Well, I have now flown across more tiger country than I knew existed. We flew to Carnarvon with a bit of tail wind then headed off over trees and scrub to Karratha. Bush all the way. Landed at “Yarraloola” for some fuel which was given to us free, but it had sediment in it. Luckily the fuel filter system did not block up and I got heaps and heaps of rubbish out of the sediment bowls for many days afterward. There were a few miss fires in the motor and some funny running but it never stopped. Just as well, as the whole trip across the top of Australia was over rough country with nowhere to land, some of it very dangerous in the event of engine trouble. I lodged flight plans for the first time over here as know one knew where we were if ther ...

The FlyAwaytoHeaven group landed safely last night ( 7 planes and 15 people) at Kalumburu at around 4.15pm, with the twin engine (Geoff from Melbourne) coming in earlier, and carrying Cory and Paul the photographer.  Mitch, the young 16 year old, was the last to land - a good landing it was too.

We ferried them all into our "motel" accomodation and were just in time for Mass at 5.30pm.  After Mass we set ourselves up outside the church, and heard a great country and western concert thanks to Cory and his co-guitarist.  There were quite a lot of the locals, and all the mission people, including Bishop Christopher Saunders from Broome, who was visiting on his way to Kununurra!  The children eventually got over their shyness, and started dancing - they had a great time.

I planned to fly with Stephan, Mitch and John with my battery fully charged. We were to travel in loose formation but as we took off my radio stopped receiving signal and my GPS ran flat batteries as I did not have it running from the plane battery. Three problems were too many for me so I landed at Serpentine airfield, just 5 miles north.

We met some local pilots who were very friendly and they helped sort out all the problems. Stephan and Mitch left around 1.00pm and John and I got away around 3.00pm for our flight north past

Goodbye to Adelaide - hello Port Pirie.  This was a joy for Fr. John who caught up with his long time friend Fr. Paul Crotty.  Fr. Paul together with John Rowe representing Rotary turned on a magnificent evening at the BH Club.  Transport from the Airport and billeting of pilots were organised by the Rotary Club and the generous people of the Parish.  Fr. John gave his presentation as the pilots told of their involvement with the Fly Away to Heaven.  A very successful evening was enjoyed by all those who attended.

The next day it was a visit to St. Mark’s College and the Christian Brothers College.  The students paid great attention as they listened to the needs of the people of East Timor.  It is hoped that these schools will take on a project for East Timor by uniting themselves with scho ...

Two buses arrived to pick us up from the Mt. Gambier Airport.  Nathaniel Sutton and Bill Quirke gave us a short site seeing trip around Mt. Gambier then on to the Parish Centre for a lunch prepared by the Parish.  Carol Chislett, who arranged our visit was very interested in the Earth Angel’s Care CD’s.  As a fundraiser for World Youth Day the CD’s will help to bring out people from East Timor for WYD.  Goodbye to Mt. Gambier, however we offer our thanks once again to Carol and her support team who made this short visit so pleasurable.

With a Letter of Welcome to Adelaide from Archbishop Wilson the team arrived safely at Aldinga Airport.  After meeting with the Press, the team were taken by bus to Dernancourt Parish who willingly put their hand up as hosts for the Fly Away to Heaven Proje ...

Well it was up, up and away again heading to Ballarat.  This stop over gave us an opportunity to visit with the Sisters of Nazareth who provided a scrumptious lunch.  The Sisters took a break from working and enjoyed listening to Korey singing “Earth Angel’s Care”.  Like angels, the Sisters were giving their support by filling up many sample bags with goodies for World Youth Day.  These are the quiet achievers who behind the scenes put many long hours into preparing for this blessed occasion.  With a snack pack provided for in flight nibbles from the kind Sisters, it was time  to get back on the bus arranged by Carmel Kavanagh and return to the Airport.

At 4.00 pm we touched down in Warrnambool, where local farmer Paul Maloney and John Gibbons joined the flyathon. The team has no ...

One after the other the planes touched down in Traralgon.  Greeting the Team was Cathy McClue from World Youth Day and Lorae Armstrong who with their support group welcomed the team to a home made luncheon.  Fr. John gave his Presentation to a great crowd of 100 people and extended his thanks to Lorae, Cathy and Support Group. The Team enjoyed their short stay in Traralgon immensely.

It was here that Lawrie Armstrong and Mel Dougherty joined the flight, so up, up and away again and off to the next destination - Lilydale Airport.

It was a time to relax and enjoy the Lilydale Flying School.  The Team took a breather with a nice drink and a BBQ prepared by the Lilydale Club.  With the bus provided by Aquinas College, Ringwood,  the tea ...

With Bendigo in sight, the Fly Away to Heaven Team made their  way to the terminal to be greeted by John Carty, Lorraine Kiely, and their support group.  With a beautiful open log fire, the team were welcomed by the Aero Club with a magnificent meal prepared by the support group under the skilful hand of chef “Lino” from East Timor.  Before a gathering of 50-60 people, Fr. John gave his Presentation that was enjoyed by everyone.  A Certificate was presented to Fr. John from the City of Greater Bendigo welcoming the Fly Away Team to Bendigo.

Next morning, the Team attended Mass celebrated by Fr. John at the Poor Clare Monastery, and much gratitude was given to the Sisters for all their prayerful support before the Team was up, up in the air heading for Traralgon.

Over 100 people waved and cheered as the Fly Away to Heaven planes taxied along the runway at the Albury Airport.  It was the day that Fr. John and his team had waited for, as they proudly waved to the crowd of well wishers.

Mr. Tim Fischer launched the Project giving his full support and congratulated the efforts of all those behind the Fly Away to Heaven Project, he quoted George Bernard Shaw, “there’s a certain joy in life in seeing a good cause helped along”.

The students from Scots School Albury presented Dr. Graham Libreri with a cheque to aid the people of East Timor.  It is with this gift of giving that will inspire others.  The children from Holy Spirit School who enjoyed the launch had a ‘day for the ...