Maurice telephoned at 20.00hrs our time tonight to assure me that he has not been eaten by sharks in his trip across the sea to Dubai. He flew amongst oilrigs before climbing to 5000ft where he and G-KIRK found a 10 knot tail wind, at 80mph they did not know themselves. This time it was, reports M, wonderfully warm. Perhaps he has fixed the window and the pipes. He is monitoring the oil leak (by the amount of oil on the windscreen! - he's afraid that I will be bored if I have nothing to worry about) and may have to repair (or arrange to have engine stripped later?)
Today he landed last - again - but his efforts have been appreciated by the race organisers; he features on the "Whats new" page of their website: http://www.airrace.com.au
So today has been leisurely; a rest, a look around, a barbecue as the guests of the Dubai Flying Club.
Is M losing his gift of keeping us all on the edges of our seats?
"B.C.L" is a new acronym which has been developed to describe M's mode of aviation (BELOW CAMEL LEVEL).
On a serious note, I gather that there is some nervousness regarding the politics of and arrangements for the race flight across India. The race will not, as hoped, fly over/near (or, probably in M's case, below/through) the Taj Mahal. I hope that M will be able to reasonably keep up and will avoid difficulties should he fall behind.
That's all for now - tomorrow is one short leg of 190 miles before cocktails beside the pool - and he tells me that it's hard work!
KK (M's wife)