March, 8th

Serpentine

Finally! Finally we are ready, because the spareparts from Englang arrived today. As expected, even that didn't go completely smooth! Mainair had hired DHL to do the delivery. Addressee: Dennis Gorton. Well, the little package did make it to Perth this morning just as promised, but then customs didn't want to clear it right away. Dennis tried everything, they just needed another day to finish the paperwork. Then, in the early afternoon, we receive a phonecall stating that the package can be picked up. Dennis drives to the airport after having paid ca. 40 DM in DHL-fees for: Electronic Entry Charge (?), Cargo Report Levy (??), and Tradegate Charge (???) - it's a rip-off everywhere...

That aside - we are happy to have the spareparts which take some time to install. After a while of just fumbling around we succeed. Now we start to stow away our luggage. Good thing the wings are hollow, that way we can fit our trike-covers in there as well. A short while before sunset, the winds finally calm down a bit. There had been strong winds all day and around 8 o'clock two heavy downpours soaked the airfield. Only later do we learn that the front of a low-pressure area passed through. Passing at 500 miles per day along the coastline. No wonder that the air is 'in motion'! Gisela rushes to get ready before the sun sets completely. She wants to have been airborne at least once. No problems at take-off. Everything works as a charm. Gisela is beaming when she is back on the ground.

Now we quickly finish today's diary-entry and complete the planing for tomorrows sector. Off to sleep early. Should the winds stay calm, then we will be on our way tomorrow! Will our wishes come true? Check tomorrow - right here.