Sun 2nd April - Portmoak

Sunday at Portmoak started with smooth waters across Loch Leven and a forecast of a beautiful sunshine until late afternoon. Ron set a task to Pitlochry. But first, tea and one of the lovely breakfasts from the new club kitchen. Then onto the gridline and launching began by 11:00. Ron launched first and headed to the Bishop. Simon and Pete were lucky to hit a thermal right off the winch climbing up almost to 3000 feet, with Ron and Wyn joining in and then headed out. The thermal broke apart so Stu, Tom, Rowan and Eric went to the Bishop for some scratchy ridge bashing. Came early afternoon and the thermals would form up then break apart so there were a mass of gliders and a few duvets still on the ridge venturing out but then scurrying back.

Stu enjoying the scenery (Stu Procter)

Pete rounded the turnpoint but then had to fight off a field landing north of Perth. Ron and Dan decided to turn short and head back. Simon turned back as well, but poor Wyn landed out. 

Wyn's 1st field  of 2017 (Tom Sides)

Tom came off the ridge to retrieve him - 

Wyn's retrieve - we saw the field was wet, so Plan A was to open the gate and drive fast to dryer ground. Started well with trailer flying, but then the van became stuck. Wyn and I pushed the trailer across the field to the glider (lighter of the two), then derigged. The nice farmer used his pickup to first tow out the trailer then the van. Typically uneventful retrieve!

Wyn's car and trailer stuck in wet field. Thanks to farmer's 4X4, all escaped. (Tom Sides)

...then shortly after Pete landed as well (in sight of the Bishop no less). Simon and Stu stopped flying and picked up Pete......

Pete's field (Tom Sides)

 .......then came back and flew again till 7pm.

So it was a somewhat frustrating day, but still great to be flying again at Portmoak. - Tom Sides