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The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

Our next port of call was Marmande, some 100nm east of Bordeaux and the Bay of Biscay. There, to meet up with us was Brian Hogan and his pal John. Also in attendance was Richard North who'd decided to return to the flock - we were all together for the final evening.

Ah! Marmande - what can we say - As an airfield, it's a flyers dream. Nice people. Enthusiastic pilots, great food and wonderful company - I could go on and on but I don't want to make you too envious! Suffice to say, we were made very welcome.

Our original plans had been to end the Trek at the International Fly-in at Avranches airfield (near Malo), but that had had to be cancelled due to the poor condition of their runway as a result of the weather we Europeans had suffered during the winter and spring. Our visit to Marmande was to make up for the disappointment. Henri and Dominique and their friends entertained us superbly.

They took control of us (by then, we did need sorting out!) and shepherded us around the town to a lovely restaurant where we indulged in glorious French cuisine and partook of all sorts of wine, and some strange home brew concoction that blew ones brains out without leaving a headache!!! Some of us slept that night under the wings of our aircraft, others on the balcony of the aero-club - all was at peace with the world.

Friday 22nd June - We woke to yet another glorious day - crystal clear and warm - a fitting end to a fabulous trip. After having had our group photographed by the local press, we said our farewells to our French hosts and to each other as we made plans for the flight to our home fields. Merci Dominique et Henri et l'Escadrille Flying-club. Je suis parle bon Francais avec vous assistance et je t'aime being horizontal dans vous tarmac apron

Just before I leave the subject of Marmande - Don't forget, it's the venue for the European AYA 2002 gathering - be there or …… or …… or you'll miss something really special.

WAS IT WORTH IT?

Yes - absolutely.

WILL WE DO IT AGAIN?

Yes - certainly

WHEN?

Next year on the GUST-RIP ~You've probably guessed it! ….

Grand Unplanned Southern Trek - Round Iberian Peninsular!

Thanks to all participants who made the trip the success it was - I feel truly grateful for having the chance to meet and spend time with such lovely people.

We are lucky - We have had the opportunity to visit these 'strange' places, to make these exciting trips, we have the friendship, the encouragement and the humour of each other to enable us to expand on our life's achievements - and all this through the joys of flying our little Grumman aeroplanes. Nice isn't it?

Ni Thomas