Jaca week 2 - Day 3

Today's forecast was for a later start but for the blue thermals to be stronger and go higher. There was a risk that high level cloud might increase in the afternoon but there could be cumulus over the higher ground. 

The effects of the strong inversion were clearly visible from the ground and even though vultures could be seen soaring it was not until after the tug pilot had finished his lunch (2pm) that anyone took a launch. 

It was the Finnish Duo that was first to go and they took a long tow after reporting back that the air was very stable. 

Bob and Iain were next to launch, releasing over stage 1 for a character building session soaring with the vultures before finally getting up to 8,200' over the high mountains.

Merv and Dave towed to stage 2 for a quicker transition and were able to venture further afield in the time available. 

The second sorties were affected by wave that started developing around the time of the pilots changing over. 

Bob & Bob A. launched into good thermals over stage 1 and then the fire break but the disruption from the strengthening wave soon made soaring difficult at the lower levels.

Launching later, Merv recognised the change in the conditions so he and Richard towed higher, to be rewarded by getting to 16,500' in the wave.

About 8 hours of soaring were achieved today, not bad considering the late start.

We are hoping for more of the same tomorrow. 

Bob.

Proof that Iain and Bob eventually got to stage 3