DAY 37 20th APRIL - TEMORA TO WANGARATTA

Temora Museum

Well life in a motel was getting routine. You get up shower, make a cuppa before or after, then wait for the breakfast to arrive at your door. I could get use to it!

Once again the plan was for Kev to return to the airfield to work on the oil leaks on the gaskets on Lady Bird’s push rods. He got a lift to the field from the motel owners at about 8.30 whilst Sarah and I finished tidying up and packing.

We stored our bags in the room and walked into Temora township which was only 2 blocks. Temora is a 100 year old town with very wide streets with deep gutters and drains. Many of the original buildings are still used as shops and all are in good repair. The town was busy and seems to be flourishing. Sarah and I browsed along shop fronts finding a few sales to purchase gifts for friends and clothes for Sarah (of course). We needed to purchase araldite for Kev and some fresh fruit and snacks for the next flight legs.

Meanwhile back at Temora’s Aviation Museum hangar Kev had degreased, thoroughly cleaned the suspected oil leak areas in preparation for overlaying the oil leak area with the araldite in the hope of stopping the leaks.

We met up again at the hangar where Kevin was waiting for the araldite. The chief engineer and he were jointly evaluating the situation and Kev proceeded to overlay multiple mixes of araldite to the offending areas.

Sarah and I spent the time having a guided tour through the Museum’s new project. The latest restoration of a jet engined "……………….."(oops forgotten) was in an advanced condition with all fuselage parts fitted and the wings ready for attaching. The engine was donated from a major airline and is encased ready for installation. They plan to have it flying by March 2008. The remainder of the museum is a room containing detailed information about flying aces, the Temora FTS and a relief of what the airfield would have looked like during the war. The main showcase of this museum is all the flying exhibits. In the main hangar were a MK XVI Spitfire, Bird Dog, Wirraway, Aero Cobra, Tiger Moth, Buffalo, Mitchell, Canberra and a Ryan STM 52. The theme of this Museum, privately owned by David Lowry, is that all aircraft have had something to do with active service with the Australian Air Force. Very impressive.

The repair all finished we flew out into the mid morning air. Once again facing miles of smoke haze from burning off visibility was restricted to 2 km. This leg was only a short flight to Wangaratta – previous home (for 20+ years) of Lady Bird when she was VH-CWM. Over the top we could see the huge domed hangar of Drage Airworld with a DC3 VH-AES parked out the front. We landed on the huge runway and taxied to the front of the hangar.

Drage Airworld Hangar Wangaratta

It is now fully utilized as a restoration business with multiple aircraft being worked upon simultaneously. They employ 22 LAME’s and were restoring an Aero Cobra, 2 Kitty Hawks, a P38 Lightening, a Corsair and a Mitchell amongst others.

We awaited the arrival of Graham and Dawn Whitehead (cousins of Kev’s) and they collected us all up and drove us to their lovely 40 acres property on the western side of town. Their home was a dream design and a pleasure to stay in. They had researched extensively their choices for everything for this house prior to building it. And it showed, from the timber cupboards and marble bench tops in the kitchen, roof line, upstairs room, guest bathroom to the decorator items and paintings it was truly a part of their family.

Us with Graham, Dawn, Meagan and Jessica

We relaxed over coffee chatting with Jessica and Meagen, whilst Dawn and Graham attended to business. A lovely home cooked evening meal followed with much lively conversation and laughter.

We heard from Ken at the Wangaratta Aero Club that Joe Drage would come out to the airport the next morning to see Lady Bird in her new livery.

DAY 36 19th APRIL - WEST MAITLAND TO TEMORA

DAY 36 – 19TH APRIL – WEST MAITLAND to TEMORA


The day dawned – well didn’t dawn actually – as thick fog surrounded everything. We could only just see Lady outside the fence and the rest of the property was blanketed.






Lady in the fog



Sarah and I got up early (GREAT!!!) and went for a jog around the airstrip portion of the property. It was 800 metres up and back with about 300 metres top and bottom. I can assure you I didn’t run much but Sarah did – so I think she’s getting fitter. I was just feeling old and cold!

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, with cereal, toast and tea as usual then showered, dressed and ready for the day’s visitors and then the next leg.





