Trip Down Under

[Webmaster]

This was reported in the press about XOG/XOPA member Paul Harrington...

Journey of a lifetime

James Tolmie | 2nd July 2009

CANNONVALE residents Paul and Gisi Harrington embarked on a journey of a lifetime when they left the Whitsundays yesterday for a trip via air to the Kimberley's in Western Australia.

Paul and Gisi will be joined by friends and family members, Wenche and Alex Kverneland from Norway, on the two month journey which goes across the bottom of the Gulf (Savannah Way) and right through the middle of the country to the Kimberley region.

The AMT200 XIMANGO aircraft will be joined by two vehicles, with members of the team joining Paul in the plane at different intervals throughout the journey.

Gisi Harrington has been researching the trip for about four months, organising visits with friends and contacting all the necessary air-strips.

The team will be camping along the way as they visit some of the rare beauties of Australia including Fitzroy Crossing, Tennant Creek, Catherine, Broome and of course the Kimberley region.

Mr and Mrs Harrington were looking forward to getting back into the air now that Paul has made a recovery from liver cancer.

Paul Harrington said that the support of the Whitsundays community was outstanding during his illness and he is now ready for another big trip.

“I had a lot of support and phone calls from the local community,” he said.

“Life's too short; it's time to go again.”

Members of the Airlie Beach Aero Club joined Paul and Gisi and Wenche and Alex at the Whitsunday Aviation Village Estate to say bon voyage to the crew. Paul and Gisi Harrington are expected to return to the Whitsundays at the start of September.

[Webmaster]

I sent out the announcement about switching over from XOG to XOPA via e-mail on the 6th of July. On the 9th of July I got this answer.

Touring at present. Will get Back to you when we can. Very remote here and only occasional ability to send emails even though we have a wireless system. Regards, Paul H.

[Webmaster]

I sure hope we can some photos and perhaps a little bit of a trip log!