Day Two

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Day Two was very tough.  The weather forecast was similar to the day before but we new rain would be moving in from the Northwest. 

I felt like we waited much too long to start.  The weather forecast has been pretty good at telling us when the day would end and there was no way that we would finish given the time we started.

We finally start around 2:15 and make for the first turn which is in Serbia.  Their are few clouds on course line so I deviate slightly to the right of course and pick up a climb will the others continue on even lower.  We climb up and head on with good clouds ahead.  One more climb and the fleet seems to be together.  My group (the JS1s) seem to want to go on to the next cloud -- why?  On to one more good cloud and then we turn.

The clouds are clearly better north of task line and the Open Class is reporting dismal weather farther to the northeast.  We conintue on and reach the Titsa River; one more climb and then a long glide towards clouds we can't reach.  There are a few gliders out in front and they continue on.  I see clouds a little off task line over a small town.  I suggest a deviation to this cloud, no takers.  I start for the town.  They head for a glider that is struggling at 1000 ft.

A report comes back that they have reached this low cloud and are climbing.  I head towards them and find they are climbing at 1/2 knot.  We climb slowly and then they head on towards another glide to I can't imange what.  I go a little south to a small cloud where I find another glider circling.  We climb up to about 3000' and now I am alone heading for the next turn. 

There is cirrus that has moved over the area and shadowing most everything.  I head for the sun and find a bump.  I turn and it becomes 2 kts then 2.5 then 2.7 - 3.0.  I climb to 4500 feet.  Now what?  Nip the turn and head for home or go for distance.  With this altitude I think I can nip the Turn Area and reach a long line of big Cu that may still be working.

I make the turn and start my glide.  I reach the downwind end of the line of Cu at about 2500 feet but well below cloudbase--the wind is showing 22 mph!  I fly along the entire length of these last clouds and find plenty of reduced sink but no thermals. 

Reaching the end of the street I turn for home with little more than a prayer of making it.  Solid cirrus overcast and a strom developing to the northwest.  A little sunshine is hiting the ground but I find nothing.  Finally, 12 miles from home, I must give it up and I land in a nice field.  I am safe and the glider is fine. 

I call my crew and give them coordinates.  They tell me it looks like most everyone is hooking up trailers and heading out.  I walk out to the highway and wave to each trailer as the go by, there must have been at least 30!

WE