Nothing like the sound of those big radials. When the Martin Mars
water bombers were still stationed up at Sproat lk here on the island
( I think they are in California now), on occasion one would come by
here (airshow, and once to put out fire on the Malahat). Now that
thing is ponderous, and with 4 18 cyl radials they make a really nice
noise (much nicer than a subaru engine Jake).

Victoria airport is rather small but some interesting planes come in.
I think one of the highlights (apart from sighting of a spitfire,
really) was a bevy of hawker hunters. They were here for a week or
so, I think they were hired to play the bad guys in some joint US/
Canadian exercise off the west coast of the island. They took off
early every morning, what a beautifully shaped jet.

If anyone gets up here, its worth a trip to the air museum close to
the airport. Volunteer run and very relaxed atmosphere.

alistair