Our Last Flying Day

All the talk was of a great day so we were up early. Typically all was not as expected, the ASW19 needed defrosting and misting was a problem for everyone so there was a later start. John was a little stir crazy and keen to go, so as soon as a local member launched and reported climbs he was away.
Unfortunately as he made his way above cloud the gaps closed sufficiently enough to stop the rest for a while. Above the clouds, John was having fun at around 12000' or so, looking down at the countryside through valley-like gaps in the clouds. Soon, however, the gaps widened enough for the others to climb in and go. All had a good time.
After five hours John found a 6 knot climb which took him from 13000' to FL192. On the way up the wave box was opened but the wave broke down as he reached the top of the wave cloud. 185 metres short of diamond height! We will just have to come back next year.

footnote: John's feet took two hours to warm up after his longest flight for a long time. He is checking to see if 6h8m is his longest ever. (I've checked; it is my longest flight to date, by over 30 minutes; JR-K)