Last year we flew to the North Cape. This year we decided to go south as far as possible. Our destination was the island of Malta, although later we realised that Kreta is even more south.
We started on September 26, 2004 and were back on September 30, 2004. Below is our route, consecutive days have a different colour, airfields where we landed are indicated with black dots.
This part of the trip we were flying IFR, hence the strange kink the route.
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| The fourth owner, Jan, is seeing us off. | This is the city of Annecy in France. |
This leg I flew VFR (I am not yet licensed to fly on instruments). We had to make a detour around the French Alps, but not too much because it would take us too long and it was already getting late. The cloud base was low and the terrain was high and I was not certain that we could find a way to get through.
There was a very strong wind from the North, and at one time when flying over a mountain ridge, on the downwind side we got a really strong bump downwards. Fortunately we were prepared and strapped in tighly, but nevertheless I bumped my head on the ceiling.
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| Notice the cloud base and the mountains; sometimes there was only a small separation between the two. But we managed. | This picture was taken between the French Alps and the Mediterranean. I think those patterns on the ground are underground waterflows. |
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| The harbour of Nice. | The harbour of Monte Carlo. |
The air controller did not the know what kind of aircraft the Ruschmeyer is and asked us about it. Jeroen is always ready to promote his website and spelled the reference (www.rightbase.nl). We learned out later that the controller had checked it. The controller then offered us a direct flight from Nice to Corsica. Our original plan called for a flight along the Italian Riviera, but in hindsight we would not have reached Elba before nightfall. So we accepted the direct flight, but I had some uneasy feelings about that: from Nice to Corsica is 175 km over water.
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| Leaving the French coast behind us. | Midway between Nice and Corsica we can still see the coastline of the Italian Riviera. Amazing visibility of some 120 km! |
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| The northern tip of Cosica. No place suitable for an emergency landing! To Elba is another 50 km over water. | Downwind from the runway on Elba. Notice the double line of trees meant to break the wind, but visually rather confusing. |
After landing we hitch a ride to the town Marino di Campo. We consult the tourist office for hotels and the lady behind the counter is very fast and clear about the price of the rooms she is advising us. We should have checked that price with the hotel owner because of course the next day the price turns out to be higher. Jeroen and I usually share the room, mostly because Ben snores awefully. This time however Jeroen and I have to share a bed which is almost too small for me alone. I like Jeroen, but not that much.
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| But the view from the room is good. | The light evening wind gently rocks the boats, the ropes clicking against the masts. We stroll along the shoreline and life is good. |
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| Jeroen and I compete to get the best time exposure of the moonglow in the sea. | ...and the winner is... |
The next day Jeroen and Ben file a IFR flight plan (flying on instruments) and spend about two hours fighting misunderstandings, typing mistakes, calling controllers in Brussels and in Paris.
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While waiting, I see this happy threesome arriving in the twin aircraft. The elderly big boss walks on the left, his mistress on the right and the check-pilot behind. Her appearance causes quite a stir with the employees of the airport. |
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| Directly after take-off, Golfo di Procchio. | Directly after take-off, on the right, Golfo della Biodella. |
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| We fly some 30 km out from the coast and pass this little inhabitated island. I can't help wondering what it is like to be living on such a small island, so far away from the mainland. What is the social structure of this mini-society? | The wheather deteriorates and now and then we enter such a mean looking cloud. At one time we are violently shaken, there is hail on the front window, zero visibility, and some ice forming on the wings. I must admit that I am afraid. |
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| Then the island of Sicily appears. | I had no idea that the northern part of Sicily is so rugged. |
The flight plan was filed for Malta. However, every few years, the airport of Malta is closed for one day because of an airshow. That day is today and we hear about it when passing Catania on Sicily. We divert to Catania.
Catania is a rather big airport and they normally don't have small aircraft coming in on unscheduled flights. So a lot of things have to be arranged, but the ground crew is really helpful and co-operative.
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| The Etna vulcano with the city of Catania in front. | Notice the peculiar clouds caused by the airmass being pushed up against the mountain. |
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At night we set out to discover the treasures of Catania. |
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The next day we rent a car and go up the Etna. The Etna had an outburst in 2002, the lava flow threatening the town of Nicolosi. First we go by car, then by cable car and then we board a small truck / oversized jeep. The trucks drive up the mountain over outstretched fields of loose black gravel. It is 3000 meters high, freezing cold and yet there is steam everywhere.
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| Arrested lava flow. | This is such a gravel field. Reminds me of the photo's of the moon, with the astronauts driving their rover. |
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| We are told to stay with the guide, because there are still some really hot spots. The guide scoops up some gravel and it is almost too hot to touch. | ||
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| Smoking crater. After spending some quality fun time in the Catania rush hour, it is time to continue our journey to Malta. |
We prepare for a night flight over dark Sicily and the Mediterranean. A very impressive experience, because it makes you feel very dependent on that engine and all its essential little parts. |