Chamonix -Planpraz

Unfortunately, Vincent had to work today, so he 'sent' me to Planpraz, the site most often used here in Chamonix for solo, as well as for tandem pilots: easy access (gondola and just a few minutes walking), large TO (facing SW and SE) and a great view.

An interesting 'detail' about this TO here at Planpraz: in front of launch passes the cable car Planpraz-Brevent (gondola and cables can be seen near the bottom/ middle of pix). So, one has to pass under the cables after launching...

mountain spring: Gentiana alpina (commonly Alpine gentian)

SW-launch

..interesting cloud covering the top of Mt.Blanc...

Even though many pilots had been present on launch, it has been a pretty relaxed atmosphere due to a (more or less) steady headwind and ample space available. Thermals had been rather strong and punchy at times, so the wing needed to be flown actively, but no problems at all. Also, the wind at the higher altitudes (as indicated in the picture above) didn't influence the flying.

LZ 'Savoy'

After having enjoyed the scenery for a bit more than an hour, I landed at 'Savoy'. This LZ is just a 10-15 minutes walk form the gondola station to Planpraz/ Brevent, where I had parked my car - luckily in a covered car park, so the car has not been nearly as hot as it has been yesterday, when I had to leave it in the blazing sun :-)