London to Darwin #1: Up, Up and Away!

Tuesday 19th November, finally away from London en route to Darwin, retracing the historic 1919 Vicker’s Vimy flight lead by Captain Smith, winner of the Great Air Race.

Departure - White Waltham Airfield, West London.

I now know what it must feel like to be the husband of a Super Model. At the historic White Waltham airfield, there was a constant flow of people with various camera devices, and non club members standing at the fence line with large cameras on tripods taking photos. There was little interest in me, but hey, I’m over 50 now… The folks at the club were friendly and very helpful, it was a great place from which to start the journey - especially as it’s an all grass airfield, much like Hounslow Heath field where the Vicker’s Vimy (VV) departed. I must especially thank Nick and Loryn Ludlow, who put me up at their house, fed me, and asked me silly questions like “is there anything you need” to which I answered “yes, several hundred 1p stamps please” and thus did they head off in what turned out to be a mission in itself…!

That’s not a light sabre, but rather, a deicing tool… But 16 year old Nick spent a day helping with preparations, and he’s preparing for his own solo circumnavigation. The club has a restaurant open all day, which is very popular, especially when they serve such classic English fair, to, um, the English!

While flying over Tower Bridge wasn’t possible, I was able to find the location this photo taken by Ross Smith as they left England to cross the channel. Yay!

First stop - Lyon, France.

But not before dealing with a flat tyre! Got away just before lunch, and with just enough window before sunset to make Lyon. A glorious day for flying, a light tail wind and scattered fluffy clouds. The French countryside

Upon landing was told the Post Office would be closed, and that all the hotels were booked. I felt pretty exhausted and so just walked to a cafe next door, had an early night and slept in Southern Sun - and I slept well, much better than on the last trip in the Searey, as this time around - there is a bed! The advantage of staying in the plane, is being there ready to go the next morning for some beautiful sunrise flying. I had to accept not heading into Lyon as there was weather coming, an not flying the net morning could ee me stuck for a couple of days.

Getting away early, I was headed to Gap Tallard, en route, where I would be able to refuel - and turned out to be just the most spectacular flying. I’ll let the photos explain…

Next stop - Italia…