[tomtilley Posts: 569 Status: Offline]

HI Kim I'm sorry to hear about your health condtion, and having to part with your pride and joy, your hovercraft.


We all have to make difficult decisions, sometime in our lives.  Mine was parting with my TS3 Viking Star and  Orangina.


I believe you are still doing radio Ham, as I did in my younger days.


Hope you and Val are both keeping well.


Tom and Georgina 

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

Thanks Gavin. I was hoping that spinal surgery in January would make things better as far as hovering went. The Otter was (is) way more comfortable that the smaller craft but it's not just about the ride of course. Muscle strength, core strength and balance have all taken a major turn for the worse. Hey - I can still do loads of things but not operate a hovercraft safely, comfortably and enjoyably - that's all
Buying Lara from you was a brilliant start to my hover-life - a delightful way to learn the noble art
Older age may be a bit of a curse but it's an awful lot better than the alternative!
I'm so pleased that Kairos will continue to give great pleasure and adventure to her next owner - that craft gave me a good few more years hovering for which I will always be immensely grateful

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

It's been way more than a blast Nick!   A great way of life for many years and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'm not hiding away - as Arnie would say "I'll be back.............."

[Gavin Parson Posts: 170 Status: Offline]

Sorry to hear that Kim. I thought that the Otter was a more comfortable craft compared to the old semi-kneeling type craft.
I can sympathize because I now get a bit of hip pain which has made me buy a more "legs forward" type of motorcycle.
Old age is a curse.

[Nick Flint Posts: 5067 Status: Offline]

Unfortunately for Kim, he can't get away from me easily---so I look forward to further stuff with Kim but I just won't be standing knee deep in water with him.
As Kim has "deformed lower legs" his wellingtons are too short for the water ie- (the water is too deep for the boots), and we then have to watch him pour quite murky water back into the Loch. All part of the fun.


Its been a blast dear Kim (as you bloody well know)!!!
Luckily it aint stopped. 

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

Thanks Dave. Beccles route is already loaded into my Skydemon nav planner so just want the right opportunity to head out your way

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

Thanks Al. I have no complaints - I've had an amazing time with my craft - just been a bit unlucky now, that's all.
I have a long-standing urge to fly up and land at Plockton so I'll give you a shout if I'm ever lucky enough to get that done

[Dave Munday Posts: 267 Status: Online]

Kim , we will miss you and Val, won't be the same. Pop  down to Beccles airfield , Donna would like to fly with you.

[Al Posts: 1008 Status: Offline WWW]

Sorry to hear that you're selling your Otter Kim.  Sometimes our bodies tell us that we can't do the things we want to anymore.  I may have to reluctantly sell my trials bike for similar reason


Enjoy your flying

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

Thanks Gaz and yes - exceeding limits is a must!!   Once inside my wee plane, I can still fly that OK and have been doing so for sure   Learning other skills too but just not able to actively go hovering   That little beach at Rame Head was delightful and fond memories of hovering to the the appropriately named "Olde Plough Inn" at Bere Ferrers on the River Tavy for an ale or two....
Best wishes to you and the Gaz Gang too.

[Gaz Posts: 2387 Status: Offline Cruising around Cornwall WWW]

Sorry to read your health has led to your craft going Kim, whoever has bought it will get a great craft and will start collecting their own great memories. It great to hear your staying on board too, hopefully you'll make a meeting or two and get a hoverfix that way.


In the meantime, look after yourself. For me the key has been knowing my limits (and exceeding them daily) 

[Kim Taylor Posts: 624 Status: Offline]

I think some of you may know that I have had to make the decision to sell my craft as I am no longer physically able to operate safely, comfortably and enjoyably. I have had an amazing time with the hover-gang and the experience has been truly awesome. I can only warmly thank everyone for their kindness, patience and enthusiasm for this astonishing pastime (way of life!) over the years. Val and I have a massive collection of memories to hang on to [/size]Sadly for you, I have no intention of disappearing completely so I will be there to haunt you  My craft will be going to its new home soon but I will remain a member of the Club and am happy to continue to help to where I can [/size]