Bank holiday Monday, just as well since it was a very nice day (let's give it 8/10).

I arrived at TO at 1pm to find a few keen Germans and a Swiss guy rather disappointed with the conditions (it was too early). I was off at 2pm, up and out quite quickly, over to Nudo to hang around for Craig. Max and Cristian don't make it... but for me it was a fairly typical start. By now I was up at 1500m before I got low over Nudo TO and then picked up a nice thermal. We got out quite high in the end, but this was now an hour into the flight, and my plans to fly to Tamaro (it had looked that good) were obviously out the window.

Leaving West of Nudo TO at nearly 2000m, I head for Colonna but it's sinking... I arrive at 1400m, just an 8:1 glide. I scrape and get under the summit before climbing out, then head for a cloud towards Pian - dissapates before I get there. Back to San Martino where I find the other two La Mouettes have gone off to Val Ganna - good decision, the cloud is building there. I get high again, CB at 2000m, then head for Sette Termine, but half way I chicken out because the glide isn't great and there aren't any good clouds. One of the La Mouettes is coming back, low.

Again up to 1800, out over Cuvio, trying to catch some small clouds, but I can't get enough upwind, so I retreat back to Nudo. On the way, get a good one, up to 1800m, and since I'm a km or so out I head for Campo dei Fiori. I make it OK and arrive at 1400m or so, along to the observatory, but the clouds either are out in front or behind the ridge: it's not working well. Back to Forte Orino, climb a bit to 1300m and go... circle twice in weak lift drifting north and the strategy works, I arrive at Nudo at 900m. Glide over the flanks of Nudo back to Sasso, climb up and the usual uncoordinated attempts at wing-overs over the restaurant.

Wind myself down behind Picurtz, it's a 2h53min flight, but I'm feeling in good shape, apart from a tad hungry and slightly queasy stomach. 30km FAI triangle, just by chance, but I won't be submitting any speed claims...

12:09:11 PM