What Am I Doing?

1986 over Switzerland.

2018 Gas balloon race Switzerland.

Greetings all x

At what age does one question one’s life direction? Ask the big questions? Who am I?  What am I doing? Where am I going?

Personally this is now my life focus. After 50 years of aviation I have hung up my gloves. What replaces such an enduring passion?

I suspect like many folk who end their regular job/work/passionate hobbies a huge gap appears in their life. How many folk prepare for that major change?  I am curious about this.  i certainly did not  place any emphasis on ‘what to do next’ after my piloting days would end. Life happened naturally in my world.

I first began my writing career in 1974 while living in Japan. I was invited to write a column for an English speaking newspaper. That set off many years of articles but my first non-fiction book re the Northam Aero Club was published in 2018.

Over covid I wrote my memoir/autobiography #conqueringclouds. Second edition published in 2024.

More recently I have finished the first draft of my third book.. and have plans to turn this book character into a book series.  It’s essential for me to have a plan for going forward with my life now.

In my latter life I can look back and see how one decision led to many future adventures. Went for my first gas balloon flight in 1986 with Regular Hug-Messner in Switzerland. Loved every moment in the air. Returned annually for many years to continue to experience gas ballooning. In 1999 had my first Gordon Bennett Race a pilot in command followed by my second stint as P1 in 2018 GB from Bern Switzerland. I hope that one day Australia will be able to supply hydrogen so local pilots can discover the magic of this gas ballooning adventure.

As 2026 races towards 2027 my computer replaces my balloon basket to fill my days with purpose.

May you always find answers to any questions you need to ask.