wing man sped South at 80 knots, for 122 km to the Montagne du Lure.
By this time towering CuNims were popping up all over the horizon. This
combined with some airspace issues inhibited our progress South so we beat a
hastily retreat to the relative safety of La Motte for tea, beer and biscuits.
Later that evening we had a little rain and thunder rolled round the valley but
by then we were downloading logs of 370 km OLC flights (297 km for those who
insist on a purist triangle) and enjoying the delights of the Apprentice's
cooking once again.
The Apprentice (Rowan) had spent his second
solo in the club's Pegase expanding his knowledge and experience of the local
area. This included pushing out to Blayeul one of the primary
jumping off points to the East and crossing to the other side of the Durance
valley in the other direction. Plans to offer guidance from other members of
the Team were thwarted by requirements for a second launch (a fate which can
befall the best at La Motte) and the inability to change the club gliders radio
to 130.10 which has preset frequencies. They don't like us prattling on
using the local frequency which is also used for launch control.
Alltogether the best day so far in
Paradise.
-Phil
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| Dinner |
