The Grumpy Gang

The Grumman Aircraft Pilots Association European Branch

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From Castellon de la Plana (Spain) to Castres (France)

(You will note by now dear reader, that I have completely forgotten which day it was! - Suffice to say it was around about Day 9!) We had a date with David and Karen Whiteley at their house in Puylaurens in France on Day 10.

Once again, flight plans had to be submitted, but this time necessitated by our crossing international boundaries into France. Our group divided into to echelons - One planned to go up and over the Pyrenees, the others along the coast and circumvent the mountains by way of Perpignan. All were successful. We, who did the mountain trip, had a very uneventful trip climbing up to about FL125 - It was beautiful VFR and extremely picturesque with magnificent views of the high peaks.

Barcelona Man very shortly instructed us to call Toulouse for onward contact - but, despite repeated calls, they declined to answer. By now we were over the Pyrenees and into French air space. We descended as the terrain allowed and routed via Pamiers into Castres.  It was nice to be back in known territory where we trusted the ATC a lot more. The Castres controller let us off landing fees (his computer was down!) and David was there, with a neighbour, to transport us back to his house.

Barcelona ATC appeared to be most helpful and told us that the safety altitude for our route was FL165 - We thanked them for this bit of information but by necessity declined their kind offer.

What a transformation he'd achieved in his house from our visit last year. The woods had been cleared and the barn tidied up - It looked lovely. We campers pitched tents; the wimps took to the beds. This was our final night together as GUST- RIPPERS and we made the most of it, supping beer

and wine, swimming when we had to, just generally lazing about.

An alfresco evening meal was had by us all that evening, out on the veranda. Much wine flowed and conversations turned to our exploits and to where we were going to go next year!! The party went on long into the night.

Early next morning we prepared to depart on our own separate ways. Long farewells were made and lots of hugging. Once again David and Karen had done us proud. We had all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was a delight to see how happy Dave and Karen were in their brave new world. Thank you both.