When I bought my TOC in March, I was presented with two bits of swag. First was a hat -- I had wanted one so I was very happy with that. Next was a certificate. It was in French so it took me a moment to understand -- the saleswoman helped explain: the owner of the store is a pilot and takes Breitling customers for a flight in his 1939 bi-plane.
I certainly wasn't expecting that.Because we've had a wet Spring, it took a while to find a good day to fly but yesterday was perfect. We met at the "airport" in Bex, at the foot of the Dents de Morcles, around 6:00 PM. After introductions and some conversation about the plane, it was time to go. Monsieur Meylan made sure to explain that though the plane is from 1939, the engine is new. That did, in fact, make me feel a little better.
He asked where I wanted to go. Because I've climbed many of the mountains in that area -- Grand Muveran, Grand Dent de Morcles, Dents du Midi (Haute Cime), Grand Chavalard -- I asked if we could make a tour of them so that I could see them from a different perspective. And make a tour we did. It was amazing how close we flew and, at times, how close to the ground we were. I'm more accustomed to a 767 than a two-seater...
So here are a few photos from my adventure. I even managed a couple of wrist shots. I hope you enjoy them.
My sons and me before the flight.
Wrist shot one. It was very cramped and difficult to get a good shot.
Wrist shot two - a bit more interesting. I think that's Tour de Mayen in the background (I didn't take notice as I shot).
The Grand Muveran (left) and the Grand and Petite Dents de Morcles (between the struts).
Les Dents du Midi - a truly majestic sequence of seven peaks all about 3200-3250m.
Approaching Lake Geneva from the east. Geneva is at the West end of the lake.
Sailboats on Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva and Le Grammont -- this was shot just about over the spot where we live.
