| Flight details: | Blorenge! Inspiration for the hymn 'All Things Bright and Beautiful'. And so it was.
Loads of pilots from all over; some going for large triangles, some going for distance and some going straight to the bottom! What felt like it might have been a good climb out was quickly snookered by another pilot in close proximity who had little idea of the importance in engaging with the only thermal to be had. Then, in a seemingly bad position, well below takeoff, it was a matter of scratching with every little dribble to preserve what little height without sliding to the bottom with a bunch of others. The sight of Grita still struggling nearby saved my day. Another weak thermal brought us the reward of a fast climb to 4,800' with time to settle back and take in the magnificent views across the Severn, to Somerset in the south and the fabulous Brecon Beacons to the west. After reaching base, good thermals became few when heading downwind and flying west, nothing came from Crickhowell or the expansive brown fields beyond. Failure to connect with high ground to the north resulted in a long glide to a series of perfect landing fields by Tretower where my feet finally touched down. Joined by Grita a short while later, we sat back in a grassy meadow to enjoy our Waitrose sandwiches in gloriously warm sunshine. Wonderful of course, but far too short! |
