Wave (geddit?) goodbye to Aboyne

Just a couple of pictures from the NGC->Aboyne expedition 2010 (well you never know, this could be more than just a one-off). It sounds a bit grand, but was just really John R-K, Adrian P, Pete R, and David T out on a half-term jolly.

The expedition was centred around the last week of October: half term.. from Saturday 23rd to the following Friday 29th. During those 7 days, four were wave days. Both JRK and Adrian got checked out on the Saturday, having travelled up over Friday and early Sat. I arrived shortly before six on Saturday to see JRK landing in the dusk, through the rain, having just had a check-flight up to 4k' in wave.

The other flying days were Sunday (ridge/low wave & shower dodging), Monday (Adrian went up to 12K odd and then decreasing), Tuesday (I think that one bloke from Booker got around 15K'), Thursday (wave good to 20k). The Deeside members were very welcoming and helpful. The club facilities are great, and the atmosphere was very easy. Even on non-flying days there is plenty to do. Walking was great with stunning scenery, and if you bring family - then towns such as Ballater and Aboyne will keep the shoppers happy.

Monday: View of Morven hill with snow on it, from about 6.5k'. The previous week had been a cold snap. The wind is from the W. The higher cirrus clouds are showing N-S ridges.

Thursday October 28th: JRK taking 'team FGP' photos

Now it's his turn to pose. Check out the length of the shadows at 57º North at 10.24 BST!

Here is the Dee valley, looking towards Ballater, at around 12K'. Wind from the SW. As the valley in which Deeside GC sits runs E-W (main runway is 09/27), there is turbulence as soon as there is any N or S in the wind. JRK and DT managed height gains. As well as going up, Pete R managed to go 150K XC in the wave.

Finally, on Friday it was just too darn windy. 26Kt, gusting 38Kt from SSW. This picture is from Glen Muick (pronounced 'Mick'), looking back over Aboyne. The loch itself had white horses on it, and there was a mist of spray over the loch.... all from the wind.

All-in-all a fantastic week. I think I'd like to go back. Roll on next October half term!

Wednesday 27th October - Opertion "Save Wade" !

Shower Dodging

Well yesterday was a write-off, with low cloud and persistant rain meaning we were banished to the club house for the day.

Today proved to be a whole lot better, although the "dry and bright" that the BBC weather girl predicted was not to be at Tibenham, with showers coming and going all day, some heavy enough to give us a good drenching. Bob Grieve and Ben Magnami ran the day, with some help from me for the trial lessons. Many familiar faces braved the elements to fly and help others fly - I won't try to name them all, but you know who you are and thanks as always.

Good fun was had by all, with plenty of bung-pulling, BI training, aerobatics, and muddy fields - I'll say no more!

What a weekend!

On arrival at the club yesterday I was greeted with "you should have been here yesterday" with stories of three hour flights! G-CFGP had been left rigged by Adrian who had taken it for its first flight since June (if you don't already know why please do not ask, it gives him nightmares still.) I did some fettling and de-watered the wings thinking it would have been quicker to rig it and prepared for a winch launch into a promising sky. I lined up and watched Bob Grieve get away from the launch in 18m mode. I was less successful and spent 15 minutes at 1000' before giving up and settling for an aerotow. There was a queue, Chris, Norman and others had lined up, along with trial flights and AFRs. At one point the grid looked like an advert for ASWs with a 20, a 21 and two 19s in line. The tug pilot's view was that "it looks better than it is". Nothing ventured etc.

A very good decision, once at 2000' the lift was better and I managed three and a half hours cruising to Norwich, Thetford and Honnington as well as more local soaring. Cloud base was 4600' in places and the visibility absolutely stunning with the whole of East Anglia visible. As the thermals died I spun and recovered (it still recovers Adrian) and stayed up in weak thermals until the cold and the bladder drove me down. A splendid day.

Apart from the duty team and the usual Sunday crew lots put in an appearance; but I was too busy to see them!

The Chairman tries out his latest proximity warning kit !

When a picture speaks a thousand words !