Lance Fletcher ? and Kev


Lance arrived and he and Kev talked of Lance’s life experiences and about everything aeronautical. He had joined the RNAC as an apprentice at age 14, gained his license for both airframe and engine, became Chief Engineer and remained so for 34 years. The humour is that although his life’s work was around the Tiger Moth, he in fact hated the aeroplane, and only flew it when forced to by circumstance. He didn’t enjoy flying Tigers because they were slow, cold and uncomfortable. Lance looked well for his 76+ years however his looks belied his health. He was suffering from leukemia and really has to take things easy. His family was still into aeroplanes – owning 3 Tiger Moths, a Chipmunk and an Auster.

Sarah and I went for an exploration of the abandoned farmhouse on the Luskintyre property. There was an International truck that had a wooden bench seat – the sides of which stuck out past the guards. We guessed you could fit 2 adults and 3 kids along the seat. There were also 3 Fordson tractors all in different stages of dis-repair. Under a collapsed shed were the remains of an unknown vehicle which had wooden spokes (they were in a remarkably fair condition considering I couldn’t identify the rest). We couldn’t get into the house but looked through windows to see piles of bottles, wood stove and cooking benches. Another area contained a complete but uncovered wing and numerous Tiger parts in disrepair. We could hear pigeons in the roof but couldn’t see them. Looking through another broken window we could see that the roof had caved in through the hall way of the house. We did wish we could get in and investigate further.

We wandered back through the long wet grass, around the Duck’s Pond, onto the Dam island then back to the clubrooms. The fog had nearly cleared as it was 11 am.

We flew out of Luskintyre out of the Hunter Valley in considerable haze then up over the gorges to overfly Mudgee and turned south for Bathurst. We stopped for fuel and watched two gliders being towed out for numerous short sorties. We received a complimentary radio call about our aeroplane being so beautiful. We took off on the downward slope of the Bathurst strip and flew toward the famous Bathurst racing circuit and the Mount Panorama sign on the hill. What a iconic Australian sight.

On to Temora we flew through dense smoke from a bush fire to the north west with visibility down to about 2 miles. This cleared and we descended into Temora by about 4.30. Tied down and settled into a local motel for the night.

Visibility through smoke from fire

DAY 35 18th APRIL COFFS TO LUSKINTYRE

Crescent Head Coffs Harbour

We didn’t really want to leave this great place there was plenty to do however we wanted to get closer to Echuca before the airshow in case weather caught up with us. The plan was to fly short legs via Luskintyre, Wangaratta then Echuca by midday Saturday.

We taxied into Coffs large shopping centre – posted off Mick’s phone charger that we had accidentally packed (Oops Sorry Mick). Bought groceries for our evening meal as the clubrooms at Luskintyre were self contained and no shops for miles around. Back at the airfield we packed (stuffed) all the extras into Lady and blasted off over the beaches down the coast until Taree where we stopped for fuel.

Taree Aero Club refuelling stop

At Taree Aero Club we met Brian (G?) a local aviator who was restoring a Tiger Moth. He kindly showed us through his project and spent time with us while we lunched in the beautifully maintained Aero Club. Although in his 70s, due to unfortunate circumstances he and his wife were parenting 6 of their grandchildren aged between 6 and 14.

After Taree we turned West via the same track we had flown out from Luskintyre only seven days before. It seemed so long ago – we had been so far and done so much.

The beauty of the valley astounded us once again with miles of fertile open farming country. We searched in vain for Ray Windred’s house – as he had given us directions – but to no avail. So we trundled onto the airfield and the familiar clubrooms. ]

It had only been a 2.5 hour flight so we were refreshed still – had plenty of time to tie down, unpack then wander around and chat to everyone. Once again Lady attracted plenty of attention from the Tiger enthusiasts.

On arrival Jeff Kubank’s freshly restored yellow Tiger was starting up for another local flight to complete his run-in schedule prior to the trip to Echuca for the airshow. His restoration standard was exceptional and he reported it was flying “hands off”.

