Day 11 - 18:
Day 11 - 25 September:
Leaving Carnarvon for Busselton marked a BIG day of flying, with a quick stop at the bustling Geraldton airfield for fuel. Despite the busy airspace, Byron confidently handled the challenge, even executing a go-around after overshooting the runway—a valuable learning experience for any pilot. Our friend Paul Hanton was following our progress on Flight Radar, humorously asking if Byron was showing off to his fans! Byron, always quick-witted, is building quite the repertoire of humorous excuses for minor flight adjustments.
Due to restricted Perth airspace from military exercises, we diverted to Northam airfield, where the journey continued over endless farmland. At Northam, we were greeted by the hangar cat and refueled for the final leg to Busselton. Byron smoothly navigated another go-around during landing, and we were warmly welcomed at Busselton Aeroclub by John Brisco and his trusty sheepdog, Bowie.
Our stay in Busselton was made even better by Zeb, who generously left us his Suzuki Jimny to get around and arranged for us to stay at the Hilton with breakfast included. We capped off the evening with an amazing dinner at Shelter Brewery, enjoying great food and company. Byron relished lamb ribs, corn poppers, and chips, while Rod and I enjoyed brisket, pork schnitzel, and a refreshing hazy ale. It was the perfect end to a full day of flying adventures.
Day 12 - 26 September:
We had a wonderful stay at the Hilton (sponsored) – the beds were incredibly comfortable after such a long day of flying, ensuring a great night’s rest. The breakfast was fantastic, setting us up perfectly for the day ahead. Today was a maintenance day: Rod took care of the oil change while we took the Jimny into town to stock up on supplies and handle laundry. We enjoyed a scenic walk to the end of the pier, stopping at the observation deck for some breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, I caught up with my cousin Lea who I had not met before, for a relaxing coffee. Later, Zeb arranged for us to stay at his parents’ beautiful acreage property in the wetlands outside of Busselton, offering a peaceful retreat. We capped off the day with another delicious meal at the Shelter Brewery—the perfect way to end a productive and enjoyable day.
Day 13 - 27 September:
We started the day with a warm breakfast alongside Zeb’s parents, Carolyn and Mike, before meeting Reef from Busselton Plane Spotting. The lighthearted moments, like Zeb’s kids dashing around after enjoying liquorice from a kind Italian club member, added a joyful touch to the morning.
After departing Busselton, we flew low under the clouds towards Caiguna, with heavy rain hot on our heels. Along the way, we made a stop in Esperance where we met Hayden McDonald, from Wings Without Barriers, who kindly brought us sandwiches. Hayden’s generosity, along with his Jabiru plane, was a reminder of the supportive community that has made this journey possible.
Hayden, the founder of Wings Without Barriers, is an inspiring figure who has combined his passion for aviation with advocacy for inclusion of people on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed with autism, Hayden faced challenges in pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. After being denied a medical license by Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority due to his diagnosis, he launched Wings Without Barriers to promote awareness and challenge perceptions about neurodiverse pilots.
Hayden's initiative involved flying solo around Australia in his Jabiru J120 light aircraft, stopping at schools and communities to raise awareness about autism and encourage acceptance. His journey is not only a personal challenge but also a mission to inspire other neurodiverse individuals to pursue their dreams, no matter the barriers they face.
His project exemplifies how perseverance, community support, and advocacy can break down barriers, making his mission resonate deeply with Byron’s own efforts to raise awareness for Crohn’s Disease during this incredible flight journey.
The weather cleared briefly, allowing us to refuel and press on to Caiguna. Although the bush strip was flooded, we managed to land safely amidst the challenging conditions, with rain continuing through the night.
Reflecting on this journey, it’s incredible to think how far we’ve come—both in miles and in raising awareness for Crohn’s Disease. Like Hayden, Byron’s ability to take on such a demanding trip, despite his diagnosis, is a testament to careful preparation, sensible decision-making, and the unwavering support of those around him. It shows that with the right mindset, even the biggest challenges can be tackled head-on.
Day 14 - 28 September:
The morning sunshine and wind worked in our favour, drying the airstrip just enough for us to fuel up and take off around midday. After a thorought safety briefing and theory session from Rod, Byron confidently completed his first soggy bush takeoff out of Caiguna, and we headed towards Forrest for a fuel stop before making our way to Ceduna for the night.
Our flight from Forrest to Ceduna was smooth and effortless, cruising at 9500 feet with a helpful tailwind pushing us along at 173 knots. Upon arriving in Ceduna, we stayed at the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel, a lovely waterfront spot. The bar staff even picked us up in the courtesy van, which added a nice personal touch to the evening.
In Ceduna, the lack of taxi services due to local social challenges highlights how communities can sometimes struggle, but the kindness of the people at the hotel reminded us that support comes in many forms, and together, anything is achievable.
The morning’s challenges with the soggy runway at Caiguna mirror the personal obstacles Byron faces with Crohn’s Disease. Just as we waited for the sun and wind to dry the strip for a safe takeoff, Byron’s journey with Crohn’s requires patience, resilience, and careful management. His ability to tackle both the unpredictability of flying and his health condition highlights his determination to show that with the right support and sensible decisions, no challenge is insurmountable.
