A couple of weeks ago my little boy, Eric The Fish, learned how to use a mask and snorkel; he loves practicing in the bath and we'll be taking him to a pool session pretty soon. Not bad for a little boy who won't be 4 until August. It looks like I'll have a regular buddy in a few more years plus the chance to go diving far more often - "well, I'm only going away for the weekend because Young Eric wanted to dive the Farnes."
He's always refused to come flying with me however - thereby proving he has a high intelligence level.
That was until just recently. Yesterday evening, when Bea was flying her glider, I asked him if he wanted to go in "one of the noisy tugs" (small, single engined planes normally used to tow gliders up). He jumped at the chance, but kept telling me that, "we're going to stay down, daddy." Finally, I let slip the fact that Uncle Rob might want to fly us up. Initially worried, a big grin rapidly spread across his little chops. He loved the bit when we found mummy and flew in formation for a minute.
After landing, I hopped into the front and mummy went to sit in the back. Off we went again. Upon landing, Young Eric The
Flying Fish started crying because he wanted to go up again. I had to promise him another trip up at the weekend if the weather is nice. He doesn't know yet, but his next flight is going to be with me in a glider.
Finally I have an excuse for both hobbies
All I have to do now is work out how to pay for the kit he's going to demand in 5 years time...
Cheers, Chris