A clear sky and gentle westerly breeze were the early conditions on take-off. Was this the day I'd overcome my unease with the Frocester take-off and get away?
Graham R, Rupert and I were the early birds, but by the time we returned from the point the numbers had grown considerably. The number of pilots continued to grow, but so did the wind speed. What started off as a mild breeze was now quite feisty. The same could be said for the numbers of pilots! Several had already staked their take-off spot and were now busy chit chatting about the task for the day. Reading and Didcot were the popular choices.
Wayne was one of the first off, tempting others to follow. Many of the take-offs were less than graceful. Despite there being plenty of breeze, there was minimal lift along the treeline, forcing the initial explorers to return to take-off. It wasn't until Joe et al ventured into the bowl to the left of take-off that the day really got going. The usual suspects, having worked hard to get high, were first way. I probably got away with the third or fourth gaggle, climbing slowly at first, but then experiencing the first of many stronger than expected and sometimes boisterous thermals. However, once high and able to divert my gaze from the rock and roll motion of the wing, the views of Severn were spectacular.
Rob, Graham, James and a few others all managed to stick together until we reached Tetbury. But it was here that the rough conditions took its first victims whilst the rest of us started to separate. From here we then took turns leading with Rob pushing on hardest. It wasn't hard to spot his wing against the 'savanna' like fields below. Having adjusted our course early in order to avoid Kemble I'd hoped the run toward Swindon would be straightforward, but even with good looking clouds and cloud streets I found it hard to stay high. I managed to eke out a bit more fun after climbing out from Swindon, but shortly after that it was all over.
Hooked up with Graham and Wayne on the train home so got well and truly battered by the 'I couldn't get down' stories. Thank heavens for Richard M who met us at the station and dropped us the hill. Really enjoyed a challenging, gnarly and scenic day off the back a dodgy, but improved launch - Fantastic!