EGNS - Isle of Man, GB

World Heritage Sites Air Adventures: Bend of Boyne and Manx Melodies – Flight Log #005
Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
Weather: A patchwork of sun and cloud over Ireland and the Isle of Man, with a brisk breeze that could ruffle the wings of even the steadiest Buffalo. Visibility: clear enough to spot ancient stones and modern secrets alike.
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Flight Plan:
We launched from Dublin, banking north over the green heart of Ireland. Our first highlight was a slow, reverent circle above Brú na Bóinne—the Bend of Boyne—where the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth stood sentinel, as they have for millennia. The crew was in fine voice from the start, thanks to my not-so-subtle playlist of Bee Gees classics. I’d let slip that I’d invited a special guest to join us at Belfast City—someone looking for a ride home to the Isle of Man—and the soundtrack was my only clue.

Fiona “Ferret” McDougall and the Scottish contingent—Wallace, MacGregor, and Angus—took the musical bait. By the time we crossed the Boyne, the back of the Buffalo had become a disco inferno. Wallace’s falsetto was a force of nature, MacGregor’s disco finger points nearly took out a seatbelt sign, and Fiona’s “Ferret Howl” soared above the engines. Angus, as ever, provided a bass line that rattled the cargo hold. The only ones not joining in were Kai and Lani, who, halfway across to Belfast, padded up to the cockpit, ears pinned back, and closed the crew door behind them for some peace and quiet with Cropduster.

We landed at Belfast Aldergrove for a quick cargo pickup—a mysterious crate, contents to be revealed later—then made the short hop to Belfast City. There, my secret guest stepped aboard: Sir Barry Gibb, the legendary Bee Gee himself, ready for a lift back to his beloved Isle of Man. Barry’s arrival electrified the crew. He took one look at the musical mayhem and, with a grin, said, “Let’s take it up a key, lads.”

With Barry leading the charge, the Buffalo’s back half became a full-on Bee Gees revival. The Scots and Fiona matched his legendary falsetto as we crossed the Irish Sea, flying low over Andreas Airfield, circling Laxey Harbour and the Lady Isabella waterwheel, then past the ancient ramparts of Peel Castle and the dramatic cliffs of the Calf of Man. Ronaldsway welcomed us with a golden sunset and the island’s rugged beauty.

Manx Ramen: The Signature Bowl
No visit to the Isle of Man would be complete without a ramen stop. We made our way to Castletown’s Kizuna, where the chef presented the “Manx Sunrise Ramen”: a shimmering chicken-and-seafood broth brightened with local Manx crab and a splash of shoyu, thin curly noodles, slices of pork chashu, spinach, menma, a soft egg marinated in Manx sea salt, a crisp sheet of nori, a swirl of house-made chili oil, and a sprinkle of scallions. The broth sang with umami, the crab’s sweetness lingered, and the chili oil brought a gentle island heat. Even Barry declared it “Saturday Night Fever in a bowl.”

Collectibles & Barter
At journey’s end, we tallied our treasures. We’d picked up a sealed crate of mystery cargo from Belfast Aldergrove, traded a Tiger Shark Squadron patch with a local Manx historian for rare photographs of Peel Castle’s restoration, and presented Barry Gibb with a custom Tiger Shark Squadron challenge coin—a token of respect from the crew.

Challenge of the Day
The “Manx Melody Mix-Off” reached its peak with Barry at the mic. The Scottish contingent’s group falsetto nearly cracked the windows, but Barry remained undefeated, graciously awarding “Best Effort” to Wallace for sheer enthusiasm.

Music & Food
Today’s soundtrack was “Stayin’ Alive” (on repeat, by popular demand), with honorable mentions for “Tragedy” and “Dogs.” The culinary highlight was Manx Sunrise Ramen at Kizuna—broth, crab, and noodles that could make a Scot weep with joy.

Closing Thoughts
From the ancient stones of Brú na Bóinne to the storied shores of the Isle of Man, today was a journey through time, tradition, and—above all—music. With Barry Gibb’s voice weaving through the clouds, the Scots discovering their inner disco, and the dogs seeking sanctuary in the cockpit, I’m reminded that every flight is more than a mission—it’s a melody, a story, and sometimes, a high-altitude karaoke contest.

Crate Contents Disclosed
As promised, the secret crate from Belfast Aldergrove was opened at journey’s end. Inside: a special case of organic, vet-approved dog treats for Lani and Kai—because even the hardest-working K9s deserve the best, and only the best, as cleared by our trusted veterinarian. And for Cropduster, a custom case of “Taken”—a limited-edition Irish whiskey crafted in his honor, courtesy of yours truly. Triple-distilled, aged in sherry and bourbon casks, and bottled with a label that reads: “For the pilot with a very particular set of skills.” One sip, and you’ll know you’ve been converted—to whiskey with an E, and a love for the Irish.
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