August 15, 2020: “Austrian Headwind” [DAY 14]
Yesterday I called Simon and Pescha, to seek local guidance from guys who know the Oberengadin well. The launch I’m aiming for – Muntischè – will be exposed to the north-westerly pouring over the pass. They advise me to give it a try, but have the Plan B ready to walk up the other side of the valley if things become to rough. Simon also warns me to fly fast as he’ll be on my tail [no exaggeration, he did indeed fly from Fiesch to Oberengadin that day].
I’m accompanied by Michèle on my hike from Albula pass to Muntischè. The NW-wind across the pass is picking up, but there still are strong thermals coming up from the valley. By the time I’m ready to launch, the NW is pouring over from behind. I don’t usually cuss and swear, but felt this might be a good occasion to practice.
Admitting defeat, I heave my wing over the knoll and prepare to launch to the NW, into the wind. In the air I loop round to the south east, into the rotor created by the launch. I get pounded, but manage to core a moderately healthy thermal up to cloud base at 3300 m asl. I blast off down the valley.
Anticipating Flüela pass to be spewing out even more wind, I cross gingerly, following the highest peaks. And beautiful views. In the Unterengadin, at Piz Linard, the going gets tougher. At Scuol, I see gliders not getting above take off height. Cloud base seems to be coming down too.
I reach the border to Austria, already well within the reaches of the mighty valley wind. I push forwards past Pfunds, but don’t have the fight in me to fly further. I walk the rest of the way to Tösens.