What a hectic and exhilirating couple of days. I have just about got the glider set up with just a failed cable to the team PDA to replace and we shall have JT ready to go.
The flying over the last 2 days has been something to remember, some big firsts for me, ridge running below ridge top is just awesome, spurs, trees, ski lifts just some of the things to watch out for. We punched into a lee-side thermal and just about got kicked out! The tight and rough thermal would produce better than 10 knots of lift if you could stay in for a turn and 10 knots of sink for the bit you missed. For all the excitement in real time, it came out as 5.1 knots on SeeYou.
In contrast the thermal conditions here are very different, the doesn't seem to be as large a pool of energy and so the thermals are more of a bubble, strong enough if you get the timing and position right but quite weak otherwise. Losing contact with the clouds is a big mistake and a very weak climb usually results so that you can stay airborne amongst the terrain.
Our pair flying is working well, Allan and I have stayed in contact and the gliders are reasonably matched. Allan's wing fillets are advantageous at low speed (thermalling). In what seems to be true form we had a pair outlanding 2 days ago in the same paddock of harvested wheat. I had a wheel door break off at the rivets with no damage to the door. Graham and Keith have done a great job in sourcing hinges and repairing the oops.
Yesterday was another challenge with the day forecast to end early (not 6pm as we are used to). Allan, Brendan and myself stayed together and made an out and return to the first circle of the set task. This used quite enough of the day as we launched a little later than planned and then I had trouble getting up to start height.
Around Team Dingo camp, things are settling in, we have been making lots of use of the restaurant and bar. The meals are very good and the portions large, as well the prices are good.
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