An Important Message From Norman

It has been a while since we have been able to post any news from Japan, this is mainly because of the stalemate with the Russian authorities concerning permits for Norman to enter Russian airspace and fly across their country.

As many people will remember from last year, any hold up at this time of year can have a knock-on effect with weather problems further along the route. Because of the length of the delay and because of Norman’s expediency in all matters concerning safety a decision had to be made.

Norman has decided to tell everyone in his own words the decision he has made and why…

 

Wintering in - yet again….

Who would have thought when recommencing the circumnavigation flight in May this year that I would still be facing the prospect of seeking to overwinter ROXY in yet another far off land only a few short months later in September. Yet this is exactly what has come to pass in the past few weeks while I’ve been waiting oh so patiently for permission to fly on from Japan to Russia and thence onwards to Alaska. The Bering Sea (as happened last year - and of course which happens every year….) has once again begun to pull its all enveloping,  winter cloak of snow and ice around itself as an extremely efficient, protective deterrent against any would be open cockpit flyers who would dare to challenge it at this most volatile and changeable time of the year.

This has of course left me with the problem of what to do next? The actual decision to halt the flight (again) has been the relatively easy part. Further north in Russia, the increasingly changeable recent weather patterns combined with early reports from Alaska that the weather there had also already started to turn, meant that by the time mid- September appeared it was quite evident that the Bering Sea crossing would have to be deferred for a second winter. Once again I found myself facing the prospect of finding a safe haven for the aircraft that could logistically accommodate us for the coming months. Various options presented themselves and all then had to be considered.

Flying back South and West towards the warmer climes of the Philippines looked to be one possibility. However on closer inspection, the prospect of making the long open sea crossing between the Japanese Island chain and Luzon Island in the Philippines against the prevailing winds would have proved to be a hugely uncertain physical undertaking, never mind the added logistical minefield of trying to obtain Japanese overflight permission for a second time (when the first time was something of a triumphant achievement in itself). Or a third time for that matter for, of course, if I was back down on Luzon Island I would then have to re-fly the Japanese route back up to Shonai next spring. All in all, it seemed too risky and too complicated to consider any further.

Onwards to (just) enter Russia was another option to consider, however, the blinding and break neck speed that the Russian Permission is still being pushed through their ultra slick Bureaucratic system (“Blinding” as in, catching a glimpse of the welding arc used to weld the box presumably containing my whole permission application to the floor, “Break Neck” as you then trip over it…and  “Slick” might just be a typo error…) has meant that we still haven’t got the definitive word from Russia to proceed with the flight. This, after 2 months of waiting and on top of the fact that outline permission had already been given, way back in March 2010 (and before I had commenced the flight at all). This original permission, subject to some easily achieved provisos (such as carrying a Russian speaker, emergency satellite phone and conducting all flights in daylight hours), had been the catalyst, the “green light” if you will, to set off in the first place as I knew full well that without transiting Russia and the Bering Sea this type of circumnavigation would otherwise have been impossible to complete. To be then subsequently told (once we were sure of a realistic date of entry - late July this year) that we would then have to effectively submit the whole application again, as things (and perhaps people?) have moved on since last year, has been very, very, frustrating to say the least… 

So, without the onward final permission from Russia (yet) even the prospect of simply flying as far as Vladivostok to overwinter there hasn’t been an allowable option (yet…). This situation may change if the permission does now come through miraculously soon, but on current form it’s perhaps better odds to back me achieving all out victory in the All Japan Sumo Wrestling championships that are being screened on TV at the moment…

Therefore, with both the Philippines and Russia ruled out for these various reasons, it was then left to our obvious first choice option, namely to seek permission to overwinter the aircraft precisely where it is now: - Shonai Airport, Yamagata Prefecture, East Japan.

The facilities at Woodland Airpark (where the aircraft wintered last year) and the special care and attention given there by Jay Cook, will prove to be a very hard act to follow, but the very capable and imaginative staff at Shonai Airport are certainly hoping to rise to the challenge! The flight restrictions placed on the aircraft generally in Japan mean that most ongoing activity at Shonai will likely be ground based maintenance and taking measures to guard against the much colder winter weather (after all, 6 feet of drifting snow is not that common in the Philippines…) and we can expect more updates on this new chapter of Roxy’s already very chequered (!) history in the coming weeks and months.

