Westbury HG 12th Sept and 17th Sept

Novice under direction of Wayne.
 
12th Sept. Thermic? Rough at times. 15mph
Brilliant day for me with 3 flights of 20+min each with top landings. PG traffic thinned out with an increase in wind and allowed me to enjoy 3 significant flights,
Every take off provides a learning opportunity but equally enjoyable is the like minded company who all share their experience and flying wisdom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW8xEPAYs2w   all comments welcome!
 
17th Sept. Light. 10mph
 
I still have hesitation to get back far enough over the ridge to stay in the lift by the time I have completed the turn. I think some of it is related to concerns about being bumped in  the turn. Anyway the first flight was 4min to the bottom and then I put it down too far out. At least the t/o was ok!
Several pilots waited for the wind to increase as a couple soared above. Then in text book form a squadron of swallows arrived feeding on insects carried up with thermal activity. Within 5 minuets everyone launched.
With some prevarication we decided to go for it and I did the most appalling launch ever, nearly stalling it. I believe I was not prepared for a gust and just got lifted before I was ready. I have never had to think about launch, it just seemed natural? Anyway, got on with it fighting to stay up in the back end of the thermal and followed Alex to the bottom for 8-9min. Just hope it won't freak me out next time.
 
Ian P