A short visit to the USA--back to the EU

I had an opportunity to head back to Mesa for a quick visit last weekend. The weather was beautiful, and it was great to see Trix and check on the RV. I had no bike, except for my "commissary bike" but used it A LOT over the few days I was there. Heading back to the UK now for at least a couple weeks, but as usual, my schedule is not firm. After a couple weeks, I'll either be in Tuscany or Philadelphia. Hmmm.

Back in the UK, almost

It has been a very busy year, only flying about 100 hours or so, but most of it was "quality time" in the Chinook. I left the UK "for good" as in my semi-long term arrangement of the previous year was up, but have made multiple trips back to fly over 2010. I start a new long term assignment in the UK in December and should be fully engaged until Jun or Jul.

The weather has been nearly perfect this week. We have had clear skies, modest winds and cool temperatures. The leaves are turning and we had our first frost two nights ago.

Here is my new home, but only for a month (Jan-Feb) it looks great, and it is great, but it isn't designed for long term stays. No storage, portable heating, no internet, no phone coverage, pretty far from town. Close to work, but who wants to work? In Feb, I am moving back to my old place in Britford. I am actually there now, and am much happier-it is the closest thing I have to a home at the moment!

Back in the USA--for a bit

I haven't done much in the way of my blog lately. Just more of the same in the UK. Very busy trying to get the flight test program completed before the holidays. We came close, but fell just short--largely due to 6 weeks of horrid English weather.
I am currently in Philadelphia for a couple days before returning to Mesa for the Christmas and New Years holiday period. Back to Old Blighty on Saturday, 2 Jan for two or three more weeks of flight test, then several months in the states before another long stint in the UK. Keeping up OK?

4th of July

I was out enjoying the warm, summer weather on my bike when I rolled through the town of Wilton (the ancient capital of Wessex) and joined a 4th of July parade ongoing! You can imagine my surprise. The Brits really do love their American cousins. Sometimes I think they are celebrating the fact that we left.

Sunburned in the UK

The weather is great here. For a full week there was no rain! I love it. Here is a warning sign for a little "bump in the road" on the edge of the New Forest.

The New Forest

I live very near one of the few National Parks in the UK. The new forest is just south of Salisbury and runs almost to the Channel. The parks here are much less isolated than in the US. There are major roads going through the park and more than a few small towns, completely surrounded by the park. The most unique aspect of the New Forest are the wild horses, donkeys and cross breed hybrids of the same.
After a week of near daily rainfall (planned to coincide with Trix's visit!) the weather is now lovely again with moderate temperatures (15-17 during the day) and only some morning fog that burns off by 0800. Birds are now singing at 0450 and sunset isn't until almost 2100!

Gateway to Great Cycling

From my flat, just south of Salisbury, much of the best riding in Wiltshire is right out the door. 5km from the door are two massive trees that create an archway to the Chalke Valley. A short, steep descent and you are on "the road less travelled".

Most of the roads are pretty rough--they are farm roads that seldom see maintenance. They can be extremely steep also since snow and ice are very rare here. Grades over 15% are common and I found two 20% grades yesterday!