Hind Airport Limo 3
Rain. Hinds were the built by the same people who
built the Lada. And this one leaked . . .
Banking to avoid the storm.
As we flew deeper and deeper into the storm I took this
photo of the pilot's cockpit above and behind me.
I wanted to make sure he hadn't already bailed out .
. .
Fishing boats as we cross over to Lungi
Landing at a wet Lungi Airport. It's actually not
a bad airport, with a small bar and restaurant on the upper level,
and a well stocked duty free shop on the lower level.
Waiting lounge at Lungi. The RUF had ventilated
the place at some point in the past . . .
I wish I could take credit for this
beautiful photo of one of Sierra Leone's Mi-24 Hinds, but full credit to
"Kasi" . . .
Epilogue
As my Ghana Airways flight taxied to take off from Lungi
Airport, the Hind roared down the runway
and headed back towards Freetown. Even with the
comfortable seat, the prospect of a gin & tonic and the
pleasant flight crew, I felt a strong twinge in my stomach
as the Hind screamed away over the treetops.
It was the strongest feeling of envy . . .
The Ghana Airways flight gave me my first chance to slow
down in two weeks and
to contemplate my time in Sierra Leone. Despite
the war, the corruption, the frustration with the
international community, the troubling questions about
the future, Sierra Leone is still a stunningly
beautiful and welcoming place full of dynamic and
remarkable people. My envy was for the crew
of the Hind, but not just for the fact that they get
to fly the machine every day, but also due to the
fact that they were that they were staying in this fascinating
country while I was headed
back to more mundane places.
I don't know if I can help Sierra Leone free itself from
a decade of war,
but I do know
I can't wait to return.
If you have comments, suggestions, death threats or job offers, email me at
Hoosier84@aol.com