April 5 Lethbridge to Apollo Bay

After a wonderful evening meal and sleep at the Taberners we departed for the drive to Apollo Bay.  Craig & Lara had lent us their Ford Mondo station wagon which was very roomy and we felt very privileged to be allowed to use their car.  We had decided to drive as we had been advised that the AB airstrip was not very wide nor safe since the rains.

The day was bright and sunny and after wishing Ian (Kevin’s brother) a happy birthday via telephone we headed off with advice on what we should see when heading for the Cape Otway lighthouse.  Our first stop was Torquay to refuel and buy supplies and then locate the entrance to the famous Bells Beach where all the international surf carnivals are held.  The beach access was very steep and the surf was almost non-existent however it was great to actually see this beach.   

 

Kevin & Nanny at Bells Beach


We drove on to Anglesea – a very popular holiday spot where famous landmarks are the two bathing beauties.

Bathing Beauties



Winding our way down the coastline, we were astounded at the beautiful views that opened up around every headland.  The teal blue waters and perfect white waves rolling onto yellow sand or craggy rocks is the perfect outlook for any holiday maker.  The hills got steeper and the houses fewer past Airey’s inlet and Moggs Creek – where the most spectacular pole house stood out against the sky line.

Round many u corners and 35km bends we wound further down the

Great Ocean Road

with the sun shining constantly on the beautiful beach & coastal views.  Lorne is quite a large holiday resort with many motels, shops and very picturesque.  Stopping at many view points to take photos we passed both old and new holiday homes, Kennett River Caravan Park and Skenes Creek until Apollo Bay opened out before us.

As Karen was still at work I decided to show Kevin the local airstrip.  We introduced ourselves to the local pilot and took a walk out to find that the strip though narrow, was well sealed and the grass alongside was quite long but the ground hard – we could have landed there after all!

I finally found the way to direct Kevin to Paradise where I had seen the most magnificent holiday chalets when I had visited a few years ago.

Barnam Road Paradise Chalets

The drive up was through tropical rainforest full of tree ferns and wrens.  Kevin & Nanny were most impressed with both the forest and countryside considering we were so close to the coast.  Coming up to the chalets we found that they were for sale – Oh how exciting…… And we found out that they were only asking 1.94m$  [read….cough, cough, choke…..choke]  Oh well, it was well worth the drive.  The entire valley was very pretty and appealing in the afternoon April sunshine.  On the return drive we stopped at the picnic spot where I had previously seen a platypus however he was not to be seen anywhere this time.

We drove to Karen’s place to wait for her to come home from work but were very surprised to find her and Kristy already home.  With much excitement, we greeted each other and the remainder of the afternoon and evening was spent:- settling in, chatting, preparing the room, chatting, organizing dinner, chatting, walking the dogs, chatting and just talking a bit (hehe) [For those who don’t know Karen was a great friend from Mundijong until she left some 3 years ago to move to Apollo Bay – so we had a bit of catching up to do.]

April 4 Echuca to Lethbridge

We cleaned up our cottage after preparing sandwiches for lunch.  Kev got a lift to the airport with Lorrie and Chris early whilst Mum and I stayed behind with just the food bags to bring.

We had time to kill before the airport bus so the lovely driver dropped us in town to enjoy a coffee in the morning sunshine and watch passing dog walkers.  We arrived at the airport about 10 am to be greeted by the Shines who were finishing tightening Staggerwing fairings and then were having a day in Echuca.



Grand Champion Stearman at Echuca

I helped clean up the clubrooms a bit and had a coffee before we departed for the short flight to Lethbridge following the Taberner’s in their C195.

We flew at 2,500 feet over very pretty country with some small hills and steep gullies.  Craig and Lara left us behind easily and we cruised on alone with a 10 knot headwind.

past Wind Farms to Lethbridge

We spotted Lethbridge in the distance and were instantly amazed at the layout of this all-over grass airpark.  We heard and saw a Gazelle joining overhead at the same time but managed to join downwind and landed on rwy18 before him.  It is such a pretty place.

Craig and Lara were unpacking their plane and towed it into a massive hangar which also held 10 other aircraft.  The property owner met us and directed us to a safe parking area.

