A one-way trip to Zilina

Today we weren't really planning to go flying, but the weather started to look better than expected so we dragged the gliders out and rigged. Tobi launched first, just to check some changes to the glider. I launched next and found it a bit tricky to stay up; Mike chose an early release and nearly regretted it. We decided to head into the brisk northerly wind up the valley to Martin. Quite a turbulent trip, with the only thermals at first being strongly broken by the hills to windward. After getting low at Martin, we decided to try the Zilina valley. We got there OK, but found lift was in short supply. As alternate bands of sunshine and shade passed, the town would pulse weak thermals and then go back into a dormant state. We spent an hour or so over Zilina, just managing to stay in the air, before finally the sunny cycle failed to materialize. Fortunately there was a short concrete runway below. Mike landed first, having to avoid a car that was burning up and down the runway. When I went on to downwind Mike radioed that the runway was clear except for a lady with a pram. Sure enough there she was, right on the centreline. But with a bit of encouragement from Mike she soon vacated.

The retrieve was rapid and efficient:= thanks Charlie and Dave!