A great wave weekend from Easterton! Quite strong winds on the ground yesterday, though happily pretty much straight down the strip, gave way to some rough, bouncy tows (thanks Martin!) and finally a transition into wave at around 3,000'+. A strong upper wind (45 kts) and at least 2 systems going on (upper and lower, though the upper one was VERY high!) made for fairly slow progress into wind. Several flights to 9,000' plus with some cross country. Really strong rotor seemed to be everywhere below cloudbase, making the descent and circuits a bit challenging!
Today was similar with (just) a little less wind from the same direction (between W and SW) and again there were several climbs to 10,000 feet, some broken off in climb for lack of oxygen kit.
Guests, TMs and visitors all joined in the fun and this afternoon was rounded off with 115 getting back in the air after annual inspection and ARC renewal, just in time to be put back in the trailer, along with 3 other gliders we're taking down to Portmoak next weekend for round 2 of the Scottish Inter-Club League.
Photo shows the way south (and the upper system) yesterday afternoon, just south of Dufftown from around 13,000'.
