Steve R and Peter flew Tango Lima, and Shane and Rob flew Xray Kilo with Pat and Nick along for the ride. A quick call to Kemble before preparation and we learn that the runway is currently closed due to snow! Never mind, on with the preparation and after, another call to Kemble reveals the hard runway is still closed, but the grass is usable.

Off we go tracking down to Stapleford and then round the M25 to Wycombe. There's something about the M25 that draws us all in whether on the ground or in the air! A beautiful clear day, and nice calm air we could almost burst into song.

On the radio to RAF Benson, and they're too busy, but warn us of parachuting just about everywhere so we detour south to keep clear - straight into a bank of cloud. Shane pulls the carb heat and throttle controls out and down we go underneath. Clear of the cloud and back up to cruise height and the drama is over for the outward bound journey.

There's snow on the hills, but not thick and we are reminded of the closed hard runway. Contact with Kemble and the runway is now open. Xray Kilo meticulously lines up for a downwind join as Tango Lima storms in front. There's something incompatible about those Cherokee pilots and queuing.

Airplanes in the Snow

The runway is still wet but is miles long, Xray Kilo barely uses a quarter of it. We line up next to Tango Lima for a photo call, then off to the restaurant for tea and coffee while a Jet Provost plays games for our entertainment. Pat insists on paying for the food and drinks - thanks, Pat.

And back again. The backtrack down the Kemble runway could use up more fuel than the whole journey. The detour round Benson already planned this time, so the journey is pretty much uneventful. Some avoiding action for a glider and tug over Wycombe, round the M25 over Stapleford and up to Andrewsfield.

A beautiful day and a pleasant way to spend it: friends, flying and bacon sandwiches!