Indeed so much has been happening on the ground in Japan since my arrival here 2 months ago, that I feel there are many more fantastic stories to tell to the blog as we collectively gather around our online winter fireside*,waiting for the late arctic spring to appear once again. Varied topics will feature here, such as “how to spot a Ninja living in your town”, “living with techno toilets (and other gadgets)”, “plastic has never looked so tasty!” and “Rice harvesting for beginners”.

*with apologies of course to all our followers who happen to live in hotter parts of the world and who perhaps have no concept of what a “winter fireside” is, lucky you!  

Now, where did I leave that Sumo Belt…?!

Cheers N.

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Norman arrives at Shonai where Roxy will now spend the winter.

It is sad news that once again bureaucracy has brought this magnificent adventure to a grinding halt. The fact that our brave aviator is doing something unique and for such a good cause seems to go over the heads of these faceless pen pushers in so many countries, but they haven’t reckoned with the tenacity of Norman Surplus.

Norman hasn't been idle whilst in Japan. Here, he is giving talks to local schoolchildren.

You can guarantee he will be back in the spring, equipped with the necessary documents that will allow him to finally finish the first ever circumnavigation of the globe by autogyro. We hope you, Norman’s faithful followers, will all be back next year, cheering him on and showing your undying support that Norman has appreciated so much over the last 18 months.

Norman has actively been promoting "Ganbarou Tohoku !!" Tohoku is the region directly affected by the Tsunami back in March and Ganbarou means "Go on! We are with you!" Here Norman applies a "Ganbarou Tohoku !!" sticker to Roxy at Shonai.

Norman will be returning home to his family very soon, after a sad farewell to his new friends in Japan and of course Roxy, with the promise of returning soon. We at the Gyrox team will still be working hard to keep everyone informed and entertained during the winter months until the day arrives when we can announce that the adventure is on again.

Thank you all for your past support and we hope you will stay with us until the flight of a lifetime has reached its goal, next year.

The Gyrox Team

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(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permission from gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

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Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

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Deja Vu: Your help is needed again.

A feeling of Déjà Vu has descended over the GyroxGoesGlobal camp. Once again we are nearing the cut-off point for continuation of the flight northwards.

With the small summer weather window quickly closing, the realities are that once again Norman may have to call a halt to flight with the hope of resuming it next spring.

The problems, once again, are all down to bureaucracy and the inability of the Russian authorities to issue the required permits that would allow Norman to fly up the east coast of the Russian mainland before making the treacherous crossing of the Bering Straits and reaching the aviation-appreciative shores of Alaska, USA.

Norman, as can be expected, is not happy even just contemplating having to call a halt to the flight. Considering what he has been through it will be a shame that some faceless pen pushers will end this epic, brave and unique journey that has inspired so many and kept the world on the edge of their seats for so many months.

But even so, Norman is still upbeat and being a man who never gives up, still has an optimistic view on the events. There has been a massive assault on the world’s media over the last few days by Norman and the Gyrox team, in the hope that with enough public backing then the Russian authorities may change their stance and finally give Norman the permits he so urgently needs.

Read the article in the Guardian newspaper and check out their interactive map for the journey so far. (UK)

Norman has even made the Huffington Post. Click here to check it out. (USA)

Even Russian News TV has given Norman air time and joined in the push to get him flying again.

(Click the links above to see the news articles).

So all is not lost and even though the ‘seasonal’ clock is ticking, there is still time to make that final effort to get to the USA and Canada in time.

How can You, Norman’s faithful supporters, help? There are a number of things you can do.

1.       Contact your local Russian embassy and let them know that you and many others are disappointed with the Russian authorities for blocking this amazing flight, especiall as it is for a good cause.

