Caribbean trip diary

[finallyflying]

Well, thanks to all that replied for your help with organising my trip through the Caribbean.

Im trying to take a Cessna 172 from Florida to South America and back again, and visiting as many tropical destinations as possible on the way.

Might sound like paradise, but I can guarantee you I'm more than a little nervous crossing a few thousand miles of ocean on the way.

Anyhow, you're welcome to view http://caribbeanflight.blog spot.com/ (http://caribbeanflight.*************/)

And even more welcome to post any encouragement if you see fit!

http://bp3.blogger.com/_Cbr399pufns/RzpdZNUjEuI/AAAAAAAAAFY/n1dE9QZoCIs/s1600/P1000414_2.jpg

[finallyflying]

Thanks for the feedback guys ... some more pictures just uploaded from the trip. This leg is from Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis down to Tobago. Next stop South America!

http://caribbeanflight.blog spot.com/
http://bp3.blogger.com/_Cbr399pufns/Rzph2NUjEzI/AAAAAAAAAGA/XthTBoGut2Q/s1600-h/P1000476_2.jpg

[Ideal Line]

Good stuff mate. What a great trip.

I bet there wouldn't be too many people out there brave enough (including myself) to conduct such a huge trip.

[WALSue]

Its tales like yours that make me realise why I want to take my PPL!

[finallyflying]

Thanks for the encouragement - it helps!

Its definitely an incredible experience - combination of excitement and not quite terror but certainly a few uneasy moments over the water with the weather closing in.

Few more pics just added now - cheers guys.

[Fuji Abound]

I dont know if it is just me having problems with this link but anyway this works:

http://caribbeanflight.

********.

com

/2007_10_01_archive.htm

(just put the four lines together in your browser)

What a super trip - and some beautiful photos.

Well worth a look.

I recall a very enjoyable trip from Trinidad to Tobago and back in somewhat better conditions than you "enjoyed" I suspect. The route out was to the south of the Northern range and I recall than I did a few orbits over Waller Fields with the Vultures. Very memorable.
How are you finding the current GA scene in the islands?

[finallyflying]

Hi Fuji,

Yes for some reason I cant enter the website address in the normal format, or PPRuNe dumps it . but caribbeanflight dot ******** dot com will work out fine ...

I did pass those vultures in Trinidad! There were actually a hell of a lot of them and I was trying to remember the advice about avoiding birdstrikes as they are pretty feckin' big.

After a few near misses I gave up on the "Stay on course and they will get out of your way" advice - and went down the wing-rocking line to make sure they saw me.

There is very limited GA down here in most places - in fact in the majority of places I've been to so far, there are a lot of puzzled looks from airport authorities, customs, immigration and even pilots ...

More pictures posted now ... cheers

[Fuji Abound]

Did you pay Brico Air a visit?

PS Love the diary!

[finallyflying]

Hey folks, the Caribbean trip is now scucessfully complete, and I've placed the last photos and some video on the blog page.

Its been wonderful, thanks to those who helped out with useful information and tips, and if I can be of any help to anyone thinking of something similar, feel free to get in touch.

caribbeanflight . ******** . com

Cheers

Mark


The routing: USA - Bahamas - Turks and Caicos - Dominican Republic - US Virgin Islands - Montserrat - Nevis - Guadeloupe - St Lucia - Tobago - Trinidad - Venezuela - St Vincent and the Grenadines - Dominica - Martinique - St Maarten - Puerto Rico - DR - Turks and Caicos - Bahamas - USA.

14 days, 4250 nautical miles - in a 172.

[RudeNot2]

FF

Looks like a fantastic trip and something for me to think / dream about for the future. Still finding my wings after getting my ticket !!!

RudeNot2

[acuba 290]

where did you rented airplane?

[sternone]

Just awesome, i find the carraibs one of the most beatifull places on earth.. i was there the first time last year, i will surely go back!

Your pictures are amazing, they are unique!!

Good luck