After a couple of days spending time with our families, courtesy of a slow-moving front, today's experience held an unexpected and most welcome surprise. The forecast was for a weak north-westerly, broken thermals, patches of cirrus skidding over the top and increasing wind at the end of the day.

A group of us sat at the Pegasus clubhouse waiting for positive signs of soaring, until mid-afternoon when we gave in to temptation and took a launch.

Wendy was having her first flight in my LS6 (gulp!) and I had gallantly put Ariane in charge of the Duo. At first we were able to soar the Gache in weak ridge lift with the occasional thermal popping off, but after a while a particularly strong climb gave us enough of a margin to run to the Lure. Another good climb took us to 7,000ft which put us in a good position to hunt out some Jabron wave.

Captain Decloux

A call to Salon Approach confirmed that R71 was not active and we were able to climb to 8,800ft before pushing on northwards.

Pic de Bure

The remainder of the flight was a gentle sight-seeing exercise. I had rather unwisely decided that oxygen would not be needed today, so we had to break off the climb at 14,000ft with 3kts on the clock. We were now able to enjoy spectacular views of the Ecrins and, far in the distance, Mont Blanc - a target for another day.

Western Ecrins

Meanwhile, back on the ground the wind had got up to a gusty 20kts which provided much amusement for the local duty crew who monitored each arrival with growing excitement. Our turn came - the circuit was exceptionally bumpy but Ariane got everything right and plonked us safely back on the ground, parking just behind my LS6 which Wendy had also brought home without any problems.

So, all in all, an excellent day's flying for all of us. We put the covers back on the Duo, the LS6 back in its trailer, and went home to Le Mas du Chene for beers and a barbecue.

Fin de vol