flower pot three

Took off at 19.15 and we landed near Lasham Airfield at 20.00, a distance of 11 nautical miles. This flight was a totally different kettle of fish from the morning flight. The average speed then was 6kts while on this flight our average was 15kts. Dave flew again but it was too fast to try low level approaches. We were also flying against the clock and when we wanted to land found ourselves over 'wireland'. Every suitable field had wires across it - unbelievable. Time was running out - the light was beginning to fail - sunset was 19.50.

We dropped to 300ft and went into the first field without wires. The landing was fast and hard. We bounced three times with a 67 yard drag. When we stood up, the wind blew our hair sideways. Landing on a slight downward slope didn't help and Wendy twisted her arm which was painful - I thought she may have broken her wrist.

The field was stubble and very large and the locked gate was at the far end. Thank heavens for the trolley and downward slope. The gate was very tall but the crew used their initiative, lifted the envelope onto the basket and rolled it over. It was much easier than I would have believed possible. The carry out was very hard work (good for us), took over an hour and a half and was completed in the dark.

Back to the Pott's for a drink and dinner.