2.       Contact your local/national media – press/TV – and make them aware of the problem, suggesting they run something that may make everyone aware of the problems, and maybe use our links to illustrate the story.

3.       Go to the Facebook pages (see links below) and post your supportive messages so that we can show that there is a massive worldwide audience watching the events happening in Russia.

Of course, we will keep you up to date with any breaking news concerning these ongoing negotiations and hope that with your support we can reach a positive outcome.

Many thanks for your patience and support

The Gyrox Team

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For more information, go to our website

Follow us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow us on Twitter

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

                    *     *     *

Triangular Travel Tales

As the world waits patiently for the Gyrox adventure to continue, Norman himself has been very busy over the last week, racing around the Island of Honshu, chasing up the elusive permits that will enable him to leave Japan and enter Russia.
 
His 700 mile triangular journey from Tsuruoka, the city near Shonai where Norman is staying, would take in Kyoto,Niigata and Tokyo. But before departing from Tsuruoka last week, Norman partook of a meal at the cozy Izakaya restaurant with his hosts, Aki Takano and Mr. Muraoka. Here he was able to try a traditional Japanese dish called ‘Natto’, a bowl of fermented soy beans, renowned for its pungent smell.

Norman looking a bit tentative as he tries Natto for the first time

But Norman proved he wasn't just a brave pilot but also a brave epicure too! In fact he does seem to be enjoying the dish and probably asked for seconds! At least there was a good supply of Saki available to wash it down with.

Mmmm, delicious?

A pleasant evening was enjoyed by everyone and during the following days Norman would be off on his grand tour of Honshu Island, chasing the all important pieces of paper needed to start flying again.

Over dinner conversation with Norman and Mr. Muraoka.

Norman and Aki (left) thank the owner and staff at the Izakaya restaurant

Click here to see a video on the right way to eat Natto!

But first, Norman and local English teacher, Mr Noguchi  visited a spectacular Firework display in Sakata City about 12 miles north of Tsuruoka. It turned out to be an outstanding display, choreographed in the unsurpassable Japanese way, which amazed Norman.

Norman has managed to capture the spectacle of a Japanese Firework display with this amazing photograph!

Norman’s first destination was Kyoto, approximately 300 miles south of Tsuruoka. He had planned this stop to get some sightseeing in as Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, has an abundance of World Heritage Sights within the city limits.

But first he needed a hotel to stay in and seeing he was in Japan it was only fitting that he try out one of the famous 'Pod Hotels'. Luckily, within 10 minutes walking distance from Kyoto train station was the 'Capsule Ryokan Kyoto Pod Hotel', a modern take on the crowded Tokyo pod hotels.

Traditional 'Pods' at the Ryokan Hotel

Although the hotel has a number of traditional ‘Pods’, Norman chose to stay in the larger (but not by much) Ryokan En-suite Pods, complete with ‘automatic’ toilet!

A Ryokan 'Suite', complete with automatic toilet?

Norman was able to hire a bicycle and was soon off on his travels around the beautiful parks with their amazing, ancient shrines and temples.

The immaculate 7th century Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto

But with sightseeing over (all too soon) it was time to get back on the trail of the all-important permits.

This meant another train ride, this time to the modern capital of Tokyo 250 miles east of Kyoto. A lengthy journey shortened by the speed at which Norman travelled.

Riding on the world famous Shinkansen Bullet train, Norman passed through the Japanese countryside at speeds up to 270 kmh (168 mph), twice the speed he has been travelling at in Roxy!

Norman describes in his own words the journey and this fantastic train…

The Ultra-modern Kyoto train station!

"The Shinkansen “Bullet” trains have been a fabulous way to travel (at 270kmph!-168mph) between Kyoto and Tokyo (and I also travelled from Tokyo - Niigata). The route went past Mount Fuji but alas the summer haze reduced visibility such that it slid past unnoticed on the train…."

Two Japanese icons: The Shinkansen Bullet Train passes Mount Fuji.

