Just as I was recovering from my cold, I was hit again. Fortunately this time it seems to have been a sinus infection rather than flu. But my training still took a knock and now I find myself wondering “why do I even want to enter a marathon.” No! I can’t think like that!
We have been having fantastic albeit cold weather in the Cape. We did a beautiful flight to Vredendal over the weekend and on Sunday i was loafing about and thought “I should really make the most of this weather and drag the Chipmunk out.”
I didn’t. But I did decide to fly on Monday morning. Early. The only thing better than watching the sunrise, is watching it from the air!
So I invited a friend who is also a pilot. Two reasons- it would hold me accountable so I wouldn’t hit snooze. And he could help me move the planes (the Chipmunk is parked behind 3 other aircraft. Phew! I forgot how much effort it takes to push aircraft around!)
Anyway, I really suffer with the cold. So at 05:45 yesterday morning I layered up. Thick socks, long johns, jeans, base layer shirt, Merino top, scarf, jacket, gloves and a beanie. Yeeha!
We got to the airfield at 06:45. The moon was shining bright and we could clearly make out the mountains. It was the perfect night for flying. But, we waited until subrise before we got airborne.
Wow! Wow! Wow! SO worth the early start and cold!
We cruised to Sir Lowry’s Pass, across to Theewaterskloof, then to Franschhoek and Helshoogte. We were enjoying it so much we went around the Helderberg mountain before returning to reality and landing back at Stellenbosch. The headset time is like helmet time.
Yes I fly for a living but flying for fun without a co-pilot is completely different! I really needed it!