We were given a lift to Craig and Lara’s also by John an AAAA member. 

What wonderful hospitality by other aviators – we couldn’t be in better company.

April 3 – Echuca AAAA Airshow Day

The freezing night dawned onto a bright sunny but slightly breezy day.  Kev caught a lift with Chris & Lorri to the airfield whilst Mum & I stayed back for a slower departure and food preparation morning.  We arrived at 9.45am with the airshow due to commence at 11.00 am.  The show opened with the Bagpipes Band playing down the taxiway.

Southern Knights Harvard

Aerobatic Formation

The first event on the programme was the Southern Knights Harvard formation aerobatic team.  They are a very polished and experienced crew who display at many events throughout the eastern states of Australia. 

 Following them was a Vintage Aircraft flypast display with



Kevin & Dick Nell after the display



1935 Stinson Reliant Gullwing (us of course)

1942 Beech 17 Staggerwing  (Shines)

1934 Avro Cadet with Clin Ashton Martin at the controls

1930’s DeHavilland Dragon (Colin) and a Dragon Rapide

1948 Cessna 195 flown by Craig Taberner

Kevin and Mum Elwyn outside RIAMA the Dragon



All machines have their own attributes with the Staggerwing being retract undercarriage showed her stuff at speed with the C195 sliding along not much slower than that at 135knots.  The Dragon & Rapide were quite slow but very elegant whilst the Cadet showed her paces and her great character.  Our Reliant showed off her huge wing to the crowd as her specialty is comfort and style.  Kevin had the honour of taking Dick Nell with him on this display.

The day's programme also included a helicopter, Winjeels, Lockheed 12 handling displays, aerobatics by the L39 jet trainer. Then Yak 9, Mustangs, Spitfire, Curtiss Kittyhawk and Warhawk and Hudson flybys. The major highlight was Australia’s Red Bull ace pilot, Matt Hall completing a detailed full aerobatic sequence in his MXS-R low wing monoplane.  It was a very exhilarating and crowd pleasing display.  The day’s event closed with the RAAF Roulettes Pilatus PC-9/A 7 aircraft team aerobatic display. 

The stream of departing GA aircraft was also very interesting for the public to watch due to the variety of aircraft ranging from Tiger Moths to homebuilts. 

We traveled home in style once again with Lorri and Chris in their rental car to relax again before our evening meal.

April 2 Echuca

Kev headed off to the airport for practice day whilst Mum and I planned a touristy day in Echuca.  Our first item to mark off the “bucket list” was a riverboat cruise on a paddle steamer.  So we booked a time on the Pride of the Murray and then bought food and staples for the next few days.  The paddle steamer itself was beautifully maintained  and well appointed.  We enjoyed a very calm cruise upstream and were surprised at the number of restored paddleboats there were on the Murray.  The tidal flow was very fast and many kayakers were taking advantage of it.

Pride of the Murray

Emmy Lou

Britannia

After the cruise we went into the old area of the wharves and wandered through craft shops including woodworking and ironmongers shop, the chocolate factory and many gift stores.  The town had a lovely chestnut horse pulling a lovely wagon on a tour of the main town blocks.  That wagon and horse passed us at least 6 times during our travels – he was very popular.  We also saw a banner advertising the Airshow which was planned for tomorrow (Sunday) and there at the bottom was a photo of our Stinson parked there in 2007.  (I could even see myself walking by)

The official AAAA event commenced with a dinner at the Airfield that evening.  A huge marquis had been organized with caterers.  The people and atmosphere were all friendly and a great camaraderie was offered by all attendees.  The meal was plentiful and well received on the cold night.  The MC for the evening was our friend, fun-loving Peter Bernardi and Craig Taberner announced the category winners.

Longest traveled was Rod Edwards, Stearman from WA…..

The President’s Choice was our Stinson Reliant from WA…….

The Reserve Champion was Chris & Lorrie Shine’s Staggerwing from WA…..

And Grand Champion was ………….  another Stearman from WA………

Once again, WA had blitzed most of the awards

The lovely black and yellow CT4 won Best Military and 2 Tiger Moths won Best Vintage and Best Restoration. 

