Another day at Big Collin

I should really know by now, not to rely on weather forecasts. This one said the wind would be southerly so Martin Bates and I went to Big Collin with great expectations. Alas, the wind was varying from SSW to WSW most of the time with thermal activity causing lulls and switching wind.

Nevertheless Martin and I managed some semi-soaring flying but eventually landing at the bottom. We amused ourselves after that with ground handling practice with the BGD SEED ground handling wing. Being very responsive it sharpens up your reactions and means that when you go back on to your full size wing the ground handling is so much easier.

Good day at Dungiven W

Quite a few work dodgers and some parapensioners were out at Dungiven today. Wind was on the strong side at times but all got safely airborne and back landing on top - except for Dave Tweedie who went over the back for a short cross country flight to Garvagh.

Lift was widespread and although it was overcast, there were some mostly smotththermals drifting up the hill, except for one trip towards the southern end of the ridge when I got two fairly big asymmetric tucks in quick succession - one on the right then one on the left. The BGD Wasp M I was flying reflated immediately without turning.

Uel Glendinning arrived as most people were leaving and he and I finished off with good high flights and top landings.