The clocks have changes. This means we can fly in the evenings if the conditions are right.
The first couple of days of longer evenings had crap weather but thursday night had a glimmer of hope (or was it desperation?)
A couple of posts on the LLSC group showed that there were several people heading to Tinto. I half thought cacra might be worth a look but was not sure of the lambing situation there.
And there wasn't much interest on the wingbeat group so.. Tinto it is.
Skipped tea and made my way to Tinto as soon as I finished work. got to the car park about 6.20 and not long later was up the hill.
Having spotted Joe taking off from low down and getting an 8 sec rotation when timing some of the wind turbines I knew it was quite strong.
Forecast showed it strengthening as the evening progressed so took off with a minimal amount of faff ( a good habit for me to practice!)
Ground handling the Red was interesting to start with after the day at the dune on the velvia. 3rd launch was not overbreaked and I was off.
It was quite nice. Lifty. Strong ish but soon got up and then slowly cruised along to the big Tinto nipple.
Then back over the quarry without loosing much height.
Got a bit of practice with speedbar (need to get it set up a bit better) and some rear riser steering.
By the time I was back over take of there was only me and another chap still in the air. Started getting nervous about when it was going to get dark so started to land.
Still strong. slightly off to the East(?). Avoided the normal landing field. ( full of mud and sheep!)
ended up a bit close to the trees. never nice to get that bumpy feeling 50 feet up!
Landed fine. Up to that point regretted not taking the tandem along.
Only 37min flight but nice to get out after a day at work.
Jamie
