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DIANNE:

'I think that's it' said Ruth as I drove straight past the airfield. A few lost minutes later and being directed by a postie we got to Athey's Moor airfield in Longframlington. We had tried to take our birthday microlight flights last September but the awful weather had prevented us until now.

Ruth was flying in a fixed wing microlight which offers some protection and warmth, and I was in a flexible wing microlight, open to the elements.

Oh, I thought there would be a lengthy safety briefing but no, straight into a padded boiler suit, helmet and gloves and onto the microlight. Just a seat slung between the metal props with me wedged in the back and pilot Simon, squeezed in the front. Nothing to hold onto, a flimsy canopy and a metal bar to steer by. We had to wait for the hailstones to stop then Simon did his safety checks one of which was - Got Petrol? Yes we had enough (phew) then a quick hurtle down the grass runway and into the air, no time to panic or change my mind.

Oh, such glorious views of the coastline, we flew straight out to Druridge Bay then up the coast as far as Holy Island, Simon told me historic details about the castles and local historic events. I didn't know Alnmouth had a lagoon where they picked up grain by ship!

We saw dolphins swimming and hundreds of seals basking on the sands at Budle Bay and the clouds Wowzer! so beautiful. Simon skirted round the rain clouds so we could see everything so clearly. A couple of times we flew close to the ground (ooh er) to check out the seals and to see the castles close up. Such a different experience than visiting by car or walking in our lovely Northumberland.

After an hour I was getting a bit cold so I was glad when we returned to the airfield, landed safely and then went for a lunch of lovely warming soup, quiche and scones at the Running Fox in Longframlington. If anyone is thinking of taking a microlight flight I would say -Just do it, it is fantastic, one of the best things I have ever done. Good to know that we have raised money for Let's get Growing and lived to tell the tale too."

RUTH:

Despite a dry mouth and many trips to the loo, our microlite flight went ahead last week. And once the hail stones stopped and we got up in the air it was the most wonderful experience to see our beautiful coastline. So different from the air but so stunningly beautiful. Paul was a great, pilot who completely put me at ease and made it one of the best experiences of my life. Now planning the next adventure with Dianne!