"With the train noticeably leaning around the corners you get a real sense for the speed and at times the undulating ground also gave a slight negative G (hump back bridge) sensation as you dropped down slightly over a “hill” - such was the speed that the slightest changes in gradient were amplified into a sensation akin to being on a motorbike winding through the undulating countryside (or riding atop the flying mosquito…) . We careered towards the sides of densely wooded steep hillsides, seemingly certain to smash into the side of the hill, but only to be swallowed whole, in an instant, into yet another blacked out tunnel, a relatively quiet underground world with less sense of speed until you exploded once more into the bright sunshine of the daylight again."

The ultra-sleek and futuristic Shinkansen Bullet Train

"Meeting another train going the other way is the real proof of speed. With the combined closing speed of say 540kmh (336mph) two Shinkansen take only about 6 seconds to flash by each other and these trains remember are very long, perhaps 18 carriages…So fast that you cannot see the windows on the opposite train. Each row of seats, 2 on one side of the aisle and 3 on the other are arranged with one smallish window each side (like on an aircraft) and the very clever part is that when the Shinkansen pulls into the final station on its route all the train seats are designed to swivel around to face the other way for the return journey!!"

The airliner style 'cabin' of a Shinkansen

"No need for loop lines or old fashioned train turntables here! The cleaning staff immediately gets to work turning all the seats while the passengers form orderly queues at each doorway ready to embark. A process that perhaps takes all of 10 minutes and then as a grand finale the 15 or so staff promptly line up on the platform with backs to the train and give a perfectly choreographed collective bow to the waiting passengers! The respect for the passengers and train doesn’t end there as each time the conductor or the stewardesses enter and leave each train carriage during the journey they also turn to the passengers and bow… all very civilised indeed!"

"Cheers, Norman."

Check out this video of a Shinkasen speeding through a station!

The decision to visit Tokyo was made because of the help being received from the British Embassy staff and also because the Russian Embassy is sited there too. Both of them important in the struggle to get the permits arranged in time for Norman to continue his flight before the winter sets in across the Bering Sea.

Some time ago, Norman was invited to stay with a lovely, quintessentially British, family in Tokyo and who have really turned out to be firm “Friends of Gyrox”. They have been helping him navigate around Tokyo to the various Embassies and not only have they been great hosts and of great assistance with the dreaded red tape but they have also accompanied Norman on various social outings in this remarkable capital city.

Norman with a 'Pink Girl'

One of the first outings, last Sunday afternoon, was to Yoyogi Park, the site of the first ever powered flight in Japan back in 1910 by Captain Tokugawa. Here Norman met a 'Pink Girl'. This is a fashion statement in Japan, based around the Manga phenomenon and even goes to the extreme of the girls wearing coloured contact lenses that give their eyes a cartoon/doll like appearance.

Manga eyes on a 'Pink Girl'

On another night-time outing Norman saw something that could have been a sign. In fact it was a sign, but coincidence? Maybe this night club sign was saying ‘Roxy is waiting and you will be flying with her soon’. We all hope so.

It's an omen!

So yesterday, Monday 15^th August, Norman returned by Bullet train to Niigata where he changed to the more relaxed and scenic views of the coastal railway that took him back to his temporary home in Tsuruoka, where he, like all of us, will be waiting for that all important news from Russia.

A busy triangular week!

A week of long distance travel, interspersed with hectic negotiations and pleasant distractions has come to an end and a new week begins with some sense that the trip to Tokyo might well have been worth it.

Norman sending the updates back to us from a very nice Japanese internet cafe!

Our hopes are high for a resumption of the flight sometime this week and Norman is back in place, preparing for that eventuality.

The Gyrox Team

                    *     *     *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Follow us on Twitter

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timeline website

 

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Island Hopping

This weekend we have been fortunate to receive a full length blog post from Norman himself. Whilst he has been waiting for those long awaited permits to allow him to continue to Russia he has managed to find the time to write a fascinating travelogue of his journey through the Japanese islands and also explains the delay that is keeping him in Japan for the moment. Enjoy!

Island Hopping

As I write this entry I am now sitting on the “Mainland” of Japan, which, in the bigger scheme of things, is still of course an island in itself. Since setting out from the “Mainland” of the Philippines, Luzon (another big island), I have been making steady progress by hopping from one small island to another, like so many small stepping stones across this huge watery North East Pacific region.

