Cambridge University Gliding Club

The forecast had been touted as one of the best winter flying days on offer, with clear skies and a north-westerly wind onto the ridge. The bar chat of the night before had finished on a decision to try and fly the day as a dawn ‘til dusk, but finding myself the only one up in time I returned to bed, and then promptly overslept! Because of the forecast there were a lot of people out and about, and private gliders were sprouting wings all down the trailer park. Unfortunately it never became quite as good as promised, with a little local ridge-scratching all that was possible. The wind direction was quite fickle, and not strong enough to work properly, so when it ‘switched off’ the ridge gliders fell left, right and centre on the field (leaving me only way down the winch end!). It was a good day’s flying, and worth sticking around for, but unfortunately didn’t quite live up to expectations. After packing up and paying up we left, and almost missed Graham’s train in Stroud.

Overall it was a good and fun expedition. Winter expeditions are bound to have non-flying days, but it was a shame that they were all grouped together, and taking up the central chunk of the time spent there. The facilities were very good, the rooms were small, but pleasant and very cheap thanks to CUGC’s support of the expedition by halving accommodation costs, and the people were very welcoming. Just a shame about the weather! Oh well, better luck next year.