Thursday, August 5, 2010

In the Shadow of Mt Kinabalu...

Norman has safely arrived Kota Kinabalu International Airport (WBKK) in the north of the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah. This followed a flight from Kuching, where he departed at 10.00am local time for a 330 miles (530 Km) first leg to Miri Airport where he refueled before continuing to Kota Kinabalu, a further 180 miles (290 km) to the North.


Norman made great time on each leg and was helped once again by members of the EAA Malaysian Chapter 1090 (Experimental Aircraft Association) at both stops.
There were doubts about reaching Kota Kinabalu today as a weather front may have caused problems, but Norman managed to arrive at the airport ahead of the rain storms.

The majority of today’s journey was flown overland and included tropical rain forest, Nature Reserves and at one stage he was flying over the Sultanate of Brunei!

But tonight he rests in the city of Kota Kinabalu, a very attractive tourist destination, world famous for its nature reserves and its position at the base of Borneo’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. He is being hosted by members of the EAA Malaysian Chapter 1090.

This will be his last night in Malaysia as tomorrow morning, weather permitting, he is scheduled to fly north to Puerto Princesa International Airport on the island of Palawan, his first stop in the 16th new country since leaving Northern Ireland…The Philippines. ETD 09.15am Local time.

6 comments:

  1. Wonderful news! We are following your progress with great interest and pride. Let's hope you are on a roll now after the events in Thailand. Your courage is a marvellous example to us all. Much love, Gordon and Heather, Bangor

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  2. You really zoomed through that one Norman! Always hoping for perfect flying conditions and it seems you've had some good luck since returning to the air. Let's hope the rains have passed you by tonight.
    Barbs xx

    PS..Is that our cousin Heather from Bangor above?? How are you?

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  3. Yes, it's the very one - am a bit new-fangled with this blogging lark but am getting there. It's great to make contact with the family over the world Heather x

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  4. Joseph Ferris, CushendallAugust 6, 2010 at 5:16 PM

    Am on a round Ireland cycling trip but am doing my best to keep up to speed with your marvellous adventure. The best way for me to get onto the 'net is using the resources in public libraries. Presently in Dungloe, Co Donegal and the weather is atrocious ... rain, rain and plenty of wind coming from the wrong direction! Great to know that G-YROX is behaving herself and that you are both making good progress. Keep 'er lit!

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  5. You made front page news in the Larne Times yesterday.... not Nemo's page.

    I see you were unable to fly today due to the weather.
    Wishing you fair weather and light winds for tomorrow.

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  6. Heather!! (sorry Norman...)...I'm on Facebook...please send me a message there and I'll reply with a note with my email address...I think of you often...Barbs xxx

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