This has been a very different type of flying than what has gone before up to this point. The vast majority of the time airborne has been heading out over hundreds of miles of Ocean in search of a small speck of Terra Firma (or not so Firma as we are now very much in an active Earthquake Zone…) to land on.

Landfall, but not conducive to a landing!

These small oasis of green, usually surrounded by a wave worn rugged rocky coastline, have all been home to very special Island communities who have all been very curious to learn the reasons why I just happened to have singled out their particular island from so many possible landing spots. The main deciding factors have primarily been geographic and logistical as these small islands with less busy airports suit Gyro flying very well. There is often simply no need for Gyros to land at airports with large commercial infrastructure (unless for clearing entry/exit customs etc.). While being “processed” to go through these large metropolises, it often feels like it takes much longer to just get out to your aircraft than it does to actually fly to your next destination!! Much preferable is the small field where a one minute walk brings you through from car park to aircraft apron and perhaps another one minute walk takes you to the tower to have a pleasant, unhurried chat with ATC about the weather, prohibited airspace zones for that day and check any other Notices to Airmen (NOTAMS) en route…

The normal daily flight range of G-YROX has also dictated exactly which of the small islands have been best placed, geographically. And so, with only a little bit more selection process than simply stabbing a pin on the map, we chose our ideal island locations and flight planned accordingly.

As I set out from Luzon I wondered what sort of reception I might expect from these islands which just a short time before where a completely unknown quantity. Would I get by on islands where much less English would be spoken, could I get fuel, food, accommodation and money ok? I shouldn’t have worried though, as each one proved out my theory that small island communities are usually very friendly, welcoming people, keen and proud to show that their island is a unique, fantastic place (and so they truly are - every one of them…).

Norman suggests that this en-route island could be its own self contained country! It has agriculture, a city, villages and a harbour...but no airfield...time to fly on.

I think it is something to do with a mutual recognition that on a small island everyone has to coexist in a small space, and depend on each other for help and support in every situation. When a new face suddenly appears (especially riding in, atop a yellow mosquito!! As Roxy has been fondly described this week!) there is a recognition that extends this help and support towards the traveller with open arms. Even in Kadena Air Base (the first overnight stop on my Island hopping adventure) there was that sense of unity of purpose (as you would expect from a military base of course) and the Base structure with its many “on Base” facilities formed almost and island community in itself. An Island within an Island so to speak, within the greater island community of Okinawa.

Earlier on that day I called very briefly to Basco Airport on the Butanes Islands 2 hours flight north of the Philippines. This was purely to pick up some additional fuel that I needed to allow me to reach Okinawa.

Arriving at the Butanes Islands, hoping there IS a runway somewhere!

Although I didn’t have very long on the ground there (and stayed strictly “airside” standing on the Apron as I was now flying internationally) the airport officials all gathered around for photographs and questions and I got a fantastic sense that all was harmonious, peaceful and tranquil on this Subtropical outpost.

Just about every Basco airport official came out to greet Norman.

The “airside flower beds” were manicured to perfection as were the numerous flowering shrubs and trees that accompanied them (how many times would you hear that phrase in Heathrow or JFK!). I departed almost as quickly as I had arrived but with a lasting memory that this would be a lovely place to visit with more time at hand.

Norman joins the group shot outside the quaint and tidy Basco Terminal.

The extreme gradient of the runway (you virtually land on the side slope of a very large and imposing mountain) was a whole different story that will have to wait for another occasion perhaps.

The gradient of Basco's runway is not readily visible in this shot but the end of runway terrain certainly is!

Entering Japan formally in Okinawa, I was eased into the Japanese ways and customs courtesy of the extremely kind and helpful US military personnel stationed at Kadena. Instructed to land on runway 23 Right (Kadena has 2 active parallel runways Left and Right) I was very surprised to be met by an obstruction across the runway whilst taxiing to Taxiway Delta. Someone has stretched what looked like a rope with fishing floats attached right across the tarmac. As I got closer it dawned on me what it was, not a net to catch fish but an Arrester Wire to catch flying fish - Fast Jet aircraft to be precise that would have a trailing hook to catch on the wire on landing.

The arrestor gear cable with 'fishing floats' at Kadena.

I had to call the tower to check it was ok to cross over this very thick wire cable (about 40mm diameter - held a few cm above the “deck” by the fishing floats strung along its length at intervals) - “no problem to cross at low speed” was the reply from the tower, which of course may be  easy for a large aircraft (with large wheel diameters to match) but with Roxy’s little wheels, not much bigger than those found on a wheelbarrow, it was a bit more of a “sprackle” (a technical term there for you straight from Northern Ireland!) to climb over. We bumped our way over the cable and quickly taxied on up the hill passed a huge military transport aircraft that could have easily carried 20 Roxy's in its cavernous belly and on to the fantastic reception committee waiting at the aero club apron…

Taxying in at Kadena AFB, Norman and Roxy are dwarfed by the gigantic C-17 cargo plane!

Norman parks up at the Kadena Aero Club apron, his first arrival in Japan.

Norman is warmly welcomed at Kadena by USAF personnel and their families, Japanese servicemen and customs officials as well as members of the Aero club.

Before departing Kadena, Norman obtained permission to have this shot taken with one of the base's F-15 Eagle's.

Onwards the next day towards Fukue Airport, I had to battle a strong headwind for a full three hours in the second half of the flight. It slowed me so much that it extended the flight time by an hour and very much focussed the mind on remaining fuel reserves. I flew low, only a few hundred feet over the water for 3 hours to “keep my head down” out of the stronger headwinds aloft, all the while calculating and recalculating fuel and range figures in my head to ensure we were ok to continue on course. (Alternate airfields en route would have meant a significant deviation of course away out to the east of my track).

Heading north at 272ft above the waves with an indicated airspeed of 97mph that has been reduced to 74mph by the head wind!

Many tiny islands dotted the route from Kadena to Fukue, but none of them appeared to be desirable as a landing place.

The island eventually hove into view and I was very relieved to again have some green stuff passing below the fuselage as I crossed the shoreline.

Norman arrives at the island of Fukue-Jima with its Volcano on the horizon.

Coming in to land on runway 03 at Fukue Airport.

A lovely welcome reception awaited on the apron with the Airport Manager taking time out to personally take care of me throughout the evening. We had a great chat in my first proper Japanese bar/café and my first impressions were that if all the islands turned out to be so relaxed and easy going then I would be having a very pleasant trip indeed through this region.

The Fukue Airport Manager (centre with arms crossed) and his team give Norman and Roxy a warm welcome.

And so it turned out to be, Oki Island was the next hop where the reception party would even bring out a huge welcoming banner!

The flight track to Oki took me close to the Japanese Mainland for the first time. I was struck by the almost manicured appearance of the countryside - no piles of rusting old farm machinery littering up the back yards of the Farmhouses. All available flat land had been turned into very neat and orderly rice fields, with terraces correcting and making order of any unruly land that didn’t happen to start off flat. Even the choice of main crop, Rice, has a uniformity of character that, when observed from the ground, has no untidy straggly corner bits or bits damaged by wind as you would get with Wheat or Maize, it all remains neatly at the same height and colour while it is growing and maintains a very smart and tidy image…. Even the country lanes get in on the act, having a very smart set of white lines down both sides that compliments the dark grey ribbon of tarmac that is forced to turn and twist around the undulating terrace clad hillsides.

Part of the inpenetrable tree canopy seen during the flight from Fukue to Oki.

I was clearly flying over a singularly “different” place. One with a much defined identity and unique landscape that couldn’t be mistaken for any other country visited so far. This was in stark contrast to the gradual changes that I saw within the Tropical Jungle settings of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. When seen from the air, rural, grass roofed, houses in all these countries can appear very similar, Jungle is Jungle is Jungle. But Japans heavily commercialised landscapes suddenly and abruptly changed all that and give me short notice that I was now heading northwards into colder climes and would have to slowly leave the heat and humidity of the Tropics behind.

Norman was amazed by the tenacity of nature and the way the trees have managed to establish a foothold on this tiny rock sticking out of the ocean mid-way between Fukue and Oki.

Arriving in Oki, the spectacle of the large Welcome banner being marched across the airport towards me was quite fantastic! The reception was equally fantastic and much lively chatter through interpreters, Elisabeth and Rika (who proved to be quite the double act!), continued as while we almost ceremoniously pushed Roxy towards her sleeping quarters in the Fire Station building. Chatter, that would continue on to the mechanised  Sushi Bar where the little train track of sushi dishes whizzed past us ready to be caught and eaten. Oki is a fascinating Island of very rare species of plants and animals, although sadly I didn’t spend long enough there to see its many sights other than in photos - a sea stack called Candle Rock looked particularly spectacular. Another place I thought would be good to return to some day for a longer visit.

Nortman and Roxy arrive over the fence at a very green Oki Airport.

A great welcome greeted Norman from the many people who had turned out to see him arrive.

Norman, wearing an 'I Am An Eskimo' T-shirt, poses with the Oki airport fire-crew who looked after Roxy during the overnight stay.

Onwards from Oki, the last island hop took me to Shonai Airport on the Mainland... This jaunt across the sea was to set a few pulses racing, though I should point out not mine… the flight was fairly uneventful over the water except the one notable occurrence that the SPOT tracker, decided to deactivate its tracking function mid flight. One green indicator light was flashing away on the SPOT unit (not two - as should have been the case) and it took some time before I realised that not both lights were flashing….once I realised I manually reset it and it worked fine again for the rest of the flight. Sincere apologies, for all those who had become worried on the lack of SPOT signal. I was simply unaware that anything was actually amiss at the time….

Norman 'gracefully' disembarks from Roxy as he arrives at Shonai Airport.

Shonai Airport has proved to be just as friendly and hospitable as their island neighbours and my Shonai English speaking “team” (for there are many!) have really taken me under their collective wing to help guide me in “all things Japanese”  so to speak. (Some of these adventures have already been highlighted by our recent blog entries from the Shonai and Tsuruoka area).

Norman toasts the generosity and hospitality of the Japanese people in the traditional way...with Saki, whilst at a night out with 'Shonai Team members' Aki Takano and Mr. Muraoka.

And so, I am now waiting for the necessary flight clearances to enter the very remote Russian Far East and also flight clearances to allow me to leave Japan. These two sets of clearances have then to coordinate together which can be very tricky in this part of the world… Also, of course, I’m watching the all important wind and weather forecasts in preparation to head out to sea once more. This last very long sea crossing before the Bering Sea will see me flying right across the Sea of Japan and making landfall in Vladivostok, Russia. I imagine there will be a similar “quantum leap” in the landscape as I experienced flying into Japan and I will definitely find myself suddenly immersed in yet another very contrasting and no doubt slightly confusing place with a whole different culture to get to grips with…Russian Style!!

I hope everyone reading is ready for a spot of “Borsch” (cold Beetroot) soup on the Menu?

Cheers N.     

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I think you will all agree, a fascinating, informative and entertaining blog from Norman. We at the Gyrox Team would like to thank Norman for taking the time to write such a great blog piece and we look forward to reading more from his personal experiences.

Hopefully, the permit situation will sort itself out very soon and we can continue to follow Norman and Roxy as they continue on to the next big adventure…Russia.

The Gyrox Team

                    *     *     *

(Unless otherwise credited, all images on this blog are the property of GyroxGoesGlobal and may be used with prior permissionfrom gyroxgoesglobal@gmail.com)

For more information, go to our website

‘Like’ us on Facebook

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen UK Charity: Bowel Cancer UK

Consider Donating to Norman’s Chosen North American Charity: Livestrong

Follow Norman and G-YROX (Roxy) live via the onboard tracker

Follow us on Twitter

Relive the early stages of the flight via the Timelinewebsite

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