Week 2 - Day 3 Airborne at last

As forecast the wind moved round to the north and strengthened overnight but it didn't look too promising due to the large amounts of cloud.

The briefing indicated that the cloud would clear but an inversion would limit the wave to 10,000 feet.

Wave over Cuculu

The Finns were first to take off and test the conditions but despite a high tow failed to connect and were quickly back on the ground. 775 tried next but it was E6 that proved that it was possible as they managed to climb away.

431 followed their lead and climbed slowly over stage 1 finally topping out at 11,500'.

Adrian and Bob ready to go. 

In wave over stage 1.

775 climbing  in wave. 

431 with snow shower to the west. 

The weather that had been lurking out to the west started to move towards the airfield so all 3 gliders landed to wait and see if it cleared through.

Tiring work for pilots and crew.

Currently waiting for the weather to improve.

Bob.

Week 2 - Day 2 Ski trip

The forecast had suggested that the ski resort of Astun might have been shrouded in cloud and that it might be snowing so we were surprised to find it bathed in sunshine.

Merv negotiated a good deal on ski hire with the help of Joanna's translating skills. The less experienced opted for a lesson and the rest took the nearest lift looking for some easy runs.

Getting into ski boots can be difficult.

Steve and Bob audition for a new Fanta advert.

Not quite sure what Werner is doing...

...but he seems very pleased!

Gordon and Merv take a tow.

Watching the instructors being instructed was very entertaining. "Gordon you are not listening to me" was heard frequently.  

Unfortunately no cameras caught their collision when they forgot the first rule of gliding.  "You must always keep a good lookout."

Adrian refuels. 

Everyone had a good time, but I suspect that there will be a few aching limbs tomorrow.

We are hoping that the forecast for northerly wave on Wednesday is correct so that we can go flying.

Bob.

Week 2 - Day 2 Bearings fitted

A

prompt start from Gordon and Bob saw the bearings fitted before briefing.

New larger bearing, a perfect fit.

Gordon delicately fits the new bearing.

At briefing the weather forecast was for a short window for weak thermals to just above stage 1. This didn't sound too appealling so plan B was for a skiing trip to Astun.

Bob

Week 2 - Day 1 correct bearings found

On Monday evening, thanks to directions from Gordons iPad we had a problem free trip to an industrial estate outside of Huesca to purchase the correct bearings for 775. The soft tones of the Google maps directions "turn right at junction 575" were accompanied by two snoring co-pilots who only sprang to life on reaching the shop. We returned to the airfield too late to fit the parts so that was left to Tuesday morning.

Julian was head chef and we had his excellent variation on spaghetti bolognese.

Bob

Week 2 - Day 1 supplemental

Gordon is adamant that this will not work.

Week 2 - Day 1 update

Gordon gets to work. 

Werner tries to meet the standards set by his supervisors.

Add caption Gordon looks for a bigger hammer. 

Well the new bearing arrived and Gordon removed the main wheel from 775, but it appears that not all Duo Discus bearings are the same! So the plan for this afternoon may include a foraging expedition to Huesca.

JACA 2013