Gache (or le Mont d'Alain)

The wind today was a moderate north-westerly which would normally cause pilots to check that their oxygen cylinders were full in anticipation of some mistral-induced wave. It was not to be: the wave never appeared and to make matters worse, the wind affected the regular thermal sources making each climb weak and unpredictable, giving many pilots some interestingly views of mountains at very low altitudes. At least the launch was straightforward - directly onto the Gache, a 4500ft ridge just 8km south of the airfield.

John and Martin shared the Duo Discus, WE4. They eventually managed to reach the parcours and went to Dormillouse (which didn't work), then Morgon (likewise) and Guillaume (ditto). After running away to Chabrières (yes, you guessed it) they finally edged southwards to within reach of Gap and a climb at Montserieux. Martin is said to have remained uncharacteristically quiet throughout this phase of the flight. Later on in the afternoon they managed to get onto another local ridge at Chabre where the conditions were more reliable but, in hindsight, it was a very trying day, despite the many hours that were flown.

Ceuse, near Gap

Clare and Robert managed to make things difficult for themselves even before take-off when they realised on the grid that Robert's oxygen system had broken and his camera was u/s while neither of Clare's batteries worked. Despite these setbacks they both eventually got airborne and enjoyed their flights as much as the rest of us, although Robert claims that he had never before had such a close view of the town of Digne without actually driving through it.

Dave in his Pik20E at Chabre