Fly Me To The Moon - Stellenbosch Flying Club

Weekends are for photography, if you lead a quiet life, that is, or live in a picturesque spot, or diligently plan your photographic expeditions.  Ma Nelson would've said "Preparedness, girls, is key!"  when she tried to motivate us at age 8.

Do prepare for the weather conditions (www.yr.no is an excellent site that gives you up-to-date reports for a fortnight; they have an APP too), pack accordingly, and take the appropriate photographic equipment, so you feel ready and less anxious about missing out.

With nothing of the kind in mind, except that I would be taking photographs for my 365 challenge, we set off to spend Friday night with family.   We over-indulged and got to bed at some ungodly hour on Saturday morning.   Breakfast was late, the rugby was on, and the sun was climbing in the sky, and another hot blue day was in sight.  Even the dogs were deadbeat and wouldn't pose for a portrait.

There was an air show at the Stellenbosch Flying Club, and I couldn't wait to capture the incredible aerobatic displays and fast-paced action with my camera, hoping to inspire others to experience it firsthand.  

I have vivid memories of attending a few at the Lowveld Airstrip in Nelspruit, my father decked out with binoculars, a movie camera, and a shooting stick. My little brothers are taking turns sitting on his shoulders to get the best views of the huge aeroplanes displaying themselves like ladies at the Burlesque. My mother was a stunner with golden-bronze skin and 10/10 legs, making every airman in uniform do barrel rolls to look at those calves. On one occasion, I took a flying leap onto my Dad’s back, only to find it wasn’t him! And then, in the early 1970s, a Dakota lost its bearings and came hurling into the crowd of spectators, its huge propellers turning at full speed.  Carnage. Horror.   My father got it all on film.

The crowds still come to air shows, fathers still carry their children on their necks, and Mothers sit under the shady trees sipping iced coffee.   There’s a Carnival atmosphere with stalls selling delicious meals, snacks and drinks.   The Airmen are just as dashing in their uniforms, and I can see why the Silver Falcons have Groupies following them and Facebook pages with hundreds of fans.  There’s nothing to beat a man in uniform!