Flying at 9500 feet with a tailwind guiding us smoothly to Ceduna, Byron demonstrated that despite the hurdles—whether it’s a wet runway or living with Crohn’s—he can continue soaring towards his goals. This journey, both in the air and in life, is a powerful reminder that obstacles can be overcome with preparation, the right mindset, and the help of those around us.
Day 15 - 29 September:
Our journey has been full of unexpected moments, but each one adds to the adventure. While we couldn't refuel at Ceduna without a BP fuel card, we quickly adapted and made a stop at Wudinna, where we fueled up with avgas. The best part? We met two local farmers, Dean and John, who were drawn by the sound of our plane flying over their small town of just 500 people. It turns out they also had little planes—RAAUS style—and we shared stories about our love for aviation.
After taking off again, we completed a long leg of the trip, flying over Adelaide and making our way to Naracoorte. With the momentum going strong, we decided to push a little further and landed in Warrnambool. The town welcomed us with a peaceful stay at a charming old homestead, where we each had our own room and a cozy lounge to relax in. Rob even made a quick run to Woolworths to grab some supplies for the evening.
Reflecting on the trip, it's clear that with Crohn's, thoughtful planning and the right support can make even big adventures like this possible. From fuel stops to unexpected connections with friendly locals, every detail fell into place, reminding us that with sensible choices and a positive attitude, there's no limit to where we can go. This trip has been a testament to resilience, and the beauty of adapting to life's challenges without losing the joy of the journey.
Day 16 - 30 September:
Leaving Warrnambool for Moorabbin in Melbourne to refuel marked the beginning of an exciting journey. Even though we had to wait 40 minutes for a taxi, it’s a reminder of how, outside the main centres in Australia, transport options can be limited. But that's all part of the adventure, right?
Byron got his absentee form in from school today—no worries there. The school break is over, but we’re making the most of these moments before diving back into the routine. ❤️
Once we landed in Mallacoota, Gail from the hotel was kind enough to pick us up straight from the airfield. It’s small gestures like these that make these trips feel special. From there, we wandered down to the beach through the peaceful caravan park. In true Rod style, he borrowed a bike from some kids at the skate park and, always the joker, rode it backwards—bringing some laughter to the day.
As I reflect on the journey, I can’t help but feel thankful. Living with Crohn’s can make life unpredictable, but with careful planning, support from loved ones, and a bit of flexibility, these adventures are not only possible—they’re deeply rewarding. Making sensible choices along the way ensures we can keep moving forward, taking in these beautiful experiences that remind us how far we’ve come.
Day 17 - 1 October:
Our journey started with a bright morning in Mallacoota, departing at 10:15am, bound for Shell Harbour with plans to take Liam (someone who we were hoping to take for a joy flight as he’s unwell himself) for a flight. Unfortunately, Liam had to prioritise his health and go for treatment instead. It was a gentle reminder that Crohn's requires ongoing care and understanding, but with the right support and mindful decisions, the journey doesn’t stop.
So, we adjusted course and headed straight up to Camden, where we were welcomed with open arms by Rod’s mum, Michelle, and Rob. We spent two wonderful nights there, enjoying the warmth and hospitality of family. During the stay, we also had the pleasure of meeting Rod’s brother Shannon, his wife Lisa, and their lovely children, Chloe and Jessica. It was a heartwarming time, surrounded by loved ones.
One of the highlights had to be when Rod, always the playful spirit, found a kids' bike and took it for a spin – backwards! His joyful nature reminds us that no matter the challenges, there’s always room for laughter and light-hearted moments.
This trip was a true reflection of how, even with Crohn’s, life’s adventures remain within reach. It’s all about being adaptable, making smart choices, and having the unwavering support of family. Through it all, the journey becomes not just possible, but deeply rewarding.
Day 18 - 2 October:
As we bid farewell to Camden and set off back to Brisbane, with a quick stop in Armadale for fuel, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much this trip means. We even had a chance encounter with Emilia (from Horn Island) in Armadale, watching her take off just behind us—a small but special moment, reminding me how connected we all are, even in the vastness of the skies.
Flying over Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) at 4:35pm for filming was an incredible way to cap off this journey. There was some uncertainty about getting approval for the flyover from Air Services at the last minute, but fortune smiled on us, and we received the flight path just as we were approaching Brisbane. The timing couldn’t have been better.
This trip wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a personal triumph made possible by the unwavering support around me and by making thoughtful, sensible choices along the way. Living with Crohn’s means carefully balancing health and ambition, and this adventure proved that with the right planning and the strength of those who care, almost anything is achievable.
Landing at Archerfield was more than just the end of this leg of the trip—it was a reminder that challenges don’t have to hold us back. Every flight, every hurdle, every milestone reinforces the belief that even with Crohn’s, you can reach new heights when you take things step by step, stay mindful of your needs, and trust in the support of those who are with you.
This journey may have come to an end, but it’s left a lasting mark.