12 June 03

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Terry & Maggie prepare T99

 

Orages

After yesterday's excitement the forecast today was for storms over many parts of the Alps and we were all warned to pay close attention to the build up of any congestus that might block our route home.

The forecast maximum temperature was 34 Celsius, which is hot enough for most English people. Terry was visibly melting.

It was Andy's last day of flying before returning to England and he joined Ariane and John in a flight to the Ecrins. High tows to Trainon avoided the need to work hard low down in the heat, and all three were soon at a more comfortable 8000ft under cumulus. Today's route was a fairly standard one from Blayeul onto la Blanche, Dormillouse, Morgon, Guillaume, tête de Vautisse and on to the tête d'Amont and the glacier blanc. Cloudbase was just above the Barre, a rare occurrence at this time of year and it was possible to fly right around the peak.


The Barre des Ecrins

 

Storms to the north and the south prompted a decision to escape the Ecrins for quieter pastures. A cloudbase of 13,000ft made the trip through the pas de la Cavale (~9000ft) very stress-free. The glide continued to the north of the pic de Bure and on to Obiou, where Andy turned for home. After topping up, a long glide led John and Ariane to Mont Glandasse, overlooking the town of Die. From there conditions were a little tricky but all were soon back in the Aspres valley again. John continued his flight to Aups, south of the Lac Ste Croix (where cloudbase over the flatlands was still 8000ft) and returned to base via the Vaumuse.

 


The storms begin...

 


Glandasse, in the Vercors


Evening at the Lac Ste Croix

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