Today was a day for the persistent (or just plain stubborn?) few to gain their reward.
The morning orographic cloud taunted us as it rose and fell above the airfield, and our hopes for flying rose and fell with it. Around mid-morning the sun came out, so we busied ourselves readying the vehicles and DI-ing a K21 and a Junior. Our preparations were complete just in time to push the gliders back into the hangar for protection from the first of many passing showers.
The showers persisted for a few hours, but we were all glad of the opportunity to catch up with Roly and Heather, who popped in to the clubhouse for lunch. Everyone commented how well Roly looked following his visit to the RD&E.
After lunch the showers held off to the west of North Hill, allowing us to start flying shortly after 2pm. With a somewhat damp field and low number of members present, duty instructor JB declared an aerotow-only session. Duty tuggie Simon J's face lit up!
Mia launched first with JB, and came back with a big grin after what was her first training aerotow. Meanwhile Gordon H took the Junior for the longest flight (29 minutes), soaring the lift in front of the showers as well as the west ridge. He selflessly brought the glider back so that Rick could have a go. Richard H was put through his paces and got his solo aerotow pass re-validated. Ruth had a couple of attempts with JB trying to teach her how to work the front of the showers but, just as she was beginning to get the hang of it, a particularly menacing shower chased them back to the airfield for close of play.
Thanks to JB and Simon for getting us all in the air, and to DLM David C for keeping us in order and managing the launch point.
In the evening, Henry and Mike F were fettling the Junior trailer ready for next weekend's trip to Upavon for the Inter-Club League. Hopefully the trailer will soon be shiny enough complement Mike's brand new tow-car! - Ruth
