Australia, here I come!
Australia, here I come!
Definition of a boring flight, not exactly a lot of scenery to stare at! However, very happy to step foot in Australia. Going to see someone about a few pints of Foster's Lager, then going to start asking about kangaroo's.
Flight Time: 02:17:05
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
FlightLog_23-16-01.TXT
YPRP?? Yonder Purple Roo Port! You found one!
Time to start my trek through the fabled Outback! I've already tossed two snakes out from my plane, I sure hope I found them all, after all, one should hate to have snakes on a plane.
On another note, I'm concerned a bit at the charts I have - the place name listed is Tennant Creek, but the locals are telling me the place is actually called Newcastle Waters!
Wow, really enjoying my low level flight into oz here. Very scenic, in a wide open sort of way.
My initial plans were to fly at 11,000 ft to stretch my fuel and travel all the way over to Cloncurry. Nasty looking headwinds up there nixed that idea, and I'm quite pleased that I changed my plans.
Great flight. Had a slight tailwind the entire way, enjoyed the scenery, and spent my time squinting out the windows to see if I'd scared up and kangaroos down there.
Flight Time: 02:20:05
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
(Kinda funny, I'd figured this leg out in my notes as 2:20; I guess being off by 5 seconds isn't that bad!!)
FlightLog_22-24-27.TXT
I'm sure something bit me. I was checking things over quickly and I was doing a quick check of the tail skid. A snake? I sure hope not!
A quick fuel up and about to get in the air again. My slight tailwind is going to turn into a headwind on the course for Cloncurry, I think.
I'm really sure something bit me...
Well, whatever bit me must not of been too dangerous, since I'm still here. I'm sure the boys at that last airfield are having a good laugh at my expense. I was worried! I'd heard stories, you know.
It was another good flight. Very scenic. Bit of a headwind, but bearable. Had quite a bit of turbulence over the last 45 minutes or so.
Flight Time: 01:49:38
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
FlightLog_00-43-37.TXT
Getting a little weary, but enjoying this grand adventure thoroughly!
Another pleasant flight. I'm enjoying these legs much more than the ones through Persia to India and down into SE Asia. No thunderstorms, and I can actually see the airfields from away off!
Flight Time: 02:15:18
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
FlightLog_00-11-59.TXT
Headed further south!
Well, I've finally attained my tongue-in-cheek goal of seeing a kangaroo - more than one in fact! However, it was on my takeoff run. I had just got to speed enough where I could push my nose down; a tender proposition at the best of times, maintaining that balance where I can pick up speed without digging into the earth with that big wooden propeller. No sooner had I firmly but smoothly started to push the stick forward to bring that large nose down, than I could see over the nose and past the prop to a group of kangaroos which, in their wisdom, had obviously come out of the bush to witness my takeoff.
My rather deafening blue machine hurtled towards them and they scattered - one headed left and was quickly passed by, the other two headed right... but then those damnable creatures veered straight back into my path again. I pushed on my right pedal enough to swing the large rudder to the right enough to change my direction, but in the Caudron, this doesn't bode well for stability! The nose of my craft started swinging back and forth, my feet desperately working the pedals to keep some sort of control, and with a glance at my airspeed I pulled back on my stick and grabbed at the air, passing over those frightened beasts by mere feet. Since I took to the air a bit early, I leveled off to gain more speed, narrowly clearing the trees at the end of the airfield.
I do plan on speaking to someone about keeping those things off of my airfield while I'm taking off!!!
At least the landing was much less stressful than the takeoff.
One more leg to go...
Flight Time: 01:52:12
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
FlightLog_23-16-32.TXT
One last leg left. It's been a great journey so far, I'm almost sad to see it end!
Melbourne at last!
A relief to see the ground at the end of the amazing journey. A can only shake my head in wonder at this contraption of steel and wood that has carried me so many miles away from London. I'm quite attached to her; from what I understand, there's a buyer already lined up here in Melbourne, I hope she gets treated well.
A few quick telegrams to exchange with my benefactor. She has been kept apprised of my progress the whole time via the radioed reports. I'm sure that she'll be spellbound by my stories of this grand adventure; perhaps I shall see if she's interested in more of the same. She does strike me as the type that might like to leave her comforts behind and see the world.
I am quite confident that, although the times have not been tallied as of yet, my valiant steed did not have quite the power or speed to place in either of the available categories. I knew that wasn't likely, but there was always a glimmer of hope, considering some of the mishaps my brave competitors have faced! But as I once heard, "The journey is the thing".
Now, off to find a hot bath...
Flight Time: 01:52:38
Routine Ground Time: 00:45:00
Special Ground Time: 00:00:00
Penalty Time: 00:00:00
FlightLog_00-14-02.TXT
Congrats on well run race!
Roman
Nice run in the Caudron Jim!
Well done Jimmy I think its the first Caudron C.450 which ever made it this far!
Huub
Thanks so much guys, it was a very enjoyable experience!
I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to participate in an event such as this, and as such, I'd like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all you fine folk that have put in the hours organizing it!
Well done and a pretty good time in a unique aircraft! You coaxed the best out of her with good piloting.
Great flight in a classic. Congratulations.
-Mike
Congrats Jimmy.
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