Farewell in Husum on March 13

The weather was disappointing for the pilots off round the world and their guests: the sky over the airfield in Schwesing was foggy and cloudy. Appalling weather.

But the Dammann family’s idea of decking out the hangar with flags of (nearly) every country met with a great response. The team from the Thomas Hotel in Husum organised wonderful table decorations and a superb meal.

About 60 visitors were not going to let the awful weather spoil their good mood and interest in the trip and took a look at the fully equipped "jungle flyer" with great interest and admiration. Talking in their local dialect was the order of the day. Uwe Thomas and Sebastian answered all their questions very patiently and brief speeches were held.

Mayor Rainer Maaß and the managing director of the airfield, Hasso von Dammann, wished both the pilots all the best. Rainer Maaß was delighted that "Marie" is also painted with Husum’s logo, which will help put Husum on the map.

Press and radio were also on the spot to observe the scene until take-off. However, because of the bad weather Uwe Thomas cancelled the short trip scheduled with a camera team. “Safety first!” is his motto, which the reporters were more than happy to accept.