(Originally posted 11/23/13)

Leg 2

Depart: Bourges (LFLD)

Arrive: Clermont-Ferrand/Auvergne (LFLC)

Aircraft: Beechcraft Baron B58 (Carenado) *

Flight Plan: LFLD CFA LFLC

Distance: 85 nm

Scenery: Default

Our second leg is even shorter than the first, but we can't let our guard down: our destination, Clermont-Ferrand, lies in a valley to the east of the Chaîne des Puys, a chain of steep volcanic hills that dominates the landscape. Since the winds are coming out of the north-east, we'll have to negotiate an approach from the west, directly over the hills, and descend into the valley.

Undaunted, we take off into the cold wind in our trusty Baron.

Clouds and rain are the forecast for the day; our view of the countryside will be, for the most part, obscured during our flight south.

Every now and again we catch sight of the Auvergne region below.

As we begin our descent, the ground comes up to meet us. Hopefully there aren't any sudden rises lurking in the low-lying clouds!

The clouds part just in time and I turn on to final approach with the runway unobscured. A gentle touchdown and we've safely arrived in Clermont-Ferrand. Leg two in the books!

Next leg: Clermont-Ferrand/Auvergne (LFLC) to Toulouse-Blagnac (LFBO)