Snow Fest - Very heavy snow across the region on Wednesday with the roads suffering I did wonder if the call to arms was wise!
Dave Perriam and I left Plymouth at 07:15 more in hope than anything else. The roads were clear all the way to the club only encountering icy roads by Forest Glade. Arriving at 08:30 we were surprised to see two sets of tracks leading up the lane, nightowl Ashley of course and John Allan were already here.
The log burner was already ablaze in the clubhouse, but the temperature was -3C outside, however because there was not a breath of wind it felt warmer than last Tuesday when it was +7C with a strong wind!
By 9am, there were quite a few gathered in the clubhouse, after a pitch inspection by Mike and myself the decision was - because the ground was frozen we could winch! The hangar was very quickly emptied as both K21’s are in the workshop until Friday, the launch point was positioned on the apron, winch in the NW corner.
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| Hangar unpacked (George Sanderson) |
The views were spectacular at the top of the launch, a marked demarcation line was clear, to the east snow, to the west green fields. The air was silky smooth, at ground level there was zero wind but there was a wind gradient enabling gliders to launch to 1400 ft easily.
Snowy North Hill (Mark Courtney)
By now there were quite a few members wanting to fly and the gliders were in constant use all morning, there was reduced sink in areas of the ridge enabling extended flights.
Junior looking serene (George Sanderson)
As the morning progressed it was strangely warm in the sunshine, crystal blue sky was a sight for sore eyes, unfortunately the warm sunshine did start to nibble away at the snow covering.
Winching Perkoz (George Sanderson)
The ground was beginning to get softer so the decision was made to stop for lunch at 1 and review after that.
Pete Startup with JB longest flight (John Burrow)
With one cable on the field and the DG505 lined up latecomers JB and Pete Startup decided to take a launch.
George Sanderson with Mark Courtney ( George Sanderson)
The sky had changed dramatically over lunch and clouds were everywhere, their flight proved to be the only real soaring flight of the day, shame the field was now thawing rapidly otherwise we could have had a soaring afternoon!
Those who decided to travel to the club today were treated to wonderful views whilst maintaining currency, so important at this time of year. I urge everyone to get to the club as much as possible during the winter, you don’t stay current sat at home! - Mark Courtney
