Wednesday 21st
With a Southerly component in the wind today c.210/15kts, we were wondering how well the hill would work but the wind gradient dragged the wind round to 225/18 at the Bishop ridge top so it was working remarkably well again. Good thermals started as the ground warmed up and people soared out as far as Alva along the Ochills to the West and Dunning to the Northwest on the North side of the Ochills.
 |
| Lovely wild flowers at Portmoak (Pete Startup) |
Thursday 22nd
This was a day for the ridge rats among us! A front went through during the night with some rain on it - the only rain we saw all week. The Orographic cloud low down on the Bishop slowly drifted up the slope as the air dried out and as soon as it was clear of the top we launched. The ridge was quite soft today in the light wind but was working reliably right round to the NW face of West Lomond hill and although we started flying under a grey cloud sheet we ended up in brilliant sunshine as the front finally moved away.
 |
| Bishop and Loch Leven (Chris Wool) |
Friday 23rd
Another beautiful day in Scotland with the possibility of showers later in the day. Wind around 290/10kts so the Bishop ridge was working from the off but it didn't take long for the thermals to start and some good soaring was had going as far as Perth in the North and Dollar to the West, Stirling being a step too far as showers were around that end of the Ochills.
 |
| 711 and FUN playing (Andy Williams) |
We landed around 3pm for the mass de-rig(in the only shower that actually hit the airfield!), and trailer park up ready for an early start home on Saturday morning. The evening meal was enjoyed by all at the Court House restaurant in Kinross.
 |
| Great trip (Simon Minson) |
A great trip with 3 days with wave, 3 with good thermals and one for the ridge rats. Lots of hours flown, good food and beer consumed in the local hostelries. Trips are already planned for April and September next year - see you there? - Pete Startup