Old Mobil Signs at Luskintyre

Kev also caught up with Ray Windred and took photos of the rocker hat clamping system which Ray uses to rejuvenate flattened hats. Ray is the ghuru of Tiger restoration on the east coast having some 22 projects in his hangar with considerable reserves of parts yet to be touched. He unfortunately has been suffering from colon cancer but after radical surgery, sporting a scar from chest to crutch, he has it under control and managed.

Jeff Kubank, Cookie and Vince came in for a drink and a chat for an hour before heading off home. I then cooked our chicken kebabs, served up with salad and we enjoyed our meal in the large club house main room. Then Ray Windred arrived for his “Tiger talk” and whilst Kev and he compared notes Sarah and I settled down to watch Mcleods Daughters – our favourite show that we hadn’t seen for a while.

Kevin had contacted Lance Fletcher to visit next morning. Lance was an old Tiger associate whom he had met in 1976 when Allen Wilson took him for a fly in VH-ADW at Maitland. Lance was the chief engineer of the Royal Newcastle Aero Club and kindly gave Kev a Dragon Rapide ferry tank which was then in turn, installed in VH-BAR (Tiger 66) as the long range fuel tank.

That evenings bedding plans was for Sar and I to be in one room as they were all bunks. Kev with his noisy Cpap machine was at the other end of the hall. Unfortunately I had chosen the lumpiest mattress and after tossing for 2 hours I changed rooms. I did sleep better however had to listen to the Kev Cpap fighting noises as usual.

DAY 31 - 14th APRIL GYMPIE

KILKIVAN RIDE
UXL TO BUNDABURG & HERVEY BAY


Kev and I slept in the bus which was very comfortable and self contained. We awoke to birds chirping, galahs and sulphur-crested cockatoos screeching. There had been a slight dew but it was quite warm. Everyone gets up early because the roo needs his early feed so they take him back to bed for feeding.

Just after breakfast Sam brought Isabella over. It was so nice to see Sam again. We hadn’t seen her since they left Perth just after their wedding and that was over 7 years ago. Mick and her have since separated but remain friends and co-operate in the raising of Ella. We were both so overwhelmed we clung to each other and cried. And there was little Ella! So small and so beautiful. Of course, we had seen numerous photos of her over the years but to see her in real life was awesome! Her beautiful smile and those eyes!

Kev took himself to the airfield. He had planned to fly to Bundaberg to have Microair try to repair the transponder fault – once again. Unfortunately nobody was able to go with him for the fly. He departed about 8.30 and I acted as his SAR to ensure his safe arrival.

The day’s plans unfolded to attend the Kilkivan markets and view the parade of horse riders. The Kilkivan annual ride is for any rider and horse who wishes to do between 40-80 km ride through rough bush country. After the ride they congregate at the end of the main street and ride en-mass through the street. I have never seen 900 + ridden down a street at one time. It was awe inspiring. So many different sized horses, ages and breeds, colours and types. All of them hot and sweaty. The riders ranged between authentic stockmen, both aboriginal and white, riding groups, families and even some riders representing the light horsemen.

We browsed up and down the roadside market stalls viewing the variety of crafts, horse oriented goods, assorted local foods. One stand also offered outdoor solid wooden benches – for only $300.00.

We returned home with such good feelings from such a unique event. Dinner was a combined effort of cold meats and salads with Sam and Cathi preparing and me supervising! Great evening of togetherness.

The next day’s plan was to drive to the coast for a picnic lunch and see Rainbow Beach – a sight I had fond memories from 25 years ago when Mick and I traveled Queensland.

Sarah and Isabella

DAY 34 - 17th APRIL - DAY AT COFFS HARBOUR

The previous evening’s discussions resulted in Kevin wanting to wash Lady Bird before we arrived at Echuca air show the following weekend. Coffs seemed the ideal place to stay for the day especially as I had cold symptoms, once again, and didn’t want to fly with ear ache and a sniffly nose.

Prior to breakfast Sarah and I took a walk/run along the beautiful beach in an effort to regain some lost fitness. Back at the unit and after Sarah investigated the motels aviary and found quail babies out of the nest and being attacked by ants. A call to the owner and we rescued 3 babies – de-anted them and breathed life back into the weak ones. One baby was too weak and was quickly and quietly disposed of.

