Combe Gibbet 15 March 12 kmh NW
Sunday 15th March - Combe - James Learmont
The best days on the hill are often the most surprising. An unpromising light westerly morning was eventually overcome by some thermic activity driving a nice on slope breeze around midday. I had unwisely repacked just before the first wave of thermals came through and the handful of die hards waiting on the hill were rewarded with some flying action. I was persuaded to unpack again and caught the second wave just as the cloud closed in. Not as good as first time, but after my lay off nice to get to 1000ft again. Jonty did a mini XC to Sinkenholt and Mr Bungay did triangles with the sailplanes, and although a fair few got height I don't think anyone else got away. Good atmosphere on the hill, quite uncrowded for a Sunday and one lucky passenger got a 20 minute tandem flight during the best bit of the day. Also worth mentioning our three red ribbons looking assured and taking off competently and landing safely and nobody falling over. It had been a bit of an 'airshow on the hill' day, with a paramotor buzzing overhead in the morning, the artificial model 'Kite' out, duelling with the real bird, some normal kites, numerous sailplanes and to finish with some ballons. Let's hope we get more good Combe days and soon!
James
The best days on the hill are often the most surprising. An unpromising light westerly morning was eventually overcome by some thermic activity driving a nice on slope breeze around midday. I had unwisely repacked just before the first wave of thermals came through and the handful of die hards waiting on the hill were rewarded with some flying action. I was persuaded to unpack again and caught the second wave just as the cloud closed in. Not as good as first time, but after my lay off nice to get to 1000ft again. Jonty did a mini XC to Sinkenholt and Mr Bungay did triangles with the sailplanes, and although a fair few got height I don't think anyone else got away. Good atmosphere on the hill, quite uncrowded for a Sunday and one lucky passenger got a 20 minute tandem flight during the best bit of the day. Also worth mentioning our three red ribbons looking assured and taking off competently and landing safely and nobody falling over. It had been a bit of an 'airshow on the hill' day, with a paramotor buzzing overhead in the morning, the artificial model 'Kite' out, duelling with the real bird, some normal kites, numerous sailplanes and to finish with some ballons. Let's hope we get more good Combe days and soon!
James
