Jay Honeck wrote:

experienced extremely high winds and record COLD temps. In fact, we broke
....
Initially after departure all was smooth -- but by 1500 feet we were getting
bounced pretty good. By 3000, we were inside a popcorn popper. Mary

A cold air mass and a strong heating sun gives you the best thermals.
That's why spring is the best season for soaring. Go to your nearest
glider school and buy a cross country flight or two, and you'll
understand this a lot better. Danger is, though, that you'll get hooked
and sell your engine.

Stefan