Friday 18 March 2016

Jaca 2016 Week 2 - Day 4

We awoke to find a thick layer of medium level cloud overhead but there was some cause for optimism as the satellite images showed that it was slowly burning back. From the airfield it was possible to see the western edge near the lake at Yesa but it was not until after lunch that the sun finally reached Stage 1 and it was all systems go.

Jim and Bob went first in the Duo followed immediately by Ayala and Merv in the DG. From the outset there were strong climbs over Stage 1 but the higher mountains were hidden by a combination of low cloud and extensive snow showers. With the high cloud still clearing away to the east,  both gliders opted to go west with Ayala and Merv getting 50km away before looping south around the Yesa lake and were only prevented from getting to Riglos by a snow shower. Jim and Bob investigated the lake and then headed back east to Jaca. Cloud base got to nearly 8,000' in places and generally the conditions were much better than forecast.

Preparing.....
Ready to go 

View left (Embalsa de Yesa)
View right (Cuculo)
Its either a big mountain very far away or a small one very close
(Embalsa de Yesa from NW)

The second sorties followed a similar pattern going west first and then east. This time it was Mike and Bob in the Duo and Jon and Merv in the DG. The snow showers continued to press south from the high mountains to the south but the conditions along the edge of the main Jacatania valley remained good.

Spot the Merv with a subtle hint

Mike and Bob made a close inspection of Oroel and were surprised to find 3 climbers still at the top so late in the day. All in all it was an excellent day's flying with both gliders landing around 18:30.

Approaching Oroel late in the day

Everyone went into Jaca and had an excellent team meal at the Biarritz.

P.S. Although the wind was light and the sun eventually made a welcome appearance it definitely did not feel any warmer today, particularly in the gliders.

Bob and Merv

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