PET PORPOISE POOL

After breakfast all three of us walked into town via the beach. Into a small shopping centre we had lunch at a café – mmm the best quiche (spinach and ricotta) I had had in ages. Then we walked to the Pet Porpoise Pool. We arrived there in time for their 1pm dolphin show.

Sarah getting a kiss Rolling the Barrel Through the Hoop

When the commentator called for volunteers I offered – I thought why not? I wouldn’t get another chance. So I got to hold a fish up on the end of a pole and the dolphin leapt up and got it! The dolphins and seals kept us spellbound for nearly 1 hour. Then Kevin took off for the cleaning job at the airport. Sarah and I stayed at the Centre patted the dolphins and seals, fed the penguins and watched a reptile show.

We wandered home tired and happy by late afternoon and Kev arrived home soon after. We then freshened up and took the 100 metre walk toward the beach and had our dinner at the local Bowls Club restaurant. Once again a lovely meal in clean surroundings for a reasonable price kept us very happy. Back to our apartment and a good nights sleep = my head and earache were clearing.

DAY 33 - 16th APRIL - HEADING BACK SOUTHWARD

GYMPIE via CABOULTURE TO COFFS HARBOUR

The morning dawned bright and clear but tinged with sadness as the two cousins who had just met each other had to leave.

Up on the hill at Lady Bird we packed the luggage with the usual efficiency required while photographs were snapped in the dozens. At final time for departure the two girls clung to each other. Ella not realizing the occasion remained all smiles, as did Sarah on the outside until we finally roared into the morning air and she broke down and cried. I could do little to comfort her.

We flew down over the valley passing Tony Green’s very impressive property with it’s private airstrip, pools and multiple storied houses. We did an orbit over the place just for a good look and then continued out to the coast. Our next port of call was to be Caboulture to meet Colin and Lyn Newlove and to see their Stinson Reliant SR9E.

Stinson Reliant SR9E & 8C Colin & Lyn Newlove

Flying around Noosa Heads and along the beaches and then into Caboulture airfield. We taxied in around the end buildings to see the Stinson proudly parked out in the sunshine. Wow it was awesome to see another Reliant. She was painted red and cream in the reverse of our scheme. We parked Lady Bird along side and piled out to meet Colin and Lyn. They took us off to the local pub where we enjoyed a seafood platter and chatted long about flying and restoration.

Their Stinson has a USA history, having been brought into Australia some time ago and they purchased it from Rob Black. It was great to compare the differences being wrap around windscreen, wind down quarter window and minor differences in seat types etc. She was undergoing some repairs on belly and undercarriage skins therefore not flying. They have it up for sale however as both Newloves consider themselves the “custodians” of their aircraft and feel it should go to another home who feel the same. They gave us a block mounted aerial photo of VH-UXL in her CWM days. It was great – the first flying shot we have of her from her past.

Gold Coast

Back past the Gold Coast again – this time in full sun shine – certainly looked more impressive. The Seaworld centre looked very inviting and all the water-ways were very blue and tropical. We tracked for Coffs Harbour airfield and made an arrival over the beaches onto the short strip. Upon arrival we were surprised to see the Hempel unknown aircraft type parked on the grass. We had just missed an airshow that weekend and were advised that quite a number of aircraft had made it successful. Our attendance would have been very welcome. We parked in front of the local helicopter joy ride business and tied her down. Tracey took us into town and found us a motel to stay in for the night.

The Sheridans on Prince was a great motel – our apartment had two separate bedrooms, kitchen/lounge area with separate bathroom and even a laundry only for $95.00 per night. As I wasn’t feeling very well I went to bed early whilst Kev and Sarah made themselves a light dinner.

DAY 32 - 15TH APRIL GYMPIE

TIN CAN BAY & RAINBOW BEACH

The day’s plan was to all go for a picnic on Tin Can Bay and to see Rainbow Beach. A huge picnic lunch bag was packed by Cathi. Kev, myself & Sam traveled in one car. Mick Cath, Sarah and Ella in the other car.

The morning at Gympie was warm and humid however as we drove through rainforest type country side it became overcast and it rained as we arrived in Tin Can Bay. We parked on the grass in the shelter of trees. Sarah, Ella, self and Bridie chased crabs on the beach with the outgoing tide and jumped puddles whilst Bridie chased her Frisbee.

