The XMTSAS 'Saltire' continues its adventures in Sussex.

**Hamish** · 7th January 09, 05:34 PM

We have been experiencing a run of sub-zero temperatures for several days and nights - no snow or precipitation but permafrost-like conditions otherwise. Maybe as a result of this (I am no good at all in the cold!), or possibly over-indulgence at Christmas, I have been slightly off-colour recently. However, on Sunday afternoon I forced myself to wrap up well against the elements and took our wee ‘Saltire’ airship to Arundel - some eight miles from Storrington. Arundel is a small town dominated by the massive Arundel Castle, home from the 1400’s to the present day of the Dukes of Norfolk (most of whom have also held the office of Earl Marshal of England).

The castle itself dates from 1050 but was restored and enlarged in Victorian times. It closely resembles Windsor Castle and has, for that reason, featured in many films as a stand-in location for Windsor’s Royal home. "Mrs Brown" was one of the more recent movies in which Arundel had a starring role! It is a fascinating place and I have been lucky enough to take several X Markers there, including Canuck (Robert) and his father, and Freelander-Sporrano (David) and his family together with Une. Sadly, the castle is closed to the public during the winter months, so the ‘Saltire’ had to be content with flying around the castle walls. Here are a few photos:

The 'Saltire' touched down briefly on the parapet of the old Town Bridge, which spans the River Arun, to experience the 'picture postcard' view of the castle looming over the town:

By this time we were both freezing and, deciding that enough was enough, we headed back up the town's High Street to where we had left the car, and returned home to cosy Storington.

The weather forecast for the following day promised us bright sunshine so we discussed plans to visit the seaside.

To be continued .........

Take care,
Ham.

**7 miles** · 7th January 09, 05:41 PM

I am absolutely loving the tours the saltire is giving us.

**pdcorlis** · 7th January 09, 07:05 PM

How unfortunate - I would have thought they would have hoisted the flags, lowered the drawbridge, and rolled out the red carpet for the Saltire's fly by! I guess we'll have to chalk this incident up to the chilly weather.