Rain Rain go Away

...and take the wind with you

The run of miserable flying weather continues with a southern cyclonic cell now shipping in cold wind and soaking rains.

I had hoped that the run of breezy weather would have abated for at least a few hours to allow a quick flight. Having obsessively observed the tree-tops for signs of slackening wind on the weekend, I dashed down to the field late Saturday afternoon to take advantage of a drop in the wind.

Arriving at the field I noticed some occasional gusting in the trees but decided it was still calm enough to get the Walrus up for a bit of exercise. Very shortly afterwards, when the economical cruise speed left the Walrus stationary against headwinds, I had cause to reconsider my bravado. A few bumpy circuits later, including a full-power emergency climb to avoid a tree, I'd had enough and decided to bring the plane back in.

Coming in on approach the wing kicked violently and I suddenly realised that things could go horribly wrong very quickly and that, if I managed to get the craft down in one piece, I would have done well.

Fortunately, as the plane descended so the strength of the gusts eased, and I eventually could bring the plane in to kiss the grass in tranquil touchdown...

Drizzly Flight

...a quick flight before the rain moved in

I managed to get in a quick flight this morning before the showers reached the field in earnest. The odd speckle of rain was about as I prepared the Walrus for its morning run, but the heavy black clouds with tendrils of rain nearby portended the onset of heavy showers was imminent.

For the first time the kangaroos stayed on the field while I was flying, the lack of wind allowing me to launch from the near-side of the field without disturbing them too much. Sadly, turning off the road into the field I saw a dead kangaroo lying in the gutter - one of them had ventured to a reserve on the other side of the road but hadn't made it back...

Evening Rain

...four seasons in one day

The breezy morning turned into an immaculate day, becoming an overcast afternoon which  developed into showers, finally becoming an evening of settled rain. At this rate I can't see much change of getting into the air tomorrow.

Anyhow, it's nice to be inside listening to the patter of rain on the roof and garden, particularly as it's been a week or two since we've had any rain to mention...