We ate well of chicken, ham, coleslaw etc followed by apple pie and easter eggs (donated by Ella from her stash).

We drove onto Rainbow Beach and initially walked down onto the beach to check out the sand for driving along. The cliffs were badly eroded and there was nothing in place to protect them from vandalizing humans. Ella and Sar had a great time playing in the dripping water run offs, investigating caves and generally having fun. Ribbons of coloured sands were no longer evident as I had seen back 20 odd years ago. We drove about one third the length of the beach and saw some examples of coloured sands and turned around as the tide was turning. We drove up to the local shops and after an enjoyable icecream we bought sand mementos.

Sarah and Ella in Cave

Rainbow Beach

After leaving the beach we stopped at Stears Creek for a swim in the clear fresh waters. Ella wanted to show us how she could swim but the water was very cold. She did eventually get brave and swim for a short distance sticking close to Sarah. Sam, Sarah and Ella did a lovely short walk down the creek together.

Sam Sar and Ella at Sears Creek

On the trip home we took Sam to see the Stinson then Sam back to her home as Ella was staying with us and Sam had work next morning. A very sad moment for all of us as we didn’t know when we would see her again. Then back to Micks. They had taken Sarah to meet Sonya the animal rehab ghuru for their area. Sarah was totally in awe of this tiny aged woman who has 6 plus joeys in pouches at any one time and 30+ wallabies and roos come in daily for feeding.

We ate pizzas for dinner and retired early ready for our departure next morning.
It had been a great experience to spend such quality time with Mick, Cath, Ella and Sam.

DAY 29 - 13TH APRIL - ARCHERFIELD TO GYMPIE

Rob Rosa Ben & Zac Flynn

A lovely relaxing breakfast with Rob and Rose was welcomed after a great nights sleep. The boys and Rob were lounging together enjoying each others company whilst chatting with Kevin. Rose and I helped prepare breakfast for everyone before packing our bags and heading back to the airfield.

We were very impressed with the houses stair case and built in aquarium. Great idea.

It was great to see the surrounding suburb in the morning light. The Flynns had purchased their house in a very secluded suburb only 10 minutes from the Brisbane CBD. The house had parks and bikes paths within easy access and the boys’ school was only 5 minutes away by car. They were well and truly enjoying their new Brisbane life.

Back at Lady Bird we loaded up and prepared for the day’s flying once again. Saying goodbye to the Brisbane skyline we headed once again through a GA corridor to the north. Past unusual spike-type mountains - but the skies were overcast so the view was hazy. The terrain was not as hilly as I imagined but when the airfield came in sight at Gympie it was evident that it was an uphill gradient. The field is set on top of a hill and offers 360 degree views of all the valleys.

Mountains en route to Gympie

We arrived positively and taxied to the clubhouse grassed area to unpack and tie down. As we were a little earlier than planned Uncle Mick and Cathy were still coming in from the town………they arrived about 10 minutes later and drove around to Ladybird. It was fantastic to see Uncle Mick again and Cathi seemed really nice. We piled into his car and he drove us through the pretty town of Gympie. We wondered why the town was built on hill and dale and were told that it was first settled as a mining town therefore it grew around the mine. It hosts a multitude of businesses and rural areas with pineapples being its most prolific crop.

Whilst Mick and Cathi shopped we walked around the main street of Gympie checking out the shops. We ate at a lovely bakery, bought a few necessities to help out for meals like apple pies, scotch and dry ginger! I found a lovely pair of leather shoes so Kev bought them for me as an early birthday present.

Back at their property Cathi introduced us to their pets. Sarah was delighted to meet Bridie the Kelpie cross who excelled at fetching and catching Frisbees, football, toy ball whatever you asked for and was very obedient. Saffi (Safron) was the female seal point Siamese and (oops forgotten) was the male Tabby point Siamese who was very shy and scared of strangers but very beautiful. But best of all – Cathi is into animal rescue and had a baby male Eastern Grey kangaroo of about 6 weeks old. He was on 5 hourly feeds, just furred and beginning to sticky beak out of his pouch. She had just passed on a possum and baby bandicoot to the next stages of rehabilitation the previous day.

