The Moonlight Race

For several years now, I have arrived at the Alexandra airport on a Saturday morning and dragged ERW out of the hangar. Occasionally, I would see someone walking their dog, but mostly the place is disserted. How things have changed.

Looking around, there were several planes sitting outside their hangars, with owners busy doing pre-flight checks or maintenance. In the air there were two Gyros circling overhead. One was flown by Pauline Hogue, and the other by Kerry Fodie. Kerry was back in Alexandra during a break from flying helicopters in the States.

(Photo – Mike working on his WW1 replica )

  
ERW has been busy with a couple of flights to Milford Sounds. Also Dave Burke, Gary, Greg and myself have all had flights. In the last two weeks, we have done 8hrs, and 30hrs since this time last month.

Today’s flight took me through the Cromwell gorge and around the south end of the Pisa Range. I was looking at the water irrigation network built around the gold mining era. Why am I interested in water races? Because the Moonlight race was one of the first built and flows from high up in the range, down to the Burn Cottage Vineyard. Our new Pinot Noir has been named Moonlight , and like any good wine, there is a story to go with it.

(Photo – Catchment area, Valley path)

After exploring the water race, it was off to the airfield to practice a Forced landing. Engine failures are rare, but it’s a good idea to keep current.

Happy Flying

Stephen Morton