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Saturday morning dawned bright and clear, and after a hearty breakfast, during which we met up with our other American guests Barney and Marie Higgins, we all went out to the airfield to greet the late arrivals. We took our guests without planes up flying to see the local scenery, including the River Elbe and Keil Canal. Gerhard had us all back on the bus by three o'clock for the start of the tour of Hamburg and river trip. The City was very picturesque, but quite busy as they had a big open air party in progress around the City Centre Lake.

Danny DeBrandt from Belgium gave the tour a miss but went along to the party and reported back later that it was fairly wild, but very friendly. None of the sights were missed; we were even driven down the red light area to see the famous cordoned off side streets set aside for the prostitutes sitting in the windows. It is amazing what you can see from the top of a doubledecker coach! After that it was time for us men to cool down on the river boat, the nearest thing to a cold shower.

The river trip, buffet, and drinks were a very pleasant way to relax, even if, like me, you had two "friends" swaying back and forth trying to make you feel seasick. The boat took us all the way back up the river to Wedel. We disembarked in front of a hotel that has a very large flag mast outside, to which is attached some very large loudspeakers facing the river. Every time a ship passes by, the appropriate flag is raised and anthem played, whatever its nationality, and not one ship is missed. A leisurely walk though the town soon found us back at the Hotel and all gathered round the longest street side table I have ever seen for a night cap drink and chat.

A terrific storm during the night cleared the air for a good day's flying on Sunday. Unfortunately, the arranged fly-out to the Wangerooge Island was canceled due to the fact that every German flyer and his dog would be trying to go there, it being such a nice day. With no arrivals allowed after midday, then no departures until after three in the afternoon, it was felt that long delays could occur. It therefore turned out to be a free day to go where one pleased. Some flew to the further, but not so crowded, island of Juist while others like myself, Nigel, Evert, and Johan Siebols took Maybelle and Kathy, Barney and Marie, and Margaret and Geoff to the near by Historic City of Lubeck. (Did Evert pass out OK, Maybelle?)

Whilst walking out to our aircraft someone noticed the telltale signs of bird droppings on the props of many aircraft.

Everyone was told to closely preflight their engines for bird's nests, and sure enough many had the beginnings of such. Everyone returned in time for the stroll to the Sailors Inn for the traditional AYA Europe Banquet.

This was a another picturesque setting, with outdoor tables overlooking the river.

After dinner, presentations of door prizes donated by Airtime Aviation and FletchAir were made to Johan Siebols for his epic trip to Hamburg from Houston in his AA5B Tiger N212T, and Martin and Jane Worrall for the longest flight over the weekend. As no flying competitions took place, a short quiz took place to award the remaining prizes. Evert formally introduced lan Matterface as the new Regional Director, and Manfred Stocker was recognised for his efforts in establishing the European Region back in 1987. The opportunity was taken to take a group photo of the new and past Directors with their partners.

The provisional announcement was made that Perpignan in the South of France will be the venue for AYA Europe '98, with none other than Evert Schraverus as host. Finally the most important presentation was made to Gerhard and Barbara for the great deal of work they had put in during the year and weekend to achieve such a memorable AYA Europe '97.

Afterwards we were entertained by a very special cabaret that only Hamburg could present so tastefully, with Greg Amy winning the bottle of wine for guessing the entertainer's age. Hope I am that agile at 76. As the sun sets and the night grows dark, what better way to spend an evening than with friends, drink in hand, by the river, with a passing ship highlighted against the night sky by a distant lightning storm? So ended AYA Europe '97