Day 3 (Steve)

A tricky one weather wise today. Am learning the weather does pretty much the opposite of what they say it is going to do in briefing. Yesterday, no mention of thunderstorms and the late starters get caught out by thunderstorms. Today they say thunderstorms in the afternoon with the thermal graph showing the day finishing early so a short 2:15 AAT is set for 15m and 2.00 for 18m. All this means don't start late or you risk getting caught at the end of the day. As it turns out, no thunderstorms and the day got better the latter it got so a good day for the late starters although there were still some large tricky blue patches out on task to negotiate. I almost got caught out by one of these patches where all the initial clouds just disappear as the day gets organised and had to track cross course and then climb up from low level to get back on track. This slowed my cross country speed and put me well down the field for the day. Unfortunately I heard Brett on the radio landing out so he will be in for a long and interesting retrieve no doubt. Barbara and Nigel have gone to get him. John had an OK day at 16th but has a long haul to get back up the points ladder after his not so good day yesterday.  We are all looking forward to things getting better from here on in!

First on the grid for me today beside the Americans