Such a surreal little XC - my first from the infrequently flown Chalton Down. Its odd flying over places I've known so well for so long: I flew past my old house in Waterlooville. I then enjoyed views of the Skysurfing Club sites; Harting, Butser, Mercury and Whitewool. Then I flew past my workplace, sorry Steve, I know you were trapped there then. And finally I flew over my old, old house in Locks Heath on the way to my goal.
Chalton was its usual up and down, RJ and I were having an exciting time in the fickle spring thermals and dodging the bushes. I was lucky that I didn't miss anything while I was untangling my wing from a rose, then when I was ground handling again, I was lifted up and found some buoyant air on the right hand side of the hill. This wasn't formed enough to turn in so I headed out front and found a great climb beyond the railway line and was in business. Once up it was easy, as though there were few clouds, the distinct haze caps were all working. It got more complex after the pinch point between Fleelands ATZ and the Solent CTA as it was a struggle to stay below 3k' but dodging lift and using ears and bar made if possible to make my goal field. Retrieve was easy as after a short bus ride to Fareham, RJ (who unluckily didn't get away) picked me up in Fareham, thanks RJ!