As a concerned mum, I was awake early, wondering where ‘independent son’ was, as he was travelling up from Devon on his motorbike this morning. My tracking device failed me, telling me I was at the Long Mynd! Only to have Dan knock on our door at 7am, having ridden up at 9:30pm last night, arriving at 1am when we were all asleep! He even managed to do the trip quicker than everyone else who had been able to use the motorways!
DSGC Grid (Sally Hender)
With the weather forecast looking like it could be the best day of the week (and even that wasn’t brilliant), the DSGC visitors were all up bright and early ready to rig. The briefing was held at 9:15, and rigging commenced shortly afterwards. The DG505 (JZK) was first to the start line, but the duty instructor decided to wait until 12:00 for the cloudbase to rise. The first launch was at 12:07pm with John Borland having a check flight with said Duty Instructor, William.
Dan avoiding the sheep but picking up a tailplane walker! (Rob Hender)
Flying then went ahead at a pace with the cable retrieve showing its worth, the DG505 was put through its paces by Mark Courtney, Simon Leeson, Steve Westlake, Rob Hender, Stuart Procter and Mike Sloggett. Private owners Dan Hender (JDP), Andrew Logan (FMS), Andy Davey (KCM) and John Borland (FAJ) all took their turns, with Dave Perriam signed off to fly the K23 (LUV) and Rob Rand having flights in the K21 (JGE). No one managed any soaring, Dave had the longest flight at 19 mins for his check flight! Dan was next with 15 mins.
Simon and Mark in DG505 (Rob Hender)
Flying stopped at 4pm as the cloud/rain was coming in from the west (or east if you had the map the wrong way up, Mark!) Giving us time to de-rig and pack the hangar before the rain arrived.
Putting the gliders away before the rain (Sally Hender)
The evening meal was another triumph from Helen and team, followed by my quizzes (and games), which EVERYONE, thoroughly enjoyed!!!!!!! The home Long Mynd team beating the visitors (they know their boats!). - Sally Hender
