April 22 – Bli Bli, Woombye, Landsborough, Caloundra to Gympie

After a late start we set off with Barry and Ann for a lovely drive up the mountains behind Nambour.  Stopping at various look-outs along the way we were astounded with the breath taking views consisting of steep valleys, ridges and valleys as far as the eye could see.

Our first stop was Le Coq (A Rooster) café, gift shop, private car museum and nursery - something for everyone.  Ann and I separated immediately from the boys and browsed our way through the quaint gift shop – lovely items – I wish I had bought something, whilst Kb & Barry perused the vintage car collection.

      

At one particular lookout we could see cities in the distance, every point north and south on the coast and the ocean. 

We walked down to the lookout at Kondalilla Falls – a very eerie position overhanging the cliffs. 

Arriving at Lansborough we walked through quaint little shops and were fascinated by the candy making.  It was great to see this art has not been lost by the trades people. The experts were stretching and adding flavours to the candy and when finished it became chocolate filled crunchy bites of warm candy.  Mmmm what a flavour buzz.   
We also looked through the chocolate and fudge shop.  Taste buds drooling.

We drove on to a very popular picnic spot the Mary Cairncross Park, where we enjoyed coffee and homemade cake and biscuits (mmmmm – I forgot to get the recipes).  The main interest at this park is the access to various walks through the rainforest.  The walks took longer than we had left so we walked some way and returned.  We saw an adult and young pademelon and heard the green catbird calling in the area.  It sounded just like a baby’s cry.

As the plans were to see the Qld Air Museum at Caloundra before flying off to Gympie, we set off again, enjoying the fascinating scenery all the time.

There were over 40 aircraft, numerous engines multiples of display cabinets on all aeronautical paraphernalia.  Its variety and vastness is well worth the visit especially as it is maintained totally by volunteers.

Back to the Stinson in her tie down area, we untied and pulled her onto the tarmac to find the tailwheel almost flat.  Barry had brought his compressor with him to pump up a slightly flat main tyre, we knew we had, but then found the tailwheel valve stuck and had lost all of its air.

Ann & Barry our saviours at Caloundra

At that time Seth Lees, an aircraft model builder had joined us to view the Reliant as he was building a scale replica.

With Seth’s help and Barry’s expertise in remodeling a right angle valve fitting they were able to inflate the tyre again. Whew…..

Dragging ourself into the air at about 4pm we called Sunshine Coast tower for permission to fly through their controlled airspace.  At our suggestion they also allowed a pass down the airstrip at 500ft agl to allow them a good look.  What lovely people.

Noosa Head



We cruised up the coast marveling at the beautiful beaches and coastal housing.  Turning inland and overflying Tony White’s strip we noted rain ahead but luckily it was west of Gympie.  Within minutes we joined on a wide left base for rw 14 and settled back to earth.

Mill (Vicki’s No.4 brother) was there to meet us, collected our gear, tied the Stinson down and headed off to Sam’s for dinner.

Gympie Airfield

10 year old Ella rushed out to meet us.  It had been 4 years since we saw her last.  She had grown heaps – especially her hair – but she is still the same gorgeous looking blond giggly girl.  She leapt up on me and gave the bestest huge hug.

We dined like kings that evening as Sam had prepared a beautiful feast.

April 21 - Australia Zoo Beerwah

The ultimate in World Class interactive zoos.

Steve may be gone but his legacy lives on.

A selection of photos from the day.

Terri Bindi & Robert in Crocasseum

April 20 – Gatton to Caloundra

Leaing Steve & Beatte at Gatton Airpark

Wow – How quickly time has flown.  30 days into this adventure and still so much to do.

We spent an easy morning with Steve and Kevin talking about aeroplanes whilst Beatte and I talked about teenagers, daughters and in-laws.  Lots in common – very funny.

Watts Bridge Airfield

We enjoyed a lovely lunch of home made vegetable soup with warm bread.  Beautifully prepared by Beatte.  We then completed a rushed trip into Gatton for necessary supplies (another bottle of Scotch) basic food and something to settle my stomach which had been upset for some weeks. 

Packed and pulled from the hangar we said our goodbyes and climbed aboard to fly the short leg to Watts Bridge.  Watts was a ‘must see” on Kevin’s list as it is very famous and has very good airshows.

Qld Aviation Mobile Museum Watts Bridge



 

 

Descending into a lovely wide open valley with a range of steep hills behind we joined downwind for runway 12, landing on a beautiful grass strip.  Being a weekday absolutely nothing was happening except for an unmanned aircraft operating locally.  Having strolled around the clubhouse and soaked up the ambiance of the area for half an hour we blasted off to fly up the Wivenhoe Valley over the infamous reservoir (Brisbane floods), past the Glasshouse Mountains and onto Caloundra.

Glasshouse Mountain



Arriving at Caloundra



After trying to source a hire car I phoned Barry and Anne Spencer (Corrie’s parents) and they came to our rescue.  Having secured the aircraft, they collected us and drove to Bli Bli where we settled in to drinks and nibbles on the verandah looking down the valley towards Maroochydore.

April 19 Tamworth to Gatton Airpark

Our plans for the day were to fly from Tamworth to Gatton Airpark – home of Steve and Beatte Ewing.  Gatton AP is only 20 nm east of Toowoomba and the total flight was anticipated to be about 2 ½ hours.

After packing our bags and checking out of the motel, we again phoned our trusty taxi-driver Russell (he was almost like a son to us by this stage!!) and headed off to the airport.  Russell helped us carry bags to the Stinson and we all spent some time talking about the Stinson until he headed back to work.  At about this stage I remembered I had left my bathroom bag back at the hotel.  Most annoyed at myself, the best suggestion I had was to phone Russell (again) and have him collect the bag and bring it back to us.  An expensive case of forgetfulness – cost us $25.00. :]

To ensure we had enough fuel, we had to taxi to the bowser – this required a clearance from the control tower.  Following refueling, we again had to obtain a clearance to taxi to the holding point prior to run-ups and take-off.



QantasLink at Tamworth



We initially misunderstood the directions and turned the wrong way.  The map in the ERSA of the field showed so many taxi-ways we had to ask directions from the tower – who assisted us kindly.  We passed a Qantas Link intrastate commuter – doing his pre-flight checks and parked next to a Cap10 (a trainer) to complete  our own run-ups.

Completing run ups, we taxied to the holding point for runway 12Left and were told to enter runway and hold as a twin engine was completing a missed approach on the same runway but from the other direction!! How unusual – we thought.  I finally spotted the twin, high in the air, he announced his completion of his missed approach and we were given permission to depart.   



Ravines just out of Tamworth



After departing I was amazed at how quickly the terrain changed from lovely  parkland to very steep bushland ravines.  The sky was clear and the cloud base at about 4,500ft so we were able to climb high to avoid the bumps.  We passed Inverell, Texas and Warwick – all in varying types of valleys and lots of water/reservoirs abounding.

 

more ravines - Tiger Country





Gatton Airpark

Kevin spotted Gatton Airpark first.  It was such a pretty sight.  A wide green landing strip atop a hill with houses and hangars all neatly built down one side.  Only 2 new houses were being constructed on the opposite side.  Steve and Beatte were not yet back from “BrisVegas” and we were warmly greeted by their neighbour Martin who gave us a cuppa before helping us push the Stinson back to the hangar.

Steve and Beatte arrived home soon after and we spent hours catching up on when we last saw each other etc.  Steve owns a Fairchild (under restoration) and a Nanchang.  He previously lived in Tyabb and flew regularly with Peter B and Bob A.  He misses that flying camaraderie but totally enjoys having his hangar with air strip all outside his door.



Stinson with Steve Newing's Nanchang at Gatton Airpark

 We were taken to a golf club restaurant where we all enjoyed ourselves.

April 18 – Tamworth AELEC & Touristing

It was nice to feel warm when we left the motel and headed out with Russell (the bestest Taxi drive in Tamworth) to the brand new Australian Equestrian Complex where the National Quarter Horse Show was being held.

AELEC Tamworth



Inside AELEC



AELEC indoor arena



  

The programme for the day was reining classes for juniors, rookies and open.  We were so impressed with the design and enormity of the building.  The stable complex held 400 horses. There were 2 full size outdoor warm up arenas, 1 indoor warm up round arena with spectator seating.  The indoor arena held spectator seating and room for supplier’s display cubicles.

We sat and watched lots of competitors warming up – some achieving awesome slide stops and roll backs in readiness for their patterns.

  

As it was cold inside we went out for a look at the stables and warm up arenas.  The temp was about 26 degrees so very comfortable for us.  After thawing out we bought a lovely coffee and went back inside to watch the competition.

Not knowing one good reining pattern from a bad one, we were impressed with the correct circles at various speeds, the stops and one-the-spot spins and then the sliding stops.  The judge’s scores were all within 4 points for 5 competitors and we couldn’t pick the difference.  One competitor received a zero score – and we couldn’t see what she had done wrong….poor girl.      



There was such a variety of awesome looking QH’s.  I was quite taken with the chestnut sorrel with roaning and full blaze and stockings.  His rider seemed very in tune with him and he was a pleasure to watch.



AQHA Hall of Fame



After taking in the AQHA headquarters Hall of Fame,  we walked a few blocks passing the Regional Entertainment Centre to the Golden Guitar Museum and Coffee Shop. 

Regional Entertainment Centre

Us at the Golden Guitar Museum

We thoroughly enjoyed the wax museum of country singers, both old and new. 

Smokey Dawson wax figure

 It was well worth the visit.

Calling our friendly taxi driver, Russell, we headed back into Tamworth for a quick repair job at the optometrist to my spectacles, which had fallen apart.  We then enjoyed wandering the busy main street – window shopping and picked up a windcheater each for $2.50.  Such big expenditure!!

Following the restful afternoon we walked from the motel down town to investigate eateries.  Kevin had noticed a rump steak dinner at a pub and luckily for him it was the first one we came to that was still open.  It was a lovely old style pub with dark wooden décor.  Kevin enjoyed his steak whilst I polished off salt & pepper squid (calamari) with salad.



April 17 – Luskintyre to Tamworth

The morning sky showed patches of blue between the clouds with quite a high cloud base.  After an all-in breakfast – mainly poached eggs cooked by Vince – the cleaning up and packing began for departure.

I took a long walk, (suffering a case of the sads cause it was my birthday and Kev had forgotten) saw some lovely Alpacas (one tiny cria) and beaut views of miles and miles of rolling hills in the distance.  Meanwhile Kevin moved the Stinson out, loaded her up and socialized with the Luskin crew.

Kevin W showed us through his cottage which is undergoing an addition of bedroom and ensuite.  It was lined with rough hewn timber with a polished original timber floor.  The fittings were all found at op shops and recycling centres and included the Kooka wood stove, cast iron heater, original sinks, claw foot baths (2) and the bathroom ceiling lining was corrugated iron.  It was truly homely and very comfortable.  It also boasted a cellar which held his wines and was used as a dining room on occasions.

We departed Luskintyre at 11.14am with a final flypast and headed off up the valley.  Countless massive coal mines dotted the landscape while we climbed to the cloud base of 3,000 feet.



Coal mine Hunter Valley



Heading for the hills

Arriving at Tamworth

Passing Musselbrook and Scone, our track took us up mountain valleys with rugged hills each side and little villages amongst farmland.  We experienced some rather severe mountain turbulence which had Vicki out of her seat (loose seatbelt), before descending into Tamworth’s wide open tableland.  With a right base onto runway 12R we landed at 12.10 pm gaining ample and willing assistance from the Tower boys.  We taxied to the fuel bowser then requested directions to a tie down bay.  A local gent – Stewart Kedar - offered us both information and help by giving us a lift into town and finding a suitable motel for the evening.  He later sent us beautiful photos of the Stinson at TW airport. 

photo by Stewart Kedar



Lizard sculpture in Bicentennial Park

We spent the afternoon quietly before taking a walk down town to see the end of the Tasting Extravaganza in the Bicentennial Park and past the pond with amazing granite animal and bird sculptures.  After purchasing smoked salmon, jam and a very healthy fruit/vege juice we wandered back through the lovely wide streets of Tamworth before partaking drinks, cheese and biscuits to celebrate my birthday. 

