needles 1,013 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 And here we go again! Another challenge has already turned into a challenge for me in it's own right. I attempted to download software for the corresponding airports for my section of the challenge, only to find it just would not work. So wth FSX mostly default locked and loaded, I was ready to take over the baton from Rob when, I was awoken from my slumber by the airport officials at Courchevel, accompanied by the local Gendarmerie Nationale. 'What's the problem officers', I asked. 'Mutley's Baton has been stolen from the night safe and the thieves are heading for Switzerland'. An officer said. How am I going to get it back now? I was offered the use of a Maule to fly to Sion, as this is where the Gendarmerie Nationale, had heard, the thieves were making for. I quickly prepared myself for the fairly short dash over the tops to Sion, whilst the aircraft was prepped for me. Why Me?? No decent scenery for you guys to ogle at and no Baton for me to get to my next stop. It surely can't get much worse than that. I do want to fly another leg somewhere else in the world, so I have to get the Baton back. Prepped and ready, so off I go, the Gendarmerie Nationale had permission to apprehend the thieves if they got to Sion before I did and they would then hand the (hopefully) retrieved Baton back to me there. A lean mix will hopefully give some extra Ooomph! Looking back the scenery is ok, but it's not a sloped runway.......I am bitterly disappointed for you guys. Got to get some height fairly quick, as I am surrounded by hilly things. Everything seems ok, just watching the clock. I must make my rendezvous with the Gendarmerie Nationale and hopefully the Baton. Climbing ,climbing, climbing! Looking out, I seem to be high enough for my short-ish hop. Over the last bump and turn onto finals. Airport in sight. On Final approach. Just need to keep calm and get this bird down before meeting up with the police and Mut's Baton. Almost down after quite a good flight. Touchdown. Now where's Clouseau and the Baton? Parked up and I've been told the Baton and the thieves are in that hangar. Where's my sledgehammer? I feel a scene from 'Misery' coming on. OK! I have the baton and I have been given a smart loooking twin prop for my ultimate stage of my flight. I am to be escorted by Interpol. They seem to realise the importance of my cargo. Having been granted a fast track outta here I taxi to runway 7. Skies look good but still surrounded by hilly things. The sun is going down early today me thinks. Holding short, just to double check there isn't a 10 year old in the tower. Takeoff was fine, gear up. A good rate of climb is what is needed, as I'm being vectored around the Milan area for some reason. Over the hills and far away! A beautiful evening but I wanted to be in Samedan before nightfall. Ruddy thieves! Although the baby was stolen, it doesn't look any worse for wear. Did they think it was stuffed with diamonds or summat? Company at 9 O'clock! What is in this baton Mut'? I might have a twin prop, but there are no weapons on board. Company was harmless, just another flight going about their buisiness. Passing over Lake Maggiore. Talking to Milan now, hoping to turn North Easterly soon. Crossed my vector and now heading for Samedan. Yippee! The sun is almost gone now and the evening has a serene sort of feeling to it. Over the next few mountains and I should be able to see the valley. Flying over Lago Di Sils now. Not far to go. St Moritz in the distance, so I'm almost home and dry. Descending for my finals. And touchdown. A wee bit late in the day but I'm here with the Baton. Parked up and the baton is ready for handover to Simon. Good luck Simon and my advice to you is...Sleep with the Baton. That way it won't go missing. It turn's out that the thieves were allegedly some sporty types that thought it was an Olympic baton and they wanted to take part in following it around the world. Hope you enjoyed the pics guys. Once again I'm sorry about the local scenery. I hope, if I manage to get another leg I will have the scenery in place first. Good Luck for the rest of this section. Thanks for viewing. Needles Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Great job, Brian, A good story always trumps good scenery, and the scenery wasn't so bad. You did well. It was a good adventure, well told. Using two AC was a good idea. I know what's in the baton, but I'm not telling... John Link to post Share on other sites
rosariomanzo 545 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Exciting story and very nice screenies. Cheers! Link to post Share on other sites
stu7708 244 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Very nice shots, even if it was "only" FSX default... Think I went to Samedan once for an AH delivery.. you did a much better job of the landing than I did... Smashed my Lear so hard in to the ground that the landing gear gave up on me... Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 What can I say Brian other than Bravo! I thought the scenery was very good but not as good as the old banter, still haven't lost the touch I see. I need to have a word with John about the baton as only he knows it's mystical powers. A brilliant flight with excellent shots, thanks for getting us (eventually) safely to Samedan Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted March 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Thanks Guys for all your comments. Much appreciated. Also a big thanks to Rob who managed to get my scenery working correctly although I had already posted. Can't wait for the next section. Thanks again guys glad you enjoyed it. Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted March 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Great job, Brian,A good story always trumps good scenery, and the scenery wasn't so bad. You did well. It was a good adventure, well told. Using two AC was a good idea. I know what's in the baton, but I'm not telling... John Oooooh! I'm now intrigued! TELL ME WHAT'S IN THE BATON NOW! Drugs? Diamonds? Foreign Currency? Illegal Immigrants? (Tiny ones), Weapons grade Bio-Chemicals? Parachute? OR is it jus a Packed Lunch? Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted March 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Very nice shots, even if it was "only" FSX default...Think I went to Samedan once for an AH delivery.. you did a much better job of the landing than I did... Smashed my Lear so hard in to the ground that the landing gear gave up on me... Hi Stu, I think it helped in that I was vectored via the Milan area and the way I approached gave me plenty of time to descend into the valley floor and enjoy the ride down. Also I haven't tried landing there in a jet so that may help. Thanks for your comments though, much appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Superb story and shots! Link to post Share on other sites
rob16584 42 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Great post, very enjoyable read. I thought the baton had dog biscuits in it... Link to post Share on other sites
hurricanemk1c 195 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 I just thought it had PC Pilot rolled up in it! Link to post Share on other sites
ddavid 149 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 Methinks we have a true raconteur amongst us - well done, Brian - a really interesting story-line together with an excellent set of screen shots! Last time the baton was stolen, it was pirates - seems that John should tell us what we're taking under our wings, eh?!? Cheers - Dai. Link to post Share on other sites
allardjd 1,853 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 The baton was originally sent to Mutley from a land far, far away, and presumably had to pass through customs at London. It might also plausibly have been scanned before being put aboard an airplane. I'd have loved to have been a fly on the wall to see the reaction of the security folks when it appeared on the X-Ray scanner. It has that certain shape that must have at least raised some eyebrows. John Link to post Share on other sites
mutley 4,498 Posted March 16, 2010 Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 What was just as impressive was the bespoke wooden box it arrived in John! I still have that too I expect the customs & excise have seen much worse than this Brian, I don't want to alarm you but I would advise a quick scan with a Geiger Counter You know that John actually glows in the dark?! Cheers Link to post Share on other sites
needles 1,013 Posted March 16, 2010 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2010 What was just as impressive was the bespoke wooden box it arrived in John! I still have that too :blush: I expect the customs & excise have seen much worse than this Brian, I don't want to alarm you but I would advise a quick scan with a Geiger Counter You know that John actually glows in the dark?! Cheers :clap: Link to post Share on other sites
wisemanp 0 Posted March 20, 2010 Report Share Posted March 20, 2010 Thanks Brian! Switzerland is my spiritual home and you showcased it very well. I loved the story, and your shots are as good as ever. Bravo! Link to post Share on other sites
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