I make no apologies. This is a long-winded epistle on a fascinating trip. Words will be inadequate to describe the friendliness, companionship and scenery that we were privileged to experience. What started as a simple dream whilst quaffing back the odd bottle or seven of Miller Heavy (as opposed to Lite) during the dying embers of the Cody AYA Convention last year finally came to fruition at the end of July this year.

The plan was to venture to the northern parts of Europe, on the basis of “finger in the air; see which way the winds blowing.” No itinerary. No planned destination. Just north.

Needless to say, this concept attracted some of the Grumman nutcases from Europe who decided that they too wanted an unplanned, ad-hoc vacation.

All in all, eight aircraft and their adventurous occupants enrolled:

Ni Thomas, AA1 G-BFOJ, “Grumpy One”

Paul Vickrage, Tim Comber and Alan Keeble AA5A G-BCEE, “Grumpy Two”

André Everaert AA5B OO-GAZ, “Grumpy Three”

Johannes Wimberg and Robert Rombaut OO-MAR, “Grumpy Four”

Danny DeBrandt AAI N6431L,“Grumpy Red”

Yogi Beck AA1 D-EAXH, “Grumpy Star”

Paul “Mad Cow” Newton AA1 N5644L, “Grumpy Cow” (What else?)

Peter and Angela Marchant AA5 G-BBDM, “Grumpy Peter”