All daggers were removed from Kevin’s back after his bad start to today when he forgot my birthday!!!  See photo of him hanging from the yardarm atop the tower!

I really did want to hang him!

Tomorrow – the National Quarter Horse Show is on in town.  We are going.  Yippee!

April 16 – Rain Day in Luskintyre

Saturday dawned dull and drizzling with the rain increasing as the day progressed.  We spent the day watching videos, organizing our washing and drying, drinking copious amounts of coffee and reading books.

Stinson alongside Kevin Weldon's copter

Tiger squeeze (PS love CYA)

I couldn’t believe that Kev W had pushed his million dollar chopper aside so that we could squeeze the Stinson in out of the rain. There were at least 3 other Tigers in there already.  It allowed Kevin to spend quite a few hours cleaning the Stinson in the luxury of the hangar. 

The evening meal was a combined effort by Frank, Vince, Geoff and Kevin W resulting in a lovely chicken, mashed potato, rice, vegetables and casserole mix.  Wine, both red and wine flowed freely and the meal and conversation was all very much enjoyed until bedtime.

April 15 – Goulburn to Lustkintyre, Maitland

 Luckily for the us, the day dawned bright and clear so we were able to meet Kim Jones at the airport prior to our departure as planned.

Margaret and I did a spot of shopping before heading out to the airport where Kevin and Dick had already untied and packed the Stinson.  Marg said her goodbyes as she had her regular swimercise class on Friday mornings.

After a quick briefing and refueling we watched Kim take off in his Piper Cub Vagabond VH-KIM – a newly built, neat and clean Cub with beige colouring.

Kim Jones in VH-KIM

Cloud from fire smoke

Cliffs to coast

We said our sad farewells to Dick – he is such a true friend and aviator and he and Kev have so much in common.  We took off, caught up to Kim and took as many photos of his Cub whilst he formated on us even though the air was quite lumpy over the hills.  After quite a few good shots (and some bad ones) we parted company and set our heading over Mittagong and past Wooloongong with it’s breathtaking cliffs and then down to Stanwell Park on the beach where we had descended down to 1,000 feet to enter the Victor 1 Light Aircraft Lane – northbound up the Sydney beaches. 

Sydney city

Sydney icons

 Passing southhead and the entrance to Sydney harbour we tracked north along the coast past the beautiful city.  We were lucky to see most of the city in the gloom but the beaches were vast and clean. 

We passed Barrenjoi and the Entrance before tracking inland for Luskintyre.

Arriving over Luskintyre we saw a number of Tigers on the beautifully manicured airfield and managed a lovely three pointer to finish a most interesting flight of only 1hr and 45 minutes from Goulburn.

Arriving at Luskintyre

Luskintyre is the home of the LuskinTigers – a group of dedicated Tiger Moth owners including Kevin Weldon’s Museum and hangar and a Tiger restoration workshop run by Matt.  Matt has taken over the Tiger Restoration from Ray Windred who retired due to ill health 2 years ago.  He is a dynamic young LAME who is working hard to improve the business and has completed 8 Tigers in his first 2 years. 

Nancy Bird Walton Tower

There are at least 10 Tigers that fly from there as well as the restorations in progress.  New to the cluster of buildings is the Lady Bird Walton Memorial Tower dedicated to the wonderful aviatrix, who’s ashes were spread at this airfield after her death.

Later that afternoon Kevin Weldon arrived in his beautiful 6 seater jet helicopter while Geoff Kubank arrived by car.  We were welcomed into the club house by Vince with freshly made cappuccinos and settled in easily to this wonderful environment.  We were lucky to have flown in the morning as the weather was closing in and showers commenced.

We were dragged off to the Lochinvar Hotel for a pub meal with Kevin Weldon, Geoff K and Matt.  We had an enjoyable evening listening to Kevin W’s funny and tall stories blended with aviation conversation with Matt and Geoff.

As everyone else had imbibed too much wine or beer it was left up to me to drive home in the rain.  It was a successful trip with four “back-seat” pilots telling me what to do – we all arrived home safely.