Despite the accompanying moans of a retiree being too busy, the very real prospects of nightmare muddy retrieves and the literal eleventh hour of M5Matt's decision to chase the weather and go to Nympsfield, Captain slow, couldn't resist the temptation to join in the fun. No mean feat either because, trust me, the resistance is MASSIVE. 230 has been tucked up in it's trailer, wrapped snugly in its anti condensation pyjamas, freshly dehumidified, and even with some bits nice and warm in Pete's shed at home while it hibernates through the winter. "Unwrap, reassemble and get my glider muddy, It better be worth it!"
Arriving at Nymspfield in the rain I was racking my brain for suitable consolation to appease my fellow adventurer when he arrived, only to discover a couple of Nympsfielders actually rigging in the drizzle! Man! I though we were desperate to go soaring and the oft quoted "Its going to be epic especially if these guys are this keen" fell easily to mind.
The rain cleared and the wind was perfect for a couple of relatively straight forward trips between Bath and Nympsfield. The the odd shower passed through but they were small and easily avoided. We stayed high, eyeing the apparently puddle free fields with deep suspicion and thankfully managed to avoid them too. Great day out with about 12 gliders enjoying the conditions.
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| Captain Slow and Discus 230 on the home ridge |
On Wednesday the wind was due to veer north during the day and it lost a smidgen of it's exuberance which would still allow for attempting the full ridge run to Bath in the south and Lower Clopton in the north. Captain slow had to go home after flying on Tuesday but The NHL contingent regained its strength when JB arrived. The muddy fields still foremost in our minds gave us another excuse to take it easy and bumble along while the grown-ups pushed harder lower down. Rain cut off Bath while we were within spitting distance of the turnpoint, pre-empting a swift about turn and hasty retreat north again. We had to rely on the wind smashed thermals to round Lower Clopton and make some of the big jumps back into wind but patience usually paid off and the few extra hundred feet accumulated eased the nerves somewhat.
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| Divine Light looking down the Severn Estuary |
The last hurdle to negotiate with this wind direction is the notorious landing back at Nym, flying through that curl over and turbulence often requires that the post flight cup of tea be forsaken for a couple of beers.
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| The sun sets on another fun day (Coaly peak view pt on the home ridge) |
Quote of the Day
JB "Trevor I'm down at 400' near Cooper's Hill and just wondering what am I doing wrong?
Trevor "Um...... I've no idea. Maybe drop back into the bowl at Birdlip. It will be better"
JB "What?? The bowl with the lakes?? There's nowhere to land!!!!"
Trevor "I wasn't thinking about you landing!!"
