Fran's Weekend Report

Saturday saw the cold front leaving a tasty (?) airmass for spring thermals. Add in a brisk Northerly wind and you have a working ridge whilst waiting for thermals. Charlie and Graham Mann did exactly that, pulling off tow at 1000' and working towards Ballater where they got into the wave using a 4-5knot beauty just West of Glen Muick. After reaching 10,000' they had a 'nice run' to Newtonmore and back...a fine flight indeed.

Davie took HXH up for 1.5hrs before getting cold feet... literally, no reflection on his bravery... and George had two good solo soaring flights in the Puch. Roy flew the tug and then swapped for instructing in the Puch, taking a trial flight soaring...Roys first soaring flight this year. Glad to see you flying again...this is a more measured response than 'Yippee! A lot better than looking up at the sky from the clubhouse!!!'. His new, highly anticipated hotship will be making an appearance shortly. Beers in the clubhouse followed.

Sunday dawned with good wave, but gaps kept closing. Bob and Davie were going to get the Capstan out, but the wind looked a bit strong, so elected to fly the Puch instead and climbed well in the wave. Charlie and Ron flew trial lessons, whilst Alex took over instructing as Mike was full of cold...probably picked up in Englandshire whilst singing and having a great time. This week finds him not seeing the big wide world as much whilst working on GCA's C of A.

Thanks to Charlie, Alex, John Dransfield, Graham Mann and the loveley Helen, who worked hard clearing pathways, cleaning, painting, etc for our Open Weekend. All is now shipshape.

Alan has sent round an email regarding maintenance; give it some serious thought and just ask if in doubt.

In preparation for this weekend, a few will arrive Friday night for an anticipate early start for our Open Days; please come and help, support, enthuse and have fun. Beers in the clubhouse will follow...

There is a warm front Friday night clearing for Saturday, leaving light showers to follow and another just clearing by midday on Sunday. Light winds from a WNW direction on Saturday, and SSW on Sunday; local thermal extending to the SW on Saturday with a base around 3500', and on Sunday extending to the NE with a slightly better base. If the timing on the fronts changes, its anybodys guess!

Whatever the weather, dont forget its out Open Weekend - the craic will be excellent, so dont miss out.