November 14 2009

Hello from Cairns, where I arrived without any problem , even on Friday the 13th! Must say Virgin Blue is doing a great job. They were very friendly , had very good -looking 737-800 Boeings and no empty place left, so they seem to do good business as well. Sorry to Ernest and Steffi, I was stuck in the transit at Brisbane so ….very sorry I could not see you! But….I met Kate at Tullamarine for one hour.

The flight along the ocean over Fraser Island, Rockhampton , Hamilton Island and MacKay was absolutely superb. What great islands and what a beatiful shore! Have never been higher on the East Coast as Noosa!!! Temperature here is as on The Antillian Island Curacao, where we lived for nearly 2 years as well. Always around 32/33 and a bit lower during the night. The house and pool from Diana and George felt “homey” straight away and I will enjoy every of the 5 next days here! Understand now as well , why people love Cairns;it is a great holiday destination!

It was pretty sad to leave Toc again, but I enjoyed every minute of my stay. Margie made me feel very welcome in her house, my friends felt “if I had never left” and though the visit to the airfield was difficult , I have been able to give it all a place! THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY !!!!!! The last week every minute was filled with visits, but I just loved to see as many friends as possible!

Great to see that the “overseas-soaring” starts in Australia with fabulous weather. Hot and clouds everywhere! The heat wave in Victoria and NSW was pretty tough but as you all know , I do not mind the heat! Pilots love it as well. Fire brigade is on high alert however and close to Deniliquin at Mathoura , they had a big fire already. All those days the danger was EXTREME!
The Nationals in Club class at Lake Keepit have had 4 days and good old Paul Mander is 2d in his libelle. Great job.
In Africa Hans is flying again all those huge distances from Gariep and for sure will top the OLC FAI list again this season. Other friends enjoy Bitterwasser!
Tiger Woods is “hot”  in Melbourne and with one day to go he is ONE!!!!

Have to leave you now, more to do!
Cheers Ritz