Dadswells Bridge June weekend report – the 'other' side

You've heard the facts – here's the truth!

In a 'magic moment' this exchange was heard over the airwaves. "Traffic Colefield, this is Foxtrot Quebec, Oscar; where's the airfield?". The reply was this; "Same place it was when you took off". Not helpful - but very accurate!! FQO found his way home alright. Dadswells can be a tricky place to find the airfield as the airfield is a paddock with a few runway markers and, from the air, looks like all the other paddocks in the surrounding area.

GCV's Mossie FQO approaches the ridge north of Hall's Gap

Luckily, "Boss" Rossco makes us line up our trailers along the fence line so they mark out the airfield a little better! We are always eager to comply with Rossco's instructions because he has a secret weapon – Elly – one wrong look from her and you're vaporised ash! So, we do as we're told and Rossco thinks he's "Boss". Of course, of all the trailers lined up along the fence, Rossco's is pointing in the opposite direction to everybody else! Still, we no complain!

Good view from up here!

Our tug BXP is servicing the towing operation this year as our usual tug from Horsham Flying Club was sold and on its way to Queensland. During the operation the tug stays overnight on the airfield. Saturday night was rather cold and BXP showed us her contempt for us by refusing to start on Sunday morning! Gary Allbutt whispered a few "sweet nothings" in her cowlings and she started! We have a new name for Gary - "Pawnee Whisperer".

GCV's Pawnee BXP with Brigg's Bluff in the Background

Flying in the Grampians is different – it's important to get the technique right!

The "Old Dadswells Town" accommodation which was new to many of us turned out to be quite a treat. Each unit is given a different theme in the group. There's a Baker, Butcher, Bank, even a Bordello – I'm not going to say who was allocated to that unit! Max and Jenny, who run the place, are very nice and Max has a workshop (which he is soooo proud to show off) which contains a couple of 1950's Roadsters he's re-building. Fascinating.

"Bogging in" at dinner time

By the open fire after dinner

Photos by Brian Bull, words by John Switala