We planned to stay for 2 days (at least) to meet our 6 year old niece Isabella. It was going to be very exciting.

DAY 28 - 12TH APRIL PT MACQUARIE TO BRISBANE

We awoke to another clear beautiful morning on the NSW coast. After breakfast in the restaurant of the Palm Court Motel and collected our washing – all neatly folded by our hostess Lorraine we headed off for a walk into town. Kev needed a hair cut and us girls needed clothes browsing time. We also were having computer problems and so dropped into a store where the tech. found and fixed our problem in no time. Due to Easter holidays I had not been able to access Bigpond to update our system and we had overrun our monthly usage. But we are all fixed now (all thanks to the tech) J

The shopping was enjoyable with lots of tourist shops as well as commercial chain stores.
I purchased some light weight jeans as well as new sunglasses. We walked to the water front and along the foreshore. Tied up at the jetty was the wooden tri-masted ketch the Alma Doepel. I remembered the name as my Dad had worked on it in his younger days and Mum had painted a painting of it. We were going to take a look over it, when I received a call from Deb back at Colwyn Park.

The Alma Doepel at Port Macquarie Jetty

Unfortunately the news was that our young Roo, who had injured herself again, had died. We had a long chat about all the other ‘family members’ back home – and confirmed that they were all well. As the mood was somewhat subdued we wandered along the foreshore back to the township, then purchased sandwiches for our lunch stop, tracked back to the motel for our luggage and taxied back to the airfield. After refueling and re-packing etc we headed off for our next stop.

The sky was somewhat overcast but the coastline beautiful. We overflew all points and bays and made a point of circling the Byron Bay lighthouse – the Eastern most point of Australia. So we had flown as far South and East in Aussie as well as commencing from the West. In between beautiful beaches and inlets were either scrubby tree-covered wet lands or hills that rolled down to the sea.

We passed by Coolengatta with it’s busy airport, the miles of marinas and the high rise buildings of the Gold Coast. One building the Q1 was higher than any building by at least 10 stories.

Gold Coast Skyline!! Visibility not good.

The ongoing mile after mile of man-made housing lots perched between waterways was almost boring. We wondered what would happen in the event of a tsunami or tornado or even a large storm. Would these houses survive?

The greatest view was of Sea World with it’s huge ferris wheel and pools with multiple shows ongoing all day. We were envious that we could not go down there to see it all.

We left the coast to enter the GA corridor into Archerfield. Careful navigation ensured we did not enter controlled airspace. Recognising the landmarks was a little easier due to the helpful traffic controllers. Archerfield seemed huge. The dual runways running 10 were easily accessed for full-stop landings from a right base entry. We landed reasonably well considering the cross wind and taxied all the way up to the parking grassed area. Outside Barry Hemple’s hangars were two very unusual planes. Neither of which we could recognize.

Brisbane skyline from airport Unknown type of craft - Hempels' Brisbane

Whilst unpacking we phoned Rob Flynn an ex-Swan Brewery supply manager who was promoted to XXXX in Brisbane. He and his wife Rose and their two boys Ben and Zac had moved here only 4 months earlier. Rob made arrangements to collect us. Whilst waiting we strolled around the local cemetery that was started by a local family – very interesting stuff.

Back at the Flynn’s 2 story home, we enjoyed a Bar be que (listened to the cane toads in the garden) and chatted long into the night before settling down. We never did see a toad that night.

DAY 27 - 11th APRIL - SYDNEY via LUSKINTYRE TO BRISBANE

Narelle kindly drove us all the way to Bankstown Airport. A huge journey across town through areas not known to any of us. Kev was also in search of upper cylinder lube and needed to locate the product. Not an easy journey and it took hours.

She was fascinated by the plane and climbed aboard for a photo or two before we finally got clearance and departed Sydney skies heading north. Just out of the field and in the general light aircraft corridor, it was difficult to navigate our way through unfamiliar landmarks. I had woken with a headache and it became worse as I tried to concentrate. Sarah and I traded seats and I rested on the back seat to try and ease the pain.

