So, together with our friends Ann and George , we wound our way up to the top of Mt Gravatt in the southern suburbs of Brisbane to get a good view of the final hurrah.
Quite a few others had the same idea. We waited patiently for some time and we were entertained by late comers trying to find a place to park.
Finally, they appeared, They flew over the city and then towards us.
Two separated and went down to the Gold Coast City to say goodbye there.
The others turned to the west going right over our heads. They were noisy.
They have been in service since 1973 and are being replaced by Super Hornets.
After they disappeared most people left, but Ann and George surprised us by saying, "We have brought a picnic lunch to share with you." This table looked inviting and we hoped the grey skies were not going to rain on us.
We had prawn and salad rolls, cake , cookies and Swiss chocolate. Talk about being spoilt. George and Ann are checking their pics of the planes. Ah! It's grand to be retired. It just started to rain as we packed up and it hasn't stopped ever since. (A slight exaggeration)
A few months ago we heard on the news that our ageing airforce fighter planes, the F 111C Aardvark, were going to be replaced and there would be a farewell flight over Brisbane of those based here. It was a dull day threatening rain.
A few months ago we heard on the news that our ageing airforce fighter planes, the F 111C Aardvark, were going to be replaced and there would be a farewell flight over Brisbane of those based here. It was a dull day threatening rain.
What a fine picnic to round off a fun morning :)
ReplyDeleteMy husband & son would definitely have been up on that hill, too! They go to all the airshows in Cape Town and return with hundreds of photos each year!
Good excuse for an outing, and the picnic lunch was a lovely surprise, great to have a day out with friends.
ReplyDeleteMy sister took me up there a couple of times years ago.
Hugs,
Jan
When I looked at these photos, I actually got chills. I love planes/jets so much. I was raised around them for a few teenage years and I just never got tired of the B-52's, C135's and others that test flew all over Moses Lake, Washington. I'd have been right there on that hill with you all. I shoulda married one of those airforce boys.
ReplyDeleteI love formation flying planes - I scream if the "Red Arrows" ever fly by!! Great photos! And what lovely friends. xxxx
ReplyDeleteI love surprise picnics - and you did well to photograph those planes. Love your new look blog too. It's very easy on the eye.
ReplyDeleteIt is exciting to wait and at last hear them comming. The noise must have been very loud! Oh, that Swiss chocolate I can't resist it.
ReplyDeleteI used to have a set of picnic cups just like that!!
ReplyDeleteThe F1-11s have given great service , I agree. Were they based at Amberley?
Great action shots.
The picnic was a nice surprise -- you have some wonderful friends. I'm pretty sure I would have been someplace on that hill with you if I lived in Brisbane.
ReplyDeleteDiane, I like the new look here on your blog.
ReplyDeleteThis was an entertaining way to spend a few hours, and spend time with friends too.
Julie: Yes they were based at Amberley.
ReplyDeleteI remember all the fuss when those planes were being bought ... seems like they got value for money in terms of longevity at least. I reckon they are a thrilling sight and would have been out there looking too. We had a brilliant sunny weekend ... clouds coming over again now though.
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me of the airshow in Eastbourne two years ago where we went up the cliffs to see the airplanes while we had a picnic, that was real fun ! Last year the grass was so wet we couldn't have our picnic and watched from the beach.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrilling sight that must have been, I'm another one who would have been on the hill with you if I lived down that way. We sometimes have military jets fly out of our regional airport and sometimes they come right over our rooftop.
ReplyDeleteAnd after all the excitment a lovely picnic, I wouldn't mind being spoiled like that.
Looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteAh...Lindt!
ReplyDeleteI love air shows, Diane. And you are right.. Those jets are LOUD... Glad you got to enjoy them. AND--then to have a wonderful picnic was even better.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy