Cold, wet, windy and wonderful!

A day to remember today, many thanks to those 'in the know' posting info on the various internet aviation sites I was able see the Vulcan back in the air today, if only my old dad was still alive to see it too, it was his airshow favourite, so for me its not just a reminder of "cold war" aviation history, in conjours up memories of many happy days of childhood airshow and base visits with my dad.
After the mad dash up the A1 and lugging all my camera gear across a field it really was a slow day, as the hour of the Vulcan drew nearer the blue sky and photogenic cumulus cloud submitted to a glowering black storm laden darkness and increasing winds. Although suitably equipped with wet weather clothing I took shelter behind a tree as the heavens opened and hail and wind hammered the bleakness.
As the skies cleared the howl of the Vulcan high above stirred memories, it was airbourne again for just the second time after 14 years of restoration; a couple of Harriers buzzed around the airfield doing "touch and go's", but it was while before the news of the V bombers approach reached the assembled crowd.... and it was bad news, a fire on the aircraft meant it was headed back to Bruntingthorpe, its home base, and many grown men who'd made the pilgimage to this windswept field looked sad and disappointed.
However with what could have been a major emergency and Cottesmore having the better fire/emergency cover at the base the Vulcan headed our way.
Then there she was, hanging in the sky and trailing four distinctive plumes of grey-brown smoke, she clung to the air as if not wanting to give up the gift of flight, she sunk into the mirror mirage of haze at the far end of the airfield and rolled toward us at the 2-2 end with an ever growing throng of red and white emergency vehicles flashing blue and amber chasing her along the runway.
The Vulcan and crew back on the ground safe and sound with what was just a faulty warning light responsible for all the concern...
Its good to see her back flying!