Back to the coast at Toamasina and on to Ile Sainte Marie

After heading back to the coast from the rain forests, we planned to land at Toamasina, meet the local aeroclub, refuel and take off for Ile Sainte Marie, our island destination off the coast of Madagascar. This is where we ran into a spot of bother and were forced to stay over the night in Toamasina as our aeroclub friends talked our way out of trouble for arriving a day earlier than our permit permitted.

Sean in the taildragger was one of the crazies we travelled with. Great guy to have on the tour and a technical expert and test pilot with The Airplane Factory.

Arriving for an extended day in Toamasina

We were welcomed by Stephan, Vice Chairman of the local aeroclub and who was extremely helpful with advice before the tour and with the authorities at Toamasina 

A quick briefing of the pilots before we fly off again

Our names on the board of the Air Traffic Controller

After the night in Toamasina we returned to the airport in a fleet of Tuk Tuks

Packed in the back of the Tuk Tuk with baggage and flight bag

We're ready to depart for the island of Ile Sainte Marie

Life jackets back on for the 15 min, 40 nm crossing to the island

The runway on the main island is visible running from left to right. I would say the most beautiful runway I have ever landed on. Brand new, wide and a new airport under construction which I understand the Chinese are sponsoring.

Passing the threshold of runway 01 before we crossed the island to land from the other side

The island's west coast has a huge reef offshore which breaks the waves and the waters were crystal clear