Jaca 2019 Week 1 Day 3

The weather continues to be very obliging with the cold front passing through overnight. As I started to walk up to the airfield it was quickly apparent that it was going to be a very different sort of gliding day with a strong northerly wind and showers already visible in the west. All the warm clothing that we had been shedding on the previous two days and more was going to be required today.

The weather briefing confirmed our suspicions that it could be a very good wave day though there was always the risk of the showers to the north and west sweeping through at any time. On seeing the conditions at the airfield Ray thought we were joking when he was told we were planning to fly.

Google's attempt at a panorama view of the airfield
(Note the showers in the distance on the left)

To keep things interesting the instructors swapped gliders so it was Paul and Merv off first in the K21 followed quickly by Ray and Bob in the Duo Discus. There were plenty of strong and turbulent rotor thermals but the wave eluded both gliders. There was no clear pattern to the wave and the sky was continually changing with very variable amounts of cloud.

Ray experiences a rotor thermal and actually enjoys it...

The K21 did best, getting to over 7000' in front of Cuculo with the Duo oscillating up and down over stage 1 mostly between 5 and 6 thousand feet. Unexpectedly both pilots declared that they enjoyed the experience, despite not getting into the wave proper.

After a quick turnaround the gliders were ready to go again though the tug pilot didn't seem so keen as it was now a 25kt crosswind from the North West, making it marginal for the tug.

Charlie and Bob went first in the Duo followed by Kevin and Merv in the K21. By this time the sky had opened out over the main valley and it was possible to climb up to cloud base just west of the airfield. However it still took over an hour for the Duo to finally get into the wave and climb clear of the clouds. A case of perseverance and the luck to be in the right place at the right time.

Charlie working hard to get into the wave 

With no lenticulars marking the extent of the wave it took a while to find the strongest lift which peaked at over 7kts with the wind in excess of 45kts at 16,000'.

Charlie finally connects with some of the strong stuff

We finally got to use the oxygen which we have been preparing every day in expectation of wave.

Face mask and shades - essential items for wave. 

The view east from 16,000'

We flew about 10 hours in total today with the cold and personal comfort bringing us back rather than the conditions which were still going strong when the K21 landed at 18:30.

Kevin, Ray and Charlie were the hosts for this evenings meal. They upped the ante by providing 3 excellent courses and port to go with the cheese. Whoever cooks next will have a hard act to follow, fortunately the plan is to eat out in Jaca tomorrow.

Lovely meal at the troublesome next door neighbours flat

The weather for tomorrow is still looking good but we are hoping for a little less wind.

Bob.

Jaca 2019 Week 1 Day 2

Another bright start on Day 2 but the weather briefing indicated increasing amounts of high cloud and less wind suggesting that we might have another challenging day of flying ahead. At least it was nice and warm on the ground with yet more layers of clothing being discarded prior to launch.

Ray offers Merv some advice on advanced flying techniques.

 We had a very pleasant morning fettling the gliders, eating cake and watching the diggers create a larger glider parking area at the west end of the airfield. It looks like the army have been subcontracted to do the work with large scale camouflaged Tonka toys. Fortunately the lack of wind meant that the dust they generated wasn't much of a problem.

The gale force winds haven't reached Jaca yet.

Morag on portion control duty of the impromptu
morning pastry courtesy of her friend Hillary.

After a leisurely picnic lunch it was time to go flying. This time it was Charlie and Merv in the Duo and Kevin and Bob in the K21. Increasing high cloud cut the flights shorter than planned but this cleared through quickly tempting the us back into the air again. Ray and Merv in the Duo then Paul and Bob in the K21. Most flights were around an hour long today but not through lack of trying to stay airborne.

At least the early finish gave us a chance to have a beer at the club Nimbus bar.

A welcome beer after a tricky days flying.

Paul was on chef duty tonight and he provided an excellent meal within the strict 5 euro budget set by Morag our chief auditor.

A gaggle of hungry pilots 

Paul slaving over a hot stove

The weather for tomorrow could be good or bad depending on which forecast you read so we will just have to wait and see if the next front has passed through overnight or not.

Bob.

Jaca 2019 Week 1 Day 1

Conveniently a cold front passed through overnight so we had great hopes for day 1. The morning briefing offered the possibility of northerly wave but with blue thermals only going to 6500'. As a result the oxygen systems were turned on and pilots dressed for sub-zero temperatures.

As it turned out nobody found the wave and instead the first set of pilots gently roasted themselves as they worked hard in the tight turbulent thermals (gliding not underwear). 

Paul and Merv were first off in the Duo, quickly followed by Ray and Bob in the K21. Despite taking higher tows both gliders found themselves back down over the lower hills using the vultures as indicators of thermals. 

The second sortie with Kevin and Merv in the Duo and Charlie and Bob in the K21 had a similar experience though wearing substantially less clothing. 

Charlie particularly enjoyed his first view of the high mountains which were continually shrouded in cloud for the whole of his visit last year.

Gliders ready to go with Kevin holding the wing down

Cloudless crystal clear blue sky looking west

Duo over stage 1 with Paul at the controls 

Ray at the controls in the K21 sharing the thermal with the Duo Discus

An uncharacteristically shy Paul holding the wing prior to putting the glider back in the hanger

Sadly the restaurant at the airfield is currently not operational, so in the evening we had a trip into Jaca to buy provisions and have an excellent meal at the Biarritz. (To make up for not having any lunch)

 Bob.

Jaca 2018 Week 3 Day 5

This is what I came for. Words can't describe how wonderful it is. Thanks Bob and John for an awesome week.

Jaca 2018 Week 3 Day 4 - Aerobatics

We were lucky enough to have  pilot here practicing for the World Aerobatic Championships. A fantastic 20 min display. 

Extra 300

Frankie and the Extra

Jaca 2018 Week 3 - Bob's Cultural Tour 2018

Bob took us on a cultural tour of Jaca. Ended up with 'patatas campanilla' , tapas and the obligatory vino. 

Santa Cilia

Jaca

Nice Knight

Jaca 2018 Week 3 Day 2

Frankie and John Brookes out looking for vultures. Difficult to get photos but they flew at our wing tips. One scathed its head and then flew away.  These crazy humans!!! 

Ridge Soaring Cuculo

Spot the vulture

Cuculo again