Wednesday

Robbie Robertson was duty instructor today and as there were so few people a rather informal breifing in the clubhouse about 10:15.  The forecast wet weather has not arrived - hoorah! So more of the same with the wind NW going W, prefered circuits over the fence or up the sw run.  After a short light shower we dragged the K21 to the launch point and Adrian flew with Robbie for 1hr 44mins in thermal and ridge up to about 3000ft. 

Ian took the next flight in the ASW20 and spent a good 2hrs 42mins on the northwest ridge and back to Langorse, and pushing into the valley to try to make something of the very weak wave up to cloud base  about 3000ft.

Apart from our tuggie Keith Richards there was no one else to be seen, so even though the conditions were good for another few hours, the gliders got put to bed (shame) before Jan started out on her drive back to Norfolk (to be back again on Friday night!)

Rumour has it that John Roche Kelly may be arriving tonight or tomorrow morning so given the forecast we'll be rigging the Astir before briefing and trying to get both Adrian and John off solo.

Stats

2flts, total time 4hrs 26mins.  Average flight time 2hrs 13mins. Longest flight 2hrs 42mins Ian in the ASW20.  Maximum available soaring time at least 5 hours!

Well, the dust has just settled at home following a memorable experience at Talgarth.
It is a pity that most of us had to return at lunch time on Easter Sunday and we hope the second helping of NGC visitors (Adrian and John) have as much fun as we did.

Jan and Ian are now holding the fort and doing a great job of making us all jealous that we did not stay longer.

This was my first  encounter flying a ridge and in addition I am convinced we also experienced some weak wave. Ian may be able to cast more light on this. My flight on Easter Saturday was fabulous and we explored the Cats back and Hay Bluff then tracked back in the wake of a snow cloud back over Mynydd Troed to Langorse lake. If it was not for the fact that the light was fading and we both had cold feet I am sure we would have endured a longer flight.

Many thanks to all of the instructors and members of the Black Mountains Gliding Club. Your hospitality was wonderful and I am sure you must know you have a jewel in the crown with a site like Talgarth.

To the motley crew who made the Exped enjoyable to a fault - Bob Grieve, Ben Magnani, Jenny Novak, Chris Lawrence and Tim Heighton, thank you for your company. I hope my bad taste jokes and ribbing did not upset any of you.

The photographs I took will be put onto a CD/DVD for all to have a copy. this should be available by Saturday 29 March

Until next time, because I am sure there will be, after a taste of flying in the beautiful Welsh Mountains, farewell.

Paul Wilkinson   

Odd this Welsh Gliding,

 Firstly they make the airfield out of a Handkerchief then start from the gateway, then after you have left the ground they take away the runway.

Anyway got onto the hill and was able to climb more easily than I thought. GREAT 1hr 30mins later rain meant that we had to come down, now how do you expect me to land on that handkerchief. Are this is more difficult! and with some help we are back frozen feet but fantastic memories. When do we go again.

Odd this Gliding in Wales

Adrian