Tiger Moth's at airstrip reminds of Whananaki-past

It was nice to stand outside and watch the Tiger Moths come in today, albeit briefly, with Barney and Fiona.  Donna had to persuade me out of the house. I really am an embarrassing hermit, but I’m glad I took the time to go and watch these beauties.

Bright yellow, red, grey, blue - you could actually hear them before you could see them - buzzing like a bee with a chainsaw or an old lawnmower that had been tenderly maintained by the same hands for fifty years.  A hundred even.

And that’s how old these things are.  Almost a century.  Around 350 were built in New Zealand as trainers for the Airforce back in 1941.  They did things fast back then.  Planes?  We can build planes.  You want them ready this year?  We can do that.  Compare that speed to how long it takes to build a new piece of motorway these days - you’re talking 10 years.  We’d have well lost the war by then!

Space for two airmen - the pilot seems to sit in the back strangely enough.  I guess the bloke in front breaks the wind for the head honcho steering the plane in behind him.

As I was watching them take off and head to Keri Keri, I wondered whether many Tiger Moths landed at Whananaki back in the war days.  I’d say they probably did - patrolling the coastline to make sure the Japanese weren’t about to jump on us.  What it would’ve looked like flying into Whananaki back then?  Probably not too different to now.  Some bigger houses and a few more people.  But still the same grass airstrip running parallel to a beautiful estuary.  Still a point and a spit.  Still a river.  Still little baches following each other up the hill.  The shop on the corner - well, it would’ve been on the other side of the road, but you get the picture. 

I love it when something brings people out of their houses to have a collective experience as a community.  Like when the Sallies come around playing their music at Christmas time, or street parties - I love street parties.  Well, I like the thought of street parties.  I’d not want to go when the time comes… but that’s just a personality quirk.

But I think we need more events like that.  That brings you out of your house.  Good on the Sokolich’s for putting on that concert next weekend and doing something that does just that.