1 post tagged “fantasy”
In a bid to escape from the everyday dramas which are currently plaguing me, I decided to return to the fantasy world of flightsimming. You know....Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 (I'm both dubious about and too cheap to buy FSX). There's an abundance of freeware flight models available on the 'net and some damn good one's too. With custom made panels, virtual cockpits, sound files and liveries. Some of the payware stuff is also well worth the money to buy if you're at all like me, and just fall in love with a virtual representation of a wonderful, artistic and graceful aircraft.
Of course, I'm talking about civilian aircraft here. I'm not an overt fan of militaristic warbirds, although I do have a couple of ex-WW2 converted bombers and at least one circa 1950's jet in my 'hangar'. Neither am I a huge fan of modern jet powered civilian cattle-crates. With all the technology available today, even in the real world it's a matter of flaps set-throttles forward-gear up- autopilot set-coffee please. Long haul bus driving doesn't do it for me either. I'm more into the small twin props, especially the piston-engined jobs. Beech D18S, Howard 500 and Rockwell Aero Commander series.
I'm currently flying a cross-global route from Brisbane (YBBN) to Carriacou (TGPZ) in the Grenadines. The route takes me to Cairns, Port Moresby, Honiara, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, San Francisco, south western USA, Mexico, Dominican Republic and on to Grenada. The trip will take weeks, as it would in the real world, flying a Rockwell Shrike Commander, which I've altered to accommodate ferry tanks for the longer legs. This is pure escapism on my behalf, and Gods know I would happily escape if I could. It's a venture into a lifestyle I can only dream about with an ending which is really 'out there' by any stretch of the imagination. There's an island, known as White Island, less than 2 klicks off the coast of Carriacou. It measures half a klick by 200 metres with it's highest point about twelve metres above sea level. There's a considerable rocky tor on one end of the island and it's there I'd build a small shack. After paying US$3m for the island, what's the cost to ferry a builder to this remote spot? Chicken feed, I dare say!
I've included a link to the Google Earth file for White Island for those interested enough to take a gander. I'm considering mapping out the journey on GE, just for shits & giggles you understand. I'm currently in Port Moresby, having flown there from Cairns this arvo. No pics, I'm afraid. I was too busy getting used to this new bird to hang out the virtual window & take snap shots. I do promise there will be pics as the flight progresses though. Can you understand why I've titled this post "Running Away"? If I were any younger, I'd be seriously worried about me, but I'm not, so I can't be bothered. Beer or wine, anyone?
