4.30am and traffic already on the Snake Pass.  We were still in bed at Bolehill when that was tweeted but we were out of the house by 9am and heading to Ladybower Reservoir.  On Wednesday night we had drawn up Plans a,b,c d e and f just in case but by the time we got to the car park at plan A we were onto plan G. Traffic was still entering the road to the dams so we thought we would see how far we could get.  We had got quite some way when we saw they were turning cars around but letting them park on the road. We were only a mile from the Fairholmes car park and despite the fact it was only 9.30, we were surprised we had got so far and were able to park.  We had heard that the road would be closed as soon as Severn Trent, who own the land, felt there was a safety risk.  When we got to Visitor Centre it was very busy and we could already see loads of people on the hillside, so they  must have been the ones on the Snake Pass at 4.30am!  Unfortunately we could also see that the place we planned to watch the event from was busy but as we had plenty of time time we thought we would have a longer walk.  So we walked past the bottom of the Derwent dam where there were TV and radio crews setting up and walked along the reservoir towards Howden Dam.  We were surprised at how many people had already sought out their viewing spots.  At least it was dry, sunny and mild compared to the last few days.  At Abbey Bank we started the climb up to the moors with nice views back towards Howden Dam.  When we reached one of the spots where we have had lunch in the past we realised this could be a good viewing spot.  There was already two small groups in situ and after a discussion we decided we would stay there and watch the fly past from there.  So we had two hours to wait but two hours with a nice view and time for lunch.  As the time approached a number of helicopters took to the air and as one flew down the reservoir we could see it had cameras underneath it.  We were in a great spot to see the Lancaster and Spitfire in the distance gradually come together and then then head down Howden Reservoir over the dam and beyond followed by two Tornadoes.  They did three runs and we were able to see them fly round, regroup and fly down again. I used my camera and the new camera to take photos and videos so they may not all be in strict time order.  Then they were off to fly down the Derwent Valley to do a flypast at Chatsworth (plans e and f!) so we continued the walk passing other spots we had considered and passing loads of people who were making their way  back to where they started their journey from.  By the time we got back to the car the crowds had gone and we had a good journey back home.  We did stop at the Calver Sough Garden Centre en route and it was here that we had the first shower of the day.  Glad they had held off for so long.  