Gliding Club News - Aston Down Expedition Day 0. 14th May 2023

Relaxing in Cotswold Gliding Club club house after a delicious pasta meatball bake and a green salad with granary sourdough bread from the Cornish Sourdough BBC bakery.  Old Speckled Hen and red wine lent to reminisces of the day.

With Andy and Phil already there, Mark making his way separately and the all-weather biker, Hugh, battling the early morning fog. 

 

Hugh Fogged in at Gregss at Sourton just five miles from home

Hugh ready for a check ride 

The remainder gathered at DGS and hooked up their trailers: Mini Nimbus, two Std Cirrus and two K-6s.  The Libelle and the DG300 were already there.  As we departed at 0925 the fog had cleared and we headed over the moors towards the A30 at Okehampton.

Looks like we've got a convoy

The journey was smooth and uneventful in a well spaced  convoy.  But there was a case of "The hare and the tortoise" with one leaping ahead while rest trailed in his wake.  But just like the fable the tortoises won in the end.  The hare received a call from his wife when he was on the A30 east of Okehampton "You've left your food at home". So back to Plymouth the hare raced, past the club to pick up his food.  Then up to Aston Down airfield to arrive last.  That's not to say that the tortoises all arrived together; Satnav vagaries and multiple roundabouts arriving from multiple directions.

"I can see your house from here" Mike setting up his tent
while Rick looks on.

A couple of check flights, and circuits by John in his Mini Nimbus, were made with a few more planned for tomorrow. The weather is set fine for the next few days.  What a great start to the expedition.

Gavin