A day when the DI couldn't win with picking ends. What little wind there was came from the east sometime with a bit of north sometimes with some south making it no-win with our north-south field. Having changed ends a hiking group appeared somewhat off the bridleway. Although they refused our offers of transport to the other end of the field they were happy to accept our suggested detour that would enable us to launch with minimal delay. Unfortunately, their ability to follow instructions did not match their willingness. So long delay as they trudged their way - who knows if they ever found their way to their final destination.
Meanwhile, away from the frustrations on the ground those airborne were finding thermals in the blue. With no headwind to help (and sometimes a touch of tail wind) launch heights were modest and getting away took a little luck and determination. When Trevor needs a second launch you know it's not easy. A group of 3 kites helped me avoid just doing a circuit. They kindly lead me to a 5 knotter. Later on time to return home so flew back from Andover pausing only to circle a glider in a field a few times and then full steam ahead. Back at Rivar pulled up straight into an unmarked thermal. Since it was blue I decided to be helpful and mark it for the gliders about to launch. The lift just got better and better until I was seeing 8.5 on the averager. At 5,500 it dawned on me I'd have to replan my circuit. No problem - went to the north of the M4 for my high key point.
Despite the hour of launching lost 31 launches were clocked up and the average flight time was over 1 hour (just). 24 members flew and 7 private gliders rigged. After we packed the hangar a visitor from the Park landed to claim all 3 legs of his Silver in one flight.
That glider in the field? The previous blog entry reveals it wasn't the prince of land-outs. It was one of ours - all I will say that there wasn't a hazard in the field until after he landed.
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