UPDATE 10.12am.

The wind has now  gone S south at PN.  We can have a quick look at the S site, but due to the forecast I think this is not worth it.  I would suggest a trip to Salamanca.

Low pressure and frontal systems moving through with winds to the W and SW which are on the strong side for decent recreational PGing.  However, the Hirlam surface winds are not to bad early on and local micrometerology and convergence effects may once again enable us to get a bit of flying even though the surrounding areas are blown out.  At 9.30am the wind is very light on the hill from the NW.  Tomorrow is post cold frontal with the wind more on the PN site and any problems with stormy weather far far to the East of our flying region.

We will go up the hill at 10.30am if the wind is still light.  I hope for no more that a little safe flying in the valley, thermalling in the light thermals low down and would hope to be on the ground before any increasing winds start moving down. If we finish early then we could do the culture trip to Salamanca.  Today I don’t think evening flying will be possible as things will be getting worse before the fronts fully pass through overnight.

1pm

2pm

5pm

Here is my take on Philby, who I think I have known since about 1994.  He was here with us last week.  As always this is a digital painting not a photo manipulations.  In retrospect I think I should have pushed the exaggeration  a bit further.  I always start with lots of small thumbnails sketches just to experiment with the exaggerations.  These will rarely look like the subject till much later…if at all!  A few thumb nails of others in group last week.  I suppose during the winter I may take quite a few more of my thumbnails to a more finished state for practice.

Philby

Philby process

Something of an all or nothing day.  If the wind is suitable for take off we should be able to go a long long way.  With the  SW wind it may come onto PN but that may be very crossed and with dust devils so we will go early to the S site.  Today the convergence sets up N or Avila allowing us a good run to Segovia, or we may choose to go much further north.  More at the  briefing at 10.30 after which we will depart quickly so be ready to go.

1pm

11am

2pm

5pm

1500

2pm winds at 2400m

conditions along track over time

Good XC conditions today with a climb of 3300m straight after take off at 12.30.  Good Cu development but more of a NW in Avila so Hans, Michael, myself and Jack landed there.  A PB for Hans for distance and also for Johan who carried on to 90km.  A PB for young Jack who had never been so high.

This is the group in Avila whilst on a stroll as Jorge went to collect Johan.

At Avila

Potentially a very good xc day with good thermal quality and maybe climbs to 4000m and for sure over 3000m.  An occluded front to our south moving away eastwards.  There is likely to be some build up of cu and we must keep an eye on them, though the largest formations will occur  in the convergence which is likely to be well to our south if we look at the Hirlam diagrams.  A more NE component will make it a struggle to get to Segovia after Avila.  Also we must bear in mind the climbs may go 1000m above the airspace limit after Avila which may be frustrating.

1pm

1500

11am

2pm

conditions along track to Segovia

Today the principal problem will be the take off.  The wind is expected to be 15 knots at around 2000m at 3pm.  If you look at the surface winds the convergence area in blue at 2pm is well to the north of our valley as the  south west winds have displaced it northwards.  There might be a slim chance to get away from the south take off at La Lastra safely, but with the  forecast winds it is probably going to be far to strong and turbulent.  The  wind is likely to move more W later in the afternoon, so a slim chance of an evening flight at PN.

afternoon 1500

surface winds 2pm

Still a way to go on this one, but back to flying today.

ian

XC soar seem to indicate SW winds, but the Hirlam, which I tend to favour now shows more of a NE flow. with convergences along the mountain towards Barco and Bejar.  A nice inversion at 3100m which should cap any vertical development and cloud formation.  Likely early clouds at a low level due to moisture from yesterday.  Should be a good day, but the task has to be called in the air after we sample the conditions.

1pm

1500

surface winds 2pm

This was a commission from Melody for his birthday.  Simon was on one of my La Palma trips some years back.  Memorable for me for last hangover of my life due to Caprinya overindulgence.  Never again.

Simon Payne