Competition result!What you saw was a plastic barrel filled with water to prevent the aircraft lifting in the event of strong winds. The one you saw is on the tail (see it again in the smaller photo). There are two larger barrels attached to the wings and you can see one in the main photo, below the water.
The aeroplane is a Murphy Renegade Spirit. Bought in Belgium as a land plane and converted, with the help of some good friends of the owner, to a seaplane in Biscarrosse in the Landes department of France. It's classed as a ULM (microlight) in France. It is unique.
The plane is moored near to the phare (lighthouse) in the port of Garavan in summer but in winter is moved to a jetty in the centre of Garavan, away from any bad weather. And guess what, I'm invited to fly in her one day?
Thank you so much to everyone who tried to guess the answer. On reflection I realise this was a difficult competition. Perhaps I should have given 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull' as a clue but then it might have been too easy. Although no one got its actual use, Steve from New Orleans Daily Photo was the first to use the word 'weight' - so a postcard of Menton goes to Steve. And another to Uselaine of Willits Daily Photo who suggestion that it was an egg sack incubating hundreds of these wins a postcard for originality and making me fall about with laughter.
A ride in that plane would be so neat. I wonder if you get to wear the leather helmet and goggles?
ReplyDeleteThe ride should be fun! I hope it doesn't go too fast so you can take lots more of your beautiful photos.
ReplyDeletewow..what a cool airplane!:) I wish to try it
ReplyDeleteAh, so that is why you asked if my flying boat was a micro-lite. This is indeed very close to my flying boat but not at all like micro-lites in Australia ... wrong ... not the same shape ... probably trying for the same weight!
ReplyDeleteDo indeed take up that offer of a flight. They cost the earth here ... a 15 minute flight up and down the harbour is $160 per person with a minimum of two people. You will, of course, take your camera along ...
Well, thank goodness that's been cleared up. I had NO idea!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to all the winners.
ReplyDeleteUS Elaine makes me fall over with laughter too. Congrats to her and to Steve! BTW...is there ever a bad photo coming out of Menton? I've not seen it!
ReplyDeleteWell, those water-floating noodly appendages still look very much like ovipositors to me, but if you tell me this is not the case, then I'll believe you. And you have.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fine honor, Jilly.
I missed the competition thingy but am still giggling at the comments.
ReplyDeleteThis really is a special photo. I imagine that you'll get about 1000+ fantastic photos when you take the flight!
ReplyDeleteMa mauvaise chance! ( If this is incorrect, blame Free Translation.com!) I had such high hopes but will be a gracious loser and congratulate Uselaine and Steve. As for riding in the seaplane... I am such a chicken.
ReplyDeletethat was fun, lets have another contest!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to NODP &WDP!!!
Lucky guess on my part. I was hoping though to get a flight on the plane. You think he could swing by New Orleans? ;-)))
ReplyDeleteLeave it to Steve and US Elaine to get it right or get us laughing! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteJilly, I love the setting of your float plane . . . such colors! And Julie, I'm surprised at the cost in Sidney. To go up in a float plane for a 20-30 flight around Seattle is only $70-80 USD. I think you are all correct in that photos from such a flight would be priceless. My daughter was given a flight for her birthday, but wanted to wait for a sunny day, and I get to go with her when she goes. Yippee!
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
Congratulations to Steve and Uselaine!! And the photo and the setting are gorgeous. How wonderful that you will get to fly in her one day! We will get to see Menton and Monte Carlo from different angles altogether!
ReplyDeletejill
salem (oregon) daily photo
Flying Spagetti Monster - what a scream - and US Elaine - "ovipositor" - if it weren't for fear of waking up M.B in the next room I would be laughing raucously.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very pretty plane. I'd love to go for a fly in it too. You should definitely take up the offer Jilly.
Nice quiz. I missed the quiz. I would have guess some kind of float. Hope you give more quizes. :)
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