Road Trips

Road Trip 1

Cornwall

- 7 of us headed down to Rock in North Cornwall for the weekend. Ridiculously taking 4 cars. Adas, Catherine + I went via Bournemouth which meant that we could sneek a quick kite session in Poole Harbour. A good idea as it turned out as Cornwall had very little wind all weekend. It was however, perhaps the gustiest conditions that I have ever sailed in. Hairy.

Our accommodation was fit for a 70's pornstar. Awesome panorama, semi-private beach and could have easily slept 1 dozen.

The no wind situation meant that we did at least get a surf session in. A very rusty one for me but it felt good to have a surf again. Everyone headed back on Sunday afternoon but because of the forecast I stayed one more day in Daymer Bay(below). What a spot. A six hour session on flat water with a variety of waves appearing in varying locations and directions at different tide states.

Road Trip 2

Isle of Wight

- The White Air festival combining around 10 extreme sports over 4 days. We decided the night before on this one. A mighty fine choice. We left Brighton at 7.30am. By 10.30am we had sneaked on an early ferry to IOW, upgraded to VIP passes status and set up on the beach. Such a good value weekend - free champagne + beers helps there. Hilarity all round. I have also just seen some photos of the Saturday night party. Oh dear. Suffice to say they are not going to be posted here. Actually here is one that I will post. Miss White Air 2005.

The one on the left won. I would have voted for the one on the right.

Quick Joke

Q. What did the German clock repair guy say to the clock that went "tick, tick, tick"?

A. Ve have ways of making you tock.

Why did no one tell me about this

Highlight of the weekend goes to my discovery of something that everyone else may already know about and in retrospect seems so obvious. We were in 'The Walmer' in Brighton for some lunch and they did full English pizzas. A pizza with tomatoes, mushrooms, sausage slices, bacon bits, an egg and mozzarella. Genius.

Jerez in January

The next stage in my pilot training is the CPL(Commercial Pilot's license) and IR(Instrument Rating). I had wanted to do this with Flight Training Europe in Jerez, Spain due to the reasonable price, good reputation and good weather but wasn't able to apply until after I received my ATPL examination results. So, when I received them the Saturday before last, I sent them with all my ratings and paperwork and have been waiting for a reply. Well, I say waiting, really what I have been doing is ringing almost every day only to be told that I will be called with an answer later that day. Of course, I haven't been until yesterday when I was told that I had a place. A great relief as now I can start to plan the preceding 3 months with a defined path ahead. The course starts in January and will last around 3 months.

I still need a few more flying hours before I start in Jerez so last Tuesday I was checked out in a 4-seater Warrior and also to fly to France. For the first time I had to go with an instructor and I also had a French instructor riding in the back. She had arrived from France the night before on some exchange deal and the first thing I did was take her back!! The weather when we arrived was hardly VFR but cleared up soon after we arrived. It is only a 1 hour flight to Le Touquet from Shoreham and popping over for lunch feels very decadent. I have also been flying with James and Adas.

I flew with Adas to Southend, a destination that a few years ago he took me to when he was still hour building. As well as the pleasant flight and the platter of seafood overlooking Southend pier it was really enjoyable because I felt like there was a certain symmetry in returning the favour.

Adas by the Seven Sisters








All I need to do now is find some work until January. Probably labouring, but not the best time of year to be looking for that. Until I find some I will be doing stuff for my mum.