Flight

I nearly gave up hope of flying after several attempts to launch in little wind but finally got away and after a bit of searching got a strong climb out to 3,300 following Roger and a small gaggle including a hang glider. I decided to head over to Truleigh, rather than over Brighton, thinking I could go further West given the wind drift. At Truliegh I decided to have a go at a triangle so went out front and back to the hill. Arriving back high and now seeing some West in the wind I picked up another good climb that sent me off very slowly towards Falmer. Following another gilder all was well until we hit 4.5 down over the University. I saw the other glider land near the stadium and picked the same landing field. But luck intervened and some gentle lift developed to a steady 2.5 up and I climbed away. On the way to Lewes, smoke from a fire showed me that the sea breeze was in on the ground but had not yet overtaken me. I got over Caburn but no lift here so turned and was soon rattling along to Ringmer at 50k per hour. As I landed in strong wind I saw Simon still going as he had passed North of Lewes rather than South as I did. A good day, got past Lewes at last. Catherine picked us up with coffee and cake as a bonus.