After our expensive overnight stay in Iceland, we woke up to a completely cloud free and wind free morning. It was freezing cold but the sky was a brilliant blue that framed the rising sun perfectly. At breakfast it was shaping up for a great flight across the rest of the Atlantic and on to Scotland.
We loaded up the ole Metroliner and got gassed up for the flight. The ramp by the FBO in Reykjavik is a pretty neat place, with all sorts of cool airplanes making the crossing between Europe, the United States and Canada. This morning the ramp was crowded with Challenger Jets and several light general aviation planes. The most interesting aircraft was a brand new Piaggio twin turbo prop airplane….it is an interesting sight because this particular aircraft is designed in a pusher configuration, with the props facing aft and mounted on the top of the wing. It’s a pretty futuristic design. I believe that this airplane is catching on in the states.
We were soon on our way, after a smooth take off we headed off to the east again…finally on our way to Europe. While climbing out we got a spectacular view of Iceland’s volcanic landscape….it was quite a sight. I caught glimpses of several geysers and old volcanoes, some of which were covered in glaciers. I can now understand why people would want to come here for vacation.
Unfortunately, while enroute to Prestwick, we caught up with the weather and the clouds again, obscuring our view of the ocean. It was shaping up to be a dull day when the said farewell the Iceland controllers and soon after were talking to the friendly people at Prestwick control. It was great to hear controllers speaking English again…even if it was in an accent that I usually associate with Monty Python. As we began our approach into Prestwick…the clouds began to break up and we got a great view of the lush green Scottish countryside.