We have now had two decent days in Granada from Cenes. Nothing particularly special, just light climbs and normally to the bottom. Out tonight for dinner in the centre of Granada like yesterday, maybe another Lebanes meal.

This Thursday we had substantial rain here and over most of Spain.  This has been the worse weather since we finished the season at the end of September and since then it has been very good for flying.  I have only done a few tandem flights and have spent most of the last weeks on building a new woodshed in preparation for the winter ahead.

Anyway, tomorrow I have a long trip down to the south of Spain to meet Nigel, Rupert, Bart, Barbera and Felix on Sunday.  We will be starting at Granada and may move more westwards if conditions allow.

I will be taking the live trackers, but more as a safety tool than for following XCs, though that would be nice if the conditions come up.

There is of course space on this trip, though a bit late to arrange things now.  Also we have one other trip in November from the 11th to the 18th.

Last week lived up to its promise with light wind PG conditions trhoughout with temperatures in the mid 20s.  Base around 2800- 3200m mid week, though dropping to only around 2400m yesterday (saturday) when I made my only flight of the week ( a commercial tandem).  Puri flew one day earlier in the week, though I have spend the week doing some long put off DIY.

This week comming also looks pretty good.  Seems it will be like last year with an extended summer well into October.

Week ahead

Yesterday, Sunday, the sun came back and a pleasant soaring day for Dave who stayed on before his drive down to Andalusia.  Last week was a bit grim with only 2 flying days for our last group of the year.  This week would have been perfect for them of course.

That´s it for the 2012 Piedrahita season for us an it has been generally a good weather year in contrast to what has probably been the worse year for decades in Northern Europe and especially the UK.

The most important difference for us this year was the introduction of our Live Tracking system for which Paul Russell must take all the credit for the long period of design, testing and implementation.  Thanks Paul and also Pedro our driver who stepped in when Jorge broke his foot at the beginning of the season.

Many thanks to all our guests who visited us this year.  I  hope you all enjoyed yourselves and will be back with us in the future.

A nice paragliding forecast for the week ahead

1200

1800

Extensive rain but clearing late this afternoon so we may bet a flight with the NE wind.

1200

1500 Skew T

Nimbostratus galore!

1200

1500

Low pressure in the south of Spain and an approaching warm from from the south.  Not ideal!  Rain forcast south of us and a lot of upper level cloud.  Difficult conditions for decent flying.

1200

1500

3 day forecast

Passage of cold front throught the Peninsula which should leave us by mid morning with a rapid drop off in wind speed and thermals to around 8500ft. If we fly it may be one of the few places in Europe that it is possible today. Tomorrow light E winds and more sunshine.

What Happened?

A very nice day with 3 thermic flights with perfect Cu and unturbulent climbs. I had a good climb at the Cemetery which could have taken me over the Pass and probably an easy trip to Avila. Our low airtime pilots very much made the most of the day with local soaring and a number of trips to the Villfranca/Cemetery.

Alex on his HG managed to take out another 2 uprights but survived yet another flight. I flew him on the tandem in the evening.

0000 Last night

0000 Wednesday

1500 skew T

the passage of a cold front associated with the deep depression over the UK  will make safe paragliding impossible today.  Tomorrow looking OK at the moment.

0000

1500 18ºC

A very difficult week ahead for decent paragliding as the low to the N of Spain depens and moves towards the UK but giving us persistent strong SW wins and unsettled weather.

Today very little thermic activity with a strong inverstion aroun 2100m and cool temperatures (18ºC).  If the wind goes west enough then we may be able to soar on the main face but

Section to Avila (some hope!)

I am not that optimistic.

What Happened?

Not so bad with a few hours thermal soaring around 1pm, though not getting much over 3000m ato.  Alex flew his HG after a years lay off and managed to land breaking only 1 upright.

Some smooth evening soaring for all (but Alex)