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Day one

Three float planes was planned to start the A la Carte-PNF. Rest of the planes are supposed to join later and west part of the trip.. – towards east.

Washed the planes after the seagulls had covered the wings with %*&/()*!+. You cant imagine how much they are able to shit on the wings when they are in the mood.

Wind blowed 120 degrees 12-15 knots at Mäntsälä Isojärvi (departing lake) forecasting some low pressure rains to come. However sun shined warmly. Two of the planes were already there and the third was to come soon. Two Ikarus C42 and one Cora Allegro. All planes with Full-Lotus floats. Expecting six to ten planes to join parts of the trip anyway.

Loaded the planes with all necessary and left some necessary behind. Took the Nikons and Fujitsus including a lot of ingredients to be able to document our unique trip. We even installed a photographic window into one Ikarus. Clothes, maps, some pre historical material over the lighthouses. Of course planes were equipped with necessary pads and ropes, empty fuel canisters etc.

Plan was made to shoot about 4-6 lighthouses as soon as possible when heading east. Weather is supposed to deteriorate.

Finally 15:35 props were running and three planes took off heading 180.

A bit bumpy beginning changed to steady smooth flight when arrived over the sea. If you did not look the GPS speeds or the white head waves you didn’t realize anything special happening outside the cockpit. However the digits showing sometimes the 80-90km/h and VSI 140 indicated nice headwind.

Feelings were superb. Sköderskär was easily found. Living there as light house master were in all our minds. Have a look and imagine yourself.

Superb expressions were hear on our “chat frequency” 123.50Mz. “ Nice to be here with a group, Everybody should see this.”

Seeing the seals on some lonely small reefs proved there is a full life going on we know nothing.

Then headed East for the small lighthouse of Porvoo. Then more out to South heading even more out to the sea. Kalbodagrund was found after few ten minutes. Turned NE for Tainio and then to pilot station Orrengrund.

The big Russian isle “Suursaari” seemed to be very close.

Landing to Pyhtää “Kaunissaari” crowned our day. Beautiful on the air. Extremely unique and fresh with museum everyone to see.

All in Short. First day exceeded our expectations. Experiences not to fly without.