We tracked via the Entrance and then up to West Maitland before trying to locate Luskintyre - the mecca of tiger enthusiasts in Australia. After cruising around the beautiful Hunter Valley for about 10 minutes, there it was - a beautiful all over grass field with a yellow tiger sitting on the green grass. WHAT A SIGHT!!!

Lady Bird at Luskintyre Clubhouse Luskintyre

Jeff Kubank's newly restored Tiger

Ray Windred, Jeff Kubank, Vince and Terry were all working on Tigers and a tractor was busy mowing the already beautiful airfield. Geoff’s tiger is just out of a total rebuild and looks great! He was doing the final tweaking of rigging and putting some time on the engine ready for its airshow debut at Echuca.

While Vicki, still suffering from a shocking headache, put her head down for a nap, we caught up with the guys and explored the museum and hangars. After a cuppa with Ray we saddled up for the run to Port Macquarie. Vicki’s headache had eased, thankfully, although not gone!

This entailed a flight up a beautiful mountain valley to Gloucester through the Williamtown airforce restricted access lane at 1000 and then 1500 feet. Absolutely magnificent scenery!!! Then up over some rugged country (spectacular) and on down to Port Macquarie.

Our descent into PM was superb with dead-smooth air and not a sound from the radio despite our numerous in-bound calls. So we slid around for a base entry onto 03 as the sun set to our west over the mountains. To our amazement as we turned final at 500 feet we were confronted with a twin on short final at the other end of our runway!! An instant go-around also found a large commuter sliding downwind for a landing on 21 – so we flew wide and joined down wind for 21 following the RPT.

It seems the pilot heard all our transmissions but for some strange reason we did not hear them and were un-aware of their presence until it all happened. Exciting what! A post landing discussion with the RPT pilots soon clarified things and all was well.

The usual tie down, de-oil, tidy up etc. and we were offered a lift from a hire car operator, Terry. He had a lovely green Alexander parrot on his shoulder (Charlie) who chatted to us on the trip whilst we located a Motel with vacancy. A very pretty town, P.M. is settled on an inlet and very touristy but a delight with friendly people and lots of eye pleasing sights.

After a great meal at a Chinese restaurant we walked back to the motel, planning the next day’s flight and settling in for the night.

Country side Luskintyre to Port Macquarie

DAY 26 – 10TH APRIL – SYDNEY TARONGA ZOO

Photos of Zoo to come later!

A day at Taronga Zoo – what more can I say. Great trip across the bay on ferries, hours of leg tiring walking around the zoo. Watching fantastic seal and bird shows. Eating whatever food you can find. Very tired and happy trio ferried back to Rose Bay after dark.

Taxi ride to the Iceberg Club at Bondi for pre-dinner drinks with the Bailey/Capabala family. Long walk around Bondi beach and beyond to find a restaurant that could fit us in. A fantastic authentic Italian meal with foods Sarah had never tried before. Bruschetta, garlic bread, pancetta and thin tasty pizzas with fantastic toppings. Sorbet icecream to follow just in case we were not stuffed full. Stimulating conversation with Jacapo about eating styles and what NOT to eat together. Great learning curve – thanks Narelle and Jacapo.

Another late night we fell into bed after making arrangements for going out to the airport the next morning for our departure.

Narelle & Sarah in Lady Bird

DAY 25 – 9TH APRIL – GOULBURN TO SYDNEY

Dick & Margaret En route showers River gorges

Another cool morning in Goulburn but we had agreed to join Margaret in her aqua aerobics session. The pool was indoors and well heated so it was great once in. Sarah and I swam a few laps to warm up then joined M and her two friends in an hour long session of muscle stretching and toning exercises. Well M showed us how flexible and fit you can still be at age 75+. She was great. We felt so much better for having had the exercise.

Kev and Dick had ventured out to the airfield – Kev to fit the transponder (possible fix) and Dick practiced for his display for the up-coming Echeuca Airshow. His display was as good, Kev said, as any pilot half his age. He flies the Stampe as if it were part of his own body. A true showman.

We all got together over lunch and planned the next leg of our travels to Sydney and beyond. Dick and Margaret have flown extensively around Australia so are invaluable in their advise in where to fly for the best scenery and routes.

The flight to Sydney – Bankstown was very pretty via open farming valleys then steep ravines and few rain showers. The entry into Bankstown via the corridor was challenging especially when an eagle appeared right in front of the plane. Just missed it. Bankstown airport was very busy and an adjoining runway with aircraft landing alongside (doing touch and go’s) was a little off putting for Sarah – who is always looking out for other aircraft!

Entry to Bankstown

We packed up lightly – jumped aboard a taxi, then trains until in the city where niece Narelle and her mad friend Monique met us at the train station.

Yeeha time. Off to her place where they had numerous friends and family over for a lunch!? They had awaited main course for us – how nice. Narelle’s brother Aaron and his new lady Saba, together with Jacapo’s parents from Italy – Luciano and Paola were all there. It was so nice to see Claudia again. She is nearly 3 now and so much fun. The roasts of pork and lamp with 8 mixed veggies was delicious especially with all the wines and assorted drinks that flowed. Tiramisu followed and then Kev sampled all the assorted liquers going around. What a fun filled night.

Sarah agreed to be a email pal with Luciano Capabela to help her with her Italian. So now she will email him in Italian (or English if it doesn’t make sense) and Luciano will reply to her in Italian or correct it if needed. His English is quite good and he’s had a very interesting life as a marine biologist.

We retired to our booked hotel – the Cranbrook in Rose Bay for a good nights sleep.

DAY 24 – 8TH APRIL SUNDAY GOULBURN

An assortment of Hot Rods - Goulburn

Had a washing and tidying up morning enjoyed with our hosts’ company.

The big event planned for the day was the Hot Rod Annual Convention being held in Goulburn. We headed out to the race track where up to 300 assorted rods from all over Australia were on display.

They were all extra-ordinary. Hours of gawking and photographing was followed by lunch whilst listening to the live band and then a browse through the stalls was a very enjoyable day.

Margaret then showed us through the local Presbyterian Church which was open to the public. The original stained glass windows were intricate in their hand painting of detail. The 3000 pipe organ is probably the largest original church organ still in use in Australia. Every part of the church has been well preserved or restored. Truly magnificent. They are raising $1million to complete the church spire which had never been built. Such a worthwhile cause. It did look like it needed one

!

Dinner that night was pizza with a healthy side salad. The Nells a a truly healthy and fit pair in their late 70s. Was an honour to stay with them.

DAY 23 – 7TH APRIL SATURDAY

Leaving Merimbula coastline Canberra Parliament House Canberra City in sight!

Awoke to a bright sunny “beachside resort” type day. The sun shone down on the town ship below us. We walked up to a local IGA and purchased fruit/snacks for the day’s flight as well as the essential easter eggs. It was Easter Saturday and Easter Bilby was due that night. After breakfast, Sarah and I took a lovely ½ hour leisurely walk from the town all the way to the airport whilst Kev took the taxi, fuelled and loaded up Lady Bird for the next flight.

We were very reluctant to leave this town which looked so pretty from the air. Departed at a leisurely 10.54 am and tracked to Dalmeny. We could not call Melbourne or any other centres but someone on the ground at Moruya could hear us so we knew our radio was working. Finally an Airvan heard our calls so cancelled our SAR time for us. The hills were very imposing on the West ward flight to Canberra for an estimated arrival of 11.35am. The entry into Canberra was interesting as we had to stay below 1500 to avoid controlled air space but the hills were at 1800!

Kim Jones met us and took us to his home for a lovely cold meat and salad lunch with Pam. An enjoyable hour chatting away about family and life with Pam was great whilst Kev and Kim “tinkered” in the shed admiring Kim’s nearly finished aircraft as well as building a “possible fix” for the transponder problem.

Back at the airport we took to the skies once again for the hour long flight to Goulburn. The hills changed into open valleys and down over dry Lake George. This lake has been dry for so long that it is fenced and farmed!

Met upon arrival by Dick who seemed a little over awed by the size of the Stinson – he couldn’t find a hangar large enough to house her. We told him that she has lived outdoors on this trip and would be fine.

An evening with Dick and Margaret chatting over a great meal was followed by hitting the hay and sleeping very soundly.