Week 3 Days 3&4
Day 3 High pressure is still in command. A largely blue day anticipated  with a slower start. No wave expected. As forecast largely blue except the top of the Pyrenees where there were a few wispy cumulus clouds. It was better than expected, although difficult to find initially once located it was strong thermals +6kts average and remained active in the same locations all day going to 8300ft  at the second stage allowing easy access to the mountain tops. Once at the top soaring  along  in ridge/thermals lift could be done at speed without turning for miles. Graham  McKiddie and Paul Hicks claimed that one flight alone such an experience it had made their week. Sometimes one looks back in disbelief thinking, did we really do that! Is it really legal!

Day 4 The high pressure has finally been edged away to the east and fronts are anticipated with rain and thunderstorms towards the end of the day. It was thought a no fly day. However there was just a glimmer of hope that some flying might be possible. High cloud covered the area to the east and directly over head but to the west some signs of a clear area appeared. It all looked  like it was never going to get started before the high level thunder storm clouds went bang. We sat on the ground uncertain and indecisive until the tug pilot asked if he could go home. That was it, we launched. Suddenly lift was everywhere, in the valley in the hills and at the tops. The strength of the lift was at times of the clock. The main problem at times was avoiding getting sucked into cloud  which was at about 8500ft at the top. Very fast runs were possible at max rough air. However this party ended with a bang. The promised storms arrived very quickly, suddenly there was a flash to the north west! Game over, everyone rushed back to get on the ground before the conditions became too bad. Now lightning strikes were frequent and getting close with rain beginning to hit the airfield. Everyone landed safely in time to avoid the final downpour with hail and the expected thunderstorm right over the airfield. An exciting day for all particularly for John Caton and Graham McKiddie. Wow! what next!