Dambuster

We decided that we would regret it if we made no effort to go and see the Dambusters Flypast (70 years since the raid). The flypast included a Lancaster, a Spitfire and 2 modern Tornado jets.

We left it late ( as usual ) and by the time we got over the Pennines (11:30) the access road was closed off (FULL) and the surrounding roads were chaotic with people parking cars in ridiculous places for miles and miles around Ladybower Reservoir and Bramford. We battled through and decided against our first choice Bramford Edge - the minor road looked impassable.

So to plan B which was to Suprise view Car park east of Hathersage and walk to Millstone Edge. We were not alone many others had worked out this was a good vantage point.

We were able to see very distant views North toward the Derwent Valley, slightly closer views South towards Chatsworth. Binoculars allowed us to follow the action and we got one chance for close ups as they flew from Derwent to Chatsworth and managed to get a couple of good shots.

Great to have seen it and then watch the BBC programme at 7 tonight. The surviving flyers and Barnes-Wallis's daughter spoke well and the programme was a triumph in itself. Seeing the flypast from inside the Lancaster the highlight.