We caught up with Dick & Margaret Nell from Goulburn, Colin & Maeva Smith from Croyden in NZ., Mark Michell from SA, Jim & Jenny Wickham from Tyabb as well as many other new friends from Victoria.

April 1 Echuca

Following a cereal and/or cooked breakfast put on by the RAAF I quickly headed off on the train to Tullamarine to collect Mum/Nanny Milly from her flight from Tasmania.  The train/bus journey took longer than expected and I was a bit late to meet her but with a quick turn-around we jumped back on the Skybus back to Southern Cross Station and then on the train again back to Point Cook Airport station. 

Arriving back we were collected by Brett, a lovely Point Cook staff member, who had lent us his car and been so helpful with any request over the Pilgrimage.  We also were met by John Bassi, a South African helicopter pilot friend of Jude’s (WA friend), who wanted to interview us to enable him to write an article on the Stinson.  John, his sister and family were very interesting and lovely people. 

Lineup at



beautiful Pt Cook

Catalina

We helped Mum aboard the Stinson and departed beautiful Pt Cook and headed for Echuca.  The properties under our wings were magnificent houses surrounded by lush gardens and then the terrain moved onto rolling hills to steeper river cutaways.   We spotted a few private airstrips set amongst the hills and ate our lunch as we cruised along.  With Avalon, Point Cook and Tullamarine airspace in the vicinity, all g.a. local flying must surely be very controlled.

I flew some of the way through lots of smoke haze and arrived at 2.42pm.  We were parked in the front row and after tying down the craft we caught the bus into town to our accommodation at the Caravan Park chalet.

By time we got settled in the chalet it was quite late but Kev walked back into town and bought bread and pies/pasties for an easy dinner.

March 31 Point Cook 90th RAAF Anniversary

Up early for bus transport to the airfield, I had been lucky enough to make contact with Karin Shulz a white shepherd breeder in Ballarat who kindly brought her 5 dogs out to meet me.  I had a wonderful time meeting all her girls and her new male pup from New Zealand.  My dog fix was fulfilled but I missed my Ajax all the more.

 

With limited time I rushed to catch the last bus. Once there, I organized myself, jumped aboard the Stinson and we departed Ballarat at 11.09 am for Point Cook, taxiing behind the Roy Fox in the Dragon Rapide then following us was Rod and Rob in the Stearman.

After a short 37 minute flight we spotted Point Cook airport in the distance.  What a beautiful location! – 2 airstrips surrounded by lush green paddocks, adjacent to the beautiful Victorian coastline.  “Truly a glorious setting for an airfield”.  We lowered our nose for a fairly wide circuit and landed softly on the grass strip alongside runway 17.

The lineup of aircraft on the grass was truly a spectacular sight and the military aircraft on the front flight line were very impressive.  After the ritual registration we were allocated our rooms and trudged off to find them. 




Point Cook approach



 They were called the ‘Condos’ being 2 story and quite new compared to many of the accommodation blocks.  Our itinerary was to include the formal event of the Official Dinner for the RAAF 90^th Anniversary but before that, we had time to experience the famous Pt Cook museum.  The standard and layout of all the exhibits was truly educational with lots of videos along the way.  We even found the information on the Stinson where she was inducted to the RAAF.  It was allocated A38-1 (which we knew) and was in Communications Corp for only 2 years.  The yellow brick road led us to numerous hangars with many static aircraft displays  concluding with the modern day F-111 – definitely well worth the visit. 

  One of the most unusual displays in the museum was the Bristol Military Boxkite which was almost complete.A truly exquisite work of art in fabric and wires.

We left ourselves an hour to prepare for the evening’s event and went back to our room to freshen up and get ready.  The organizers had requested that we dress in period costume for the era of our aircraft in aeroplane associated clothing.  Due to the ongoing plans of our trip we did not have the capacity to bring costumes for this event and Kevin had been too busy re-installing the engine to find any clothes.  I had however located a hat and dear Sonia had obtained a lovely little bag from her neighbor, so together with some of my regular wardrobe I dressed myself for the event.

Some of the costumes were truly amazing.

Following cocktails and appetizers outside (brrrrr) we were invited into the Officers Mess to commence the dinner.  The walls were adorned with paintings of present and past Point Cook Chief of Air Staff and Co A Force.  The evening’s event brought 5 past CoAF’s, local politicians, Event Sponsors (Qantas), Temora Museum, all town Mayors, and organizers together with the 140 odd pilots, co-pilots and partners.  The rooms were filled to capacity with all tables closely stacked.  The décor and food were all superb and the speeches though long were interjected with humour and inclusion of the pilgrimage participants.  One of the most appreciated men on this tour was Colin Griffin a 91 year old veteran who was still flying.  His witty comments kept us all laughing. {The next morning we were walking to breakfast and came up behind Col, who quipped “I’m at maximum continuous power – can’t go any faster}.  This man is an inspiration to us all with his attitude to life.

The winners of the event questionnaire were announced winning a day with the Point Cook Air force including a flight in a PC9.  The evening concluded with cutting of the magnificent cake celebrating the Anniversary of the commencement of the RAAF on this day 90 years ago.

March 30 Ballarat

Dawn photo by Keith

The dawn came very calm and warm.  We caught the complimentary bus to the airfield just prior to the briefing for the day’s leg. The bus dropped all pilots at their respective airplane parking areas – which we thought was a lovely gesture.  Every thing about this event has been so well thought out.  After breakfasting at the club, we had nearly 2 hours to kill until our departure time.  I went for a lovely long walk back out of the airport and down a quiet country road.  A dirt track at a corner enticed me and I followed it for quite a while watching a big mob of kangaroos bound off the track and down into a creek line.  At least 8 of the mob stopped and watched me as I soaked up the scene.  The male would have been over 6’ tall and all were in fat healthy condition due to the lovely rains the area had received recently.   I returned to the road and followed it around to the next aerodrome gate and entered past the Sports Aviation Association clubrooms.  This portion of the airport property was in vast contrast to the Aero Club as this had neat gardens, mown lawns, lovely caravans and fairly new clubrooms. 

I moved between the Austers and stopped at the Chipmunk owned by Murray who had won an award at the Temora function.  He had a bubble on his Chippy that was made in WA and was exactly the same as on our Chippi. (Glen and Kevin purchased three when they were doing their restoration) I moved onto the Yaks – all very tall and streamlined but with large paddle prop blades.  Past various other types and then had a good look at the Black and Yellow CT4 that had won Best Military.  This unit was very clean, neat and tidy and really deserved its award.

I finished my walk just in time to tidy a last few things and then climb aboard ready for departure.  Kev had been interviewed by a TV station WIN whilst I was out walking.   This trip James, another photographer was joining us.  We taxied out after the Dragon and Drover with the Stearman following behind us.  We took off on runway 23 at 10.27.  The sky was overcast with low cloud however the countryside below was picture card perfect.  Almost English type paddock squares as far as the eye could see interspersed with hedges and irrigation canals.  Once again the Stearman formated on us and James was able to get some lovely photos.  We were also catching up with the Drover who was only achieving 86 knots against the strong headwind. So------ we overtook the Drover – great photo opportunity and then left her behind.

We finally arrived at Ballarat at 12.10pm local time to a light shower on the windscreen.  We landed behind the Dragon and taxied up past  PC9’s to park on the tarmac out from the Aero Club.  A huge crowd of about 1000 people were there to see the arrivals and bus loads of school children were arriving constantly.  About 3,500 school children were given the opportunity to view all the aircraft as well as watch the Roulettes do their amazing aerobatic display over head.  The weather was bitterly cold but we were well received and fed in a hangar out of the cold wind.  We caught up with Jim and Jenny Wickham who had dropped a friend at Ballarat to join the pilgrimage.

We caught the bus into town to book into our hotel and then go into Ballarat for some sightseeing. 

 The amazing old buildings in the city were very well preserved and presented.  It is truly a pretty city with very wide streets, angle parking and a median strip garden down the centre.  We wandered into the Mining Exchange Gold shop which was the first purpose built gold exchange in 1880.  We browsed the historial information, natural gold nuggets and then the jewellery.  An exquisite nugget set in a white gold ring caught my eye and after a short discussion – Kev bought it for me as my Eternity ring. Its simply superb…..lucky me.  Continuing our browsing around the city we made our way back to the bus pickup point and then back to the motel once again for a quick turn around, then out to dinner at the Ballarat Golf Club.  It  was within walking distance from our Motel so we quickly joined the Shines, Murray and Andy and also “Spot” and “Philthy”, the aircraft ATC unicoms for the event. (For the uninitiated –Unicoms are radio controllers {usually ground stations} who listen to the radio calls for departing and incoming aircraft but don’t give advice unless needed).  Another fantastic meal at this club was had with much laughter and stories from the two ATC guys.  These groups of aviators are all truly enjoying this memorable event and everyone’s company.

March 29th Temora to Tocumwal

Alarm woke us at 6am and after a quick shower, breakfast and pack of the luggage, Ian drove us back to the airport in time for the 8am briefing.

After the briefing we had to make room for Keith Webb the photographer who was joining us on this leg.  We were able to offload some of our luggage into the Hudson and therefore were not overloaded.  The morning was very calm and warm and we finally departed at 10.06 am followed a couple of Yaks out on runway 36.  Rod Edwards followed us in his Stearman.    Keith was able to get some fantastic photos of the Stearman as Rod formatted on us.  A very easy 50 minute flight over pretty country was made more enjoyable by answering the questionnaire on the way. Our first sightings of Tocumwal airfield were vastly different to what we had envisioned.  The off duty runways were untidy and fairly neglected.  We landed on runway 36 a and were directed to a parking spot on the tarmac as a display plane.  The Tigers, Avro and Stearman were parked close by out on the grass but many other aircraft were parked about 300m away across rough long lupin stubble – quite a hike to the Aero Club.

The Club provided a light lunch and then we sat with the plane whilst the GILP (general icecream licking public) walked around and took photos of the craft.  Quite a number of school groups also came past and the conduct of these kids was exemplary.  I spent a short time catching up on the blog then we packed up and caught a bus back to the hotel where we had a rest and uploaded some blog posts finally.  Unfortunately I had not downloaded any photos so they were to be added later.

The evenings dinner booking was at the Toc Golf Club which was a short walk from our hotel.  A lovely meal was finished off by a rousing enthusiast speech presented by a local aviation veteran.  His historical knowledge of the US involvement in the development of the defenses in the area was of great interest.

March 28th Temora Start of RAAF 90th Anniversary Pilgrimage

A leisurely breakfast with Barb and Clin at Boginderra with cereal, fruit, yoghurt, toast and drinks which was a superb start to the morning.  Once again we ate on the verandah watching the local birds playing in the trees.

After a short walk down to the hangars we finished washing the Stinson and helped Clin and Barbara wash the Avro Cadet with the wonderful micro-cloths that Clin had sourced.  I also debugged the C150 just so she wouldn’t feel left out.

We flew into Temora just before lunch for registration for the RAAF 90^th Anniversary Pilgrimage which was to commence that evening with a dinner.  We lunched at the lovely Aero Club and got a lift into town to get Kevin’s iphone repaired and post the usb modem back to Anthony.  We wandered town for a bit and then returned to the airport in time for me to update some more blog story before the evening’s event.

The dinner was held in the Temora Museum with beautiful aeroplanes surrounding the tables.  Clin’s Avro was pulled into the museum to be part of the display.  The meal commenced with either a chicken parcel or beef served with bread roll.  The dessert was cheesecake, a fruit compote and lovely mini chocolate cup.

  

We sat at a table with the West Aussies – The Shines, Edwards, Pat &  (Rod’s co-pilot and his wife) Murray & Andy (ring-ins from Victoria)The evening had a fun questionaire relating to flying set by the Antique Aeroplane Association which was a great source of amusement to the evening.  Our table called themselves the WA Sandgropers. Speeches by the organizer Rod Luke, the Mayor of Temora, David Lowey – Museum patron and others were all well delivered. 

Following the meal the awards were given out.  The Longest Travelled was awarded to Rod Edward’s Stearman from WA (Yippee) Their prize was a book.

Then the best vintage aeroplane was given to Chris and Lorrie Shine’s Staggerwing from WA (Yahoo)

Best Military to the CT4 and best presented to a Chipmunk. 

Then the Grand Champion of all the aeroplanes was announced and it was…………. Kevin & Vicki Bailey’s Stinson Reliant VH-UXL from WA.  (Abso BLOODY lutely Amazing.  We won a beautifully handmade cabinet of Jarrah in which was a crystal port decanter and 2 port glasses and also a framed certificate.

Cheers all round for the WA contingent……. We blitzed the awards.

 

We thought we had muffed most of our question sheets so were very happy with the awards evening.

Very tired and satisfied we returned by car to our hosts beautiful home for the last time and after searching for Kevin’s lost glasses (found outside in the dark only 15cm from car tyre tracks) and also finding the money he had mislayed.

March 27th Albury to Temora

The following morning after Anthony spoiled the men with a cooked breakfast, we all headed back to the airfield and they put the cowls back on and prepared the machine for the next leg.  Meanwhile Vicki has mislayed the bigpond internet modem.  Much to her disgust Vicki couldn’t update the blog or get emails etc.  So with the offer of another loan modem from Anthony (we are indebted Ant….!) we set off from Albury with a flypast the tower en route to Temora.  Lifting off at 1.10pm we cruised at 2,500ft over pretty farmland with burnt off paddocks dotted here and there. 

We overflew Temora airport and spotted Chris and Laurie Shine’s Beech Staggerwing VH-FNS lined up with Rod Edward’s Stearman  – both also from Western Australia. 

We flew on the GPS heading direct to Clin and Barbara Ashton-Martin’s property where after landing Craig, Lara and 20mo (Annabel) Taberner in their Cessna 195 zoomed past at great speed and then landed to join us.  What a spectacular property we had been invited to stay at and the host’s home was truly beautiful.  It was over 100 years old and Clin and Barb had restored the existing home and added an impressive living “wing” with indoor pool, master bedroom with ensuite, laundry and another bathroom. 

    

We had afternoon tea on the verandah overlooking the airfield on which was parked the C195 and the Stinson.  We went down and washed all the bugs and red dirt from the Stinson and were very relieved to find that the oil leak had definitely stopped.

We met their two dogs Pepsi and Jackson and during this time Kevin realized he had mislayed a parcel of money and though we searched through every piece of clothing but could not find it.

We dined on pork with mango sauce with lovely vegetables followed by mixed berries and icecream.  (How am I going to stay trim on this trip?)

March 26th Horsham to Albury

Kev’s iphone was still playing up so when he woke and checked the time, he thought he had hours to spare but it had not rolled over to Victorian time and subsequently they were later than planned.  Vicki was to arrive at Albury at 1pm on the train from Melbourne.  They finally left Horsham at 9.03am and arrived Albury 11.35.  Maca’s good friends Bruce & Lisa with their 2 kids, Anthony Bulle, his Dad Bruce and father in law Allan were all there to meet us.

Anthony had arranged hangarage for the Stinson and by chance it belonged to the Mobil area distributor, Andrew Heath.  We had previously many dealings with and help from Andrew when Mobil were our sponsors but had never met.  Kevin was delighted to finally meet and shake Andrew’s hand after many years.  Meanwhile Maca sent Anthony to the train station to meet Vicki’s arrival from Melbourne.  After settling the Stinson in the hangar it was decided that we would lunch at Anthony’s and then return to the airport to trace and repair the oil leak prior to the RAAF Pilgrimage.  Ant. spoilt us with barbequed kebabs and a salad with fresh bread rolls all served in the bbq area.  The boys all headed back to the field whilst Vicki caught up with some sleep (hadn’t had more than 1 hour on the train since 6am the previous morning) and then went for a walk to stretch her bored legs from so many hours sitting on the plane and train.

About 6.30pm they arrived back after a successful fix of a blown gasket.  We hurriedly set off to the local hotel where Bruce and Lisa were waiting for us.  Unfortunately for us there was a swap meet on the next day after a tennis tournament that day and the pub was packed full and having trouble keeping up with the meal orders so we decided to get pizzas for the evening.  We joined Lisa and Bruce at their home and enjoyed a great evening with good company.

March 25th Gawler to Horsham

The following morning with time to spare, we went to Allan and Ruth’s home close to Marc’s to catch up and spent nearly 2 hours admiring their quality gardens,  With promises to bring Vicki next time, they dragged themselves away to fly the huge distance of 240 nm to Horsham.

