After the euphoria of being flown microlitically around France and reaching three new heights (altiports), having to return to base early was disappointing. But given the fierce winds and the destruction elsewhere it was the sensible choice, and I have been enjoying reflecting on what was achieved and the friendly welcome we were given wherever we landed.
Apart from the flying which is a privilege for me as a non-pilot, I enjoyed socialising with the locals in the bars which it seems every microlight airfield has, and especially when we were invited to take pot luck and have supper with them refectory style. Yes we were loud at times, but at Chambery Challons-Les-Eaux we were outdone one evening by a bunch of French ULM pilots! Ian and I both got lots of opportunities to practice our French language skills too.
My thanks to Ian and Grant for putting the trip together, to Les and David for the banter, and to the Whitehill Farm community for letting me join them on last year’s trip which led to this one.
Patrick
Some of the delights of our flight (and one delight which I was able to enjoy as we were home for match day):