GAAR 2021 Leg1 Adelaide to Mount Gambier
After yesterday's big party and short sleep, the rally starts very early today with the first stage to Mount Gambier airfield!
Great memories are awakened of a trip to Australia in the nineties, including the area we will fly over.
My loyal companion is a C-47 in Spantax livery. Spantax (1959-1988) was one of the first charter companies in Europe with a focus on Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Its popularity and image faded from the 1970s onward when a series of crashes and incidents revealed safety deficits, which, combined with rising fuel costs and increasing competition, resulted in the company facing severe financial difficulties that led to its demise in 1988.
The original plane, actually a DC3, (former SWISSAIR) still exists and is parked near Johnannesburg, South Africa and will be restored!
Duty is calling! The flight plan has been submitted, the aircraft is refueled and in these modern times the GPS will later take over the navigation!
I just got the last weather: 7/8 with a moderate wind from the northeast.. Thats ok!
So far so good and enough time for a little tour to see the others.
Thom's machine is parked here pretty lonely! He reports a number of delays.. He's importing his classic Indian motorcycle.. a Royal Enfield.. but the rims are dusty. This is a no go here in Australia. Everything has to be sparkling clean!
But he's on the way!
In addition to many other antique aircraft: a Lockheed Model 9 Orion is getting ready..
Here we see a Miles Mercury M-28 from the early 1940s.. and many other flying rarities!
Back to my office! Everything in the best order so far!
Fuel: 400 gallons of flight gasoline on board, some freight.. (Lobster in ice boxes, and something for the physical well-being ..)
Ready for the pushback and engine start!
Ready for taxi..
Runway 05 is active this morning.. a short taxi time!
.. holding short..
.. and ready to go!
Airborne at time 6.29am local!
After the take off, a small right turn on a south-easterly course..
.. and soon I can see the beach suburb of Glenelg. The "Chorus of stones memorial " in Glenelg commemorates former Australian aviation pioneers.
Climbing to 6000 feet QNH towards Victor Harbor and Port Elliot..
.. but Fog and clouds overhead the Fleurieu Peninsula.. too bad!
But there is a little hope..
Voila.. perfect view! The Fleurieu Peninsula or Fleurieu Zone is a very well known wine region and stretches from Adelaide almost to Mount Gambier. The Fleurieu Peninsula was named after Charles Pierre Claret de Fleurieu, the French explorer and hydrographer, by the French explorer Nicolas Baudin as he explored the south coast of Australia in 1802.
Lake Alexandrina is north of Encounter Bay and east of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The Murray River is the largest river that flows into the lake. Although the lake is connected to the ocean, it is a freshwater lake.
Lake Alexandrina is home to a number of water birds, but in Aboriginal myths the lake is inhabited by a monster called "Muldjewangk". An evil sea creature. (half human, half fish..) Thank you..
I continue to follow the long coastline towards Cape Jaffa.
Unfortunately..!
Cape Jaffa. Here, one nature reserve after another is lined up.
Small lakes and ponds everywhere. A beautiful area!
24 nautical miles before my IF runway 36, I start descending to 2500 feet. It comes to life on the radio. Five planes in the area with the same destination. But I don't see a single one.
(Poor air traffic controller..)
I get a traffic warning at two o'clock 6 NM, at 1900 feet. I'll stay where I am.. at a safe altitude: 2500 feet..
Finally, a little challenge, planes nearby and clouds!
Done.. below clouds and no more warnings. On my left I can even see the runway lights 36
Above the fix point..
.. and final 36 with a nice view!
The area around Mount Gambier is well known for its geographical features, particularly its volcanic and limestone features, most notably its Blue Lake, parks and gardens, caves and sinkholes.
Short final runway 36.. Let the fog disappear!
Mount Gambier is the second largest city in South Australia and is driven by various economic sectors. Tourism plays a very important role.
Looks good..
.. and all set for landing!
I have to say, my landing and my flight time calculation was not too bad!
No abbreviations allowed.. I have to leave the runway at the end.. They take it exactly here!
This sight makes my heart leap for joy!
Marhaller is on the way..
.. and service for final parking!
So here i am! Fill out the logbook, tidy up the cockpit and then have an enjoyable drink!
The small apron is well attended.. everyone has arrived!
And..
.. it's GAAR-BBQ time!!
Cheers from Mount Gambier!