Saturday at Stow

Today was another day that made me appreciate how flying has brought so many special experiences and friends along the way.

A visit to Stow Maries former WW1 Royal Flying Corps Aerodrome with my friend Karl in his Cessna 172 made for a pleasant afternoon filled with flying, history, music and laughter.

When we arrived we were shown a 'Pianola' built in 1903 and stood entranced by Gershwin's Blue Rhapsody that played from a sheet punched with holes. The beautiful piano magically played a jazz concerto, the colourful music filling the Mess Hall.

A trip to the museum, rummage through Biggles books in the shop and photo opportunities with a vintage car and visiting helicopter followed, before catching up with my Turb Team friends who were practicing formation flying for this year's air show season.

Sunny weather with slightly hazy but mostly clear visibility made for a pleasant flight going but reduced cloud base and claggy haze made for a more challenging journey home.

Tea and cake in the flying club back at Headcorn Aerodrome made for a nice end to our trip. We spent much of the day smiling and laughing and enjoying a chilled day sharing our mutual love of aviation, vintage cars and music.

My friend said today how it's funny that every flight feels like it was a dream from the moment his feet touch the ground...as if it didn't really happen. We have to remind ourselves it is REAL and appreciate how lucky we are to be able to fly.

Next weekend cannot come soon enough for me with another chance to take to the skies with friends and time to leave the cares of the world behind for a few hours.