There are times when you have to wonder at your good fortune. The past 42 days spent here on the Liguria coast staying in the resort town of Alassio ,Italy has been one of those times.

The flying was slow and I could have wished for more flying but then I think what more flying may mean to others. I make my living putting out wildfires and this year so far we have had very few in this area of Italy.

Very few people losing trees, no fools burning neighboring property for future opportunities to develop that property now that it is not forested. No villages on fire,no houses and buildings that have stood for hundreds of years burning to the ground. Last year I flew a whole lot more than this season and 77 people lost there lives because of the fires that raged across Greece.

“Be careful what you wish for”, goes the old saying. Much of my work in helicopters has involved, relief and support during times of fire,flood, disaster and pestilence. Wishing you could be flying is a natural desire for anyone who has chosen this vocation.

I can wait. It is hopefully a long safe career and I’ll fly when I am needed. For now its good bye to the Italian Riviera. I am lucky to have seen this place under the happiest of circumstances.