Desert Dash in the M24

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Gyronaut
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Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Gyronaut » Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:45 pm

So, after Christmas, Christine and I decided to go visit her best friend in the Boesmanland.
It so happens that her best friend is Leon Bower's daughter, Liezel. Many of you will know Leon who has a farm in the Kakamas district. He flies a Cessna 172 and a Magni M16 Gyro. His farm is about 40 miles south west of Kakamas which is about 40 miles south west of Upington slap bang in the middle of the Boesmanland. He has a lovely runway etc on his farm.

From Morningstar I decided the most direct route is to Loeriesfontein (2.5hrs) where Boet Loubser kindly arranged fuel for us (there and back) and then it is another 1.5hours direct to Leon's farm. 4 hours flying time one-way.

Herewith some pics of the trip I thought I would share with fellow aviation enthusiasts. Man, this is big sky country. I called it "Leeu Wereld" and Cx kept looking for the lions. :lol:

Thanks to Leon and Gesina, Boet and Annie, Liezel and Gary for a great getaway!

Len & Cx
Attachments
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Loading the Co-ords into the MGL EFIS
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Wild country
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At Loeriesfontein to meet Boet
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Vast saltpans, safe low-flying - no wires or animals or people to disturb
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Wide open space
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Leon's farm - Thanks to GPS technology
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Runway
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Short Final
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Leon, the epitomy of friendship and hospitality
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He works damn hard on that farm too!
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Which one is dinner?
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Lunch wagon
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Leon at his vintage graveyard
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Never been as hot in my life ever as here at Augrabies falls this day. I swear it was 50degrees or more!
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After Leon's first flight as part of his conversion onto the M24.
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On the way back, at Loeriesfontein - "Len, Staan gou by - ek gaan opstyg".. and there he goes!
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VIP Escort out of Loeriesfontein
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Totsiens!
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more 'lion country'
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The welcome sight of water at Clanwilliam after the desert!
Dobbs
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Dobbs » Wed Dec 29, 2010 7:52 pm

Hi Gyronaut, lovely photos, thanks for sharing
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Blue Max
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Blue Max » Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:32 pm

Hi Gyronaut,
I wish everybody will tell us about there trips.
A area worth visiting.!!
Ek praat jou thaal...
Visit www.opencockpit.co.za to read about my Namibiee adventure...
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John Young
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Desert Dash in the M24

Postby John Young » Thu Dec 30, 2010 6:26 am

Very lekker. !!!!

Thanks.

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mak
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby mak » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:31 am

Nice one Len, looks like an awesome trip.
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Grumpy » Thu Dec 30, 2010 10:13 am

Lekka jaloes nou. (^^) (^^)
"Hope the weather is calm tomorrow !!"
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Boet
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Boet » Thu Dec 30, 2010 12:26 pm

Len , welkom, bel net as ek kan help. Lekker kak oorgekom. Op pad terug van die "escort vlug", vlieg met oop deur, heerlik koel en baie winderig. Waai my vlieg-geld by my sak uit. Moertoe. Darem 2 terug gekry. Ander is MIA. shucks. (**) Dem, dis DUUR om te vliee! :cry:
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Scotsman » Thu Dec 30, 2010 8:23 pm

Beautiful aerie...beautiful landscape...lucky bugger (^^)
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CFD
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby CFD » Sun Jan 02, 2011 12:47 pm

Nice trip Len - was up at Boet for Xmas so just missed you. Had to come home to escape the heat!
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby AndyG » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:31 am

Lekker one Len. All the best to you and Christine for the new year (^^) (^^)
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Re: Desert Dash in the M24

Postby Jabbanaught » Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:21 am

Well Done Len , Looks good , Maybe we should plan a Trip and go visit Leon .
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