Transkei Flyaway

14 aircraft form the Natal North coast and Cato Ridge were on a flyaway to the Transkei from Saturday 19th May to Wednesday 23rd May.

Saturday morning, real early, saw the start of this year's flyaway to the Transkei Wild Coast. Six trikes set out from the Ballito Club Airfield and five trikes plus one three axis microlight set out from La Mercy Flight Park. (Thanks for the coffee and biscuits while we had a pilots briefing, Annie). Via the Alverston Tower, direct to Hibberdene and on to Margate where we would group for the journey down the Wild Coast.

A closed kitchen (we were too early) at Margate and a High Tide at 13h30 meant we had to move our buts to land and tie down off the water line at Coffee Bay, our first overnight.

This first leg of the Wild Coast, from Port Edward onwards, must surely rate as my most treasured Microlight cross country flight to date. The most stunning conditions to fly in, the most awesome scenery, and a great bunch of pilots to round the day off with. (and that's where the trouble begins. I'll leave urban legend to convey the story behind how 6 of us got thrown out of a "Space Cadet backpackers lodge on the Wild Coast".

Sundays lunch was awesome, thanks to Nic educating the locals about some kinda' Macro Economics which dictated that we would only pay last years prices for todays fish, and Wally for organizing the most awesome fish braai. Mussels, Oyster, Crayfish - man............!

Monday morning saw us all leave for Mazeppa Bay, where we spent the night. Strong winds kept us on the ground and in the pub, so no leisure flights. Once again a great meal (Braai, with Pap 'n Sous. Good solid and Tasty meal)

Tuesday morning saw us all leave for Coffee Bay again as the South Wester was still pushing through at predicted 20 knots. A quick trip with the tail wind and some really interesting landings at Coffee Bay. Well done to the low hour boys. By now those of us who were battling to unwind and settle into the Wild Coast groove were starting to be able to sleep in the afternoon and relax a little.

Tuesday evening just before Sunset we were greeted by the sound of helicopters arriving. They were just a little lost and running out of daylight and did not know quite where to put down.

Craig got hold of a hand held and guided them down. They also spent the night at the Hotel, but quite frankly, looking around at all the microlight pilots and the dead sober helicopter pilots, I knew I was at home amongst the MPL's. The helicopter pilots were down on a cross country from Pretoria via Nelspruit, down the Wild Coast to George and back to Pretoria at a cost of R 40 000 each!

Wednesday, breakfast down the hatch we all set off for a darn chilly flight home. (I think I just sold Nic a flight suit)

And to greet the contingent from La Mercy on their arrival back at base was a cup of the best damn coffee, freshly brewed and waiting to be served by Annie........(how did she know what time we would be back?)

Just fours hours flying away, awaits the most spectacular scenery, the most adventurous flying the average social pilot could wish for.....................See you next year. BE THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!