Saturday 6th April

Bird strike and you're out - Portmoak
Ron and Dan had planned a trip around Ben Nevis today but after looking at the forecast, changed their plans instead, flying across Loch Earn enjoying stunning views in the gin clear air.
Ron and Dan over Loch Earn
Simon and Mark had a ball on the ridge in the DG before the troops arrived .
Liam jumped into the DG with Mark C and had a couple of hours dodging paragliders (flying men in sleeping bags), hang gliders, vintage gliders and high performance machines. A very steep learning curve but hopefully "Pockets" Liam learnt a lot today ,  he was confused however as to why  the men in their flying sleeping bags had kept indicating "two up" every time we got a little close to them !
Simon M arrived at 2pm and after a quick cup of tea, prised Mark C out of the DG and flew with Mark E for over three hours.  A first for Simon, was squatting a seagull with his wing, the bird despite being very annoyed and very dead hung on for several minutes, only a full sideslip encouraged the miffed carcass to drop off !
Henners rigged his Cirrus COR and had two hours ridge soaring and wave hunting while Jimbob hired the Portmoak Discus and finished the day with similar flight .
JimBob hires the Discus......

.......and chases his shadow
More travellers arrived by 6:30pm JUST  in time for dinner, but with the new kitchen regime there was no beating with a broom handle, no lines to write (I will not be late again) or standing in the corner whilst being showered with rotten eggs , a great relieve for Paul S who last year had to endure all three before the message got through .
Again tomorrow's forecast looks poor, but we are ever hopeful,  lectures on airspace etc first thing (yes Henry that is before 12 noon!) should pass the time until the sun peeks out . - Mark C

 Warmth at Northill at last
The sun shone and the strong north easterly wind abated, the airmass was still good with plenty of strong thermals (and sink). Although the thermals were going, cloudbase was pretty low initially but the launchpoint was busy with a very long two-seater queue of check flights and training and private owners.
Tim in ASW19 877 soared locally for 3:33, Tom breezed round the Club 100 in DG1 gaining Silver distance, but just missing the 100km diploma on the start zone. Ruth had her longest solo soaring flight.
Texas Tom with a cheesy grin

Pete St struggled round the Club 100 twice in 4:22 and overcame intermittent logger poblems.
It was lovely to be warm again and we sat outside the clubhouse after flying.