Solo Flight. Australia.
Day Seven.
By Owen Zupp
Author of '50 Tales of Flight'
Today revisits my flight into Australia's centre to the remote township of Forrest. There is such raw beauty to be found in this rich outback. For the full amazing story contact me about the upcoming book, "Solo Flight".
But first I had to bid farewell to my wonderful wife who had flown over for our wedding anniversary and then there was also a very important media interview with 2GB's Alan Jones.It was fantastic to receive support for the flight and the RFDS from someone of the calibre of Alan Jones. My thanks go to Alan and the 2GB network.
For the first time on this trip, the morning sun was in my face and it was apparent that the eastbound journey had begun. As the hills, ridges and reservoirs to the east of Perth merged into a more consistent plateau, the greens began to give way to earthy reds and yellows. Overflying airfields at York and Southern Cross, my tailwinds had now swung to a crosswind of around 60 kmh. All the while Kalgoorlie grew closer and tell-tale mines and mounds began to appear in the distance.
On arrival at the famous mining town I was met by a local aviation enthusiast and the staff of the RFDS. This wonderful base consists of a modern facility beside a rather historic hangar. After fuel and food, the cavernous mine was flown by on departure and a course was set that was to parallel the road and rail for the next 3 hours. Despite all the equipment and training, the simplest navigation sat just outside my window. And so the rail line continued into the vast expanse of the Nullarbor.
The endless horizon is far from featureless, but it is almost overwhelming in its infinite nature. Yet there is also something very relaxing about scenery that reaches beyond the eye's focus. Apart from the occasional vehicle or train, the scene defined isolation and one cannot help but admire the original explorers and pioneers.
An oasis then loomed on the ahead in the form if Forrest with its newly painted runway and sizeable hangar. My home for the night is a cottage and dinner at the main homestead is nearly ready.
Until tomorrow, keep safe.
Day eight will take me to Australia's dramatic southern coastline and its breathtaking cliff-faces and onto the Eyre Peninsula. These beautiful waters are a far cry from today's red centre. Make sure you check back here for the next blog in the coming days. Or subscribe to my newsletter for the ‘alert’. Thanks again and I'll see you all soon.
Cheers,
Owen.
The full story of this solo flight will be the subject of my upcoming book.
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