12 July 2008
Hilary's Blog - 12 July 2008
What a day! The weather still looks good for tomorrow, and then this morning I had a phone call from out of the blue asking me if I would like to go and fly in the Gypsy Moth aeroplane which famously flew in over Francis Chichester on his return from his epic voyage around the world.
I first met Nigel Reid, whose father was the owner and pilot that day, at the re-dedication of Gypsy Moth IV. Within seconds of being introduced, he had abandoned his father and his wife and family, and pushed me straight over to the aeroplane! "We'll get you in there - no problem (I had my doubts, but kept them to myself), when would you like to come?" I nearly bit the poor man's arm off! We have stayed in touch ever since, but I hadn't realised how close he was to Lymington.
I had a wonderful flight over our planned route tomorrow - it is a long way, but at least I now have a mental picture of where I'm going. Helen also got a ride, and loved it - at least she got out of the plane bouncing...
The best news of the day is that Toby put the electronics back together after their latest soaking and they behaved impeccably during our test sail this afternoon. It means that tomorrow we are off! Much as we have loved enjoyed Lymington and its surroundings and been supported tremedously by people like Simon and Rebeca Rogers, Melvyn, Pete and Ben (and, in some cases, their extended families!) we are all desperate to move on.
We may only stay one night in Portland, depending on how long the sail takes - and whether anything gets broken :-) - so that we can crack on to Brixham and possibly beyond. We have a 6am leaving time, but even so Melvyn, Ben and Darren and their families have all promised to be there to see us off. It's a reflection of the sort of friends we have made.
Page last updated on 14 July 2008 at 21:04