With a departure at 9.40 am they cruised over pretty country side to have a look at Darryl’s old farm at Nhil.  Arriving at Horsham after 2 ½ hours they found that there was a 20+k crosswind - definitely too strong for the Stinson to handle.  The other strip was undergoing maintenance and totally US (unserviceable).  With a dilemma like this and after many go-arounds, they were almost considering moving on when a local engineer with a ground radio suggested an area that could be suitable for the Reliant.  With many precautionary flights and testing the area, with a vehicle showing the way, Kevin did a very short landing on a strip of ground alongside runway 18.  The only problems were:- a row of 4 foot (1.1m) high posts on one side, an 18” (45cm)  ditch on the other side and a 6’ high pile of dirt at the end of the cleared 200m area.  With (both eyes closed tight), Maca keeping a firm hold on his legs, full flaps and with a steep but slow descent speed Kev arrived firmly and stopped within 180m.  Maca let out a yelp of delight at the adrenalin buzz and Kev was quietly proud of his achievement.  Those of you who know the Stinson which weighs in at 1100 kg empty and 1,818 kg fully loaded, would realize that a 180m stop into such a dangerous area was no mean feat.

Upon arrival they found that Stinson had developed a severe oil leak and after topping up with 5 litres of oil decided that work would have to be undertaken at Albury the next day before continuing on the journey.

Kev’s long term shearing mate Darryl Argall was there to meet them. As in past times he took Maca and Kev home for a fantastic cooked meal and to catch up with Darryl’s wife Mary. They also had a drive around the flood affected areas of town where the water line on many street poles was at 3’ high.  The evening’s entertainment was superb, jokes and jibes all round.  The food - copious and with much alcohol to drink, the night finished up with very happy tired crew.

March 24th Port Pirie to Gawler

At 8.50 the next morning we departed to overfly Adelaide and head for Gawler.  Once again punching head winds.  Upon requesting to overfly Edinburough Military Airspace,  Adelaide radar refused clearance and directed us over towns X and Y – neither of which could be found on the maps.  We chose to track down the light aircraft lane to overfly Parafield and turn north to Gawler.  Our groundspeed immediately shot up to 140k due to the tailwind.  A speed like that is unheard of in the Stinson!

Reaching rwy 23, Gawler at 10.10am such a short pleasant flight – we touched down to find Mark Michel waiting to meet us.  We were one day late to catch up with Robyn – my sister, who had to go away on business – however they were fed, and accommodated by Marc at his beautiful property at One Tree Hill.

March 23rd Kanandah to Pt Pirie

Departed Kanandah at 6.56 am after a eggs, sausage & toast breakfast into the crisp Nullabor morning air and once again Maca took over and flew non stop (haha) to Forrest. Maca commented on how little there was to see over the horizon as far as he could see and at 500 ft agl there was lots (of nothing) to see.  We landed at Forrest at 8.42 with a slight down wind on rwy 18.  The lovely refueling agent and caretakers Lenny and Mary were there to welcome us having heard on the grapevine (airway gossip) that we were coming. After refueling – took on 140 litres and 2 litres of oil – we departed at 10.02 heading for Ceduna. We arrived at 12.52 pm after a leg of 2 hrs 50 minutes still with a headwind.

At 1.50pm as we were taxiing out to depart Ceduna a RPT (regular public transport for those non-air readers) came in.  We had to move off the runway and hold on the side to allow her to pass us.  As the RPT passed by the Captain quoted “Nice aeroplane. Bet she’s not still under warranty”!   We got underway and set our heading for Pt Pirie with a headwind we were only getting 90k groundspeed.  The weather started closing in with low cloud over the hills and showers west of Cowell.  So the decision was made to divert to Port Pirie. Inbound over the bight at 146k groundspeed we were soon on the ground at 3.53 pm with no chance of getting to Gawler before last light.  Luckily for us Steve Joyce the Pirie airport manager offered accommodation and a meal at his home.  The beautiful chicken baked in pastry and vegetables would make any chef proud and his hospitality was superb.  He is to be credited for his public relations to the general aviation as he is known for his hospitality to many traveling pilots.

March 22nd Mundijong to Kanandah

Departed Mundijong sharp on 9am with the first fuel stop being Merriden.  Arrived safely at 10.27am with wind straight down runway 10 - used 50 litres fuel.  With a 50 minute turnaround departed at 11.17 for Kalgoorlie trying to get good speeds and winds mindful of the big day ahead.  We had about 10 knots of headwind but still managed to cruise at 94 k.

Arrived over the top Kal at 1.05pm and landed on rwy 11 having used 2 litres of oil and about 193 litres of fuel since departing home. We ate some more of the goodies, biscuits, fruit, and cheese that had been so nicely prepared for us. Vicki SMS’d instructions through to us regarding the SPOT tracker as it was not recording on the website.  We departed at 2pm with Maca flying the plane totally except for the take offs and landings.  We sighted Kanandah Station and it was obvious that they had plenty of rain over the recent weeks.  There were lots of fat happy cattle sprinkled among the treeless paddocks.  The strip was dry with grass about 10 – 15cm long as we landed (at 3.45pm)- a sight I had never seen in all my years of stopping at Kanandah.  Both Mark and Karen were away unfortunately but the “rousies” welcomed us and after refueling and tying her down for the night we spent a pleasant evening eating a stew dinner with the rousies, we were allocated any empty stockman’s house where after removing 4 dead mice (complete with maggots) had a good nights sleep.

That was one long day for a first day out but we were very happy with the progress and the condition of the engine.

Tuesday March 22nd 9am Depart Mundijong

The morning dawned calm clear and sunny.  Everything was stowed neatly in the Stinson and all the weather forecasts read and re-read.  Kevin and Macca were set for departure with the essentials (scotch and camembert cheese ?) packed in.  The gathering of friends and family said their goodbyes and the old girl

 

faithfully roared into action and idled happily as they taxiid out.  One very sad Jacki (Macca's little dog) sat by the plane hoping he would come back out.  But Dianne had to pick her up and hold her as they moved past.

After warm ups and tests she dragged herself into the air with only 3 knots of a northerly cross wind and fully loaded with fuel it was defintely a heavy take-off.

The first fuel stop would be Merredin at 11 am.

To bring everyone up to speed.  Due to past plans and other circumstances Vicki had decided to stay home until Friday 25th and fly commercially to Melbourne to meet up with Kevin and Macca at Albury.

This will give her a chance to see Nikki, Cam and Bailey for one more time for the next few months.  There is definitely going to be a sad Nanny - having to leave Bailey for 2 + months.

NEW Departure Day looming

Well, things are much more happier and organised on the Bailey farm.  The 'old' engine is safely reinstated on the Stinson with some of the new parts to ensure long, safe hours of enjoyable flying.
The new departure day is proposed to be Monday 21st March to ensure we make it to the RAAF event commencing on Sunday 27th.
Thanks to everyone for all their concerned emails, calls and best wishes for our adventure.

                                        Kevin and Glen in his Chippi going for a fly together.

Disappointment!

Disappointment is an understatement!
After countless hours of checking and tuning parts, conversations with the engine manufacturers, changing of the oil pump, engine cowls off and on numerous times, test run-ups and flights etc etc, we cannot get the new engine to hold a safe constant oil pressure during flight. And its only 3 days till the departure date for Avalon.
SO the Avalon section of our trip has to be cancelled!
We are letting down our sponsors - Mobil Oil and the Avalon organisers who had booked us for daily flights during the air show as well as a prominent static position on the ground. 
Plan B, C, D, E, F now, is to use what components we need from the new engine and install them on the 'old' engine to enable us to at least make it to the RAAF 90th Anniversary Pilgrimage.
Therefore the new departure date will be around the 20th March.

What more can I say......I'll keep you "posted". (pardon the pun)

ENGINE TESTING, FIRST FLIGHT, RECHECKING, SMALL MODS

I think the weather has really been sent to test us.  After the engine installation was completed and signed out, the winds were blowing at 40 knots all day across the airstrip.  Following a few short test flights in the cool of the evening a few alterations and modifications to systems were identified and needed to the completed.

Those mods are nearly completed however the daily temperature has gone up to 40 deg Celsius. Definitely too hot to fly.

Departure day to Avalon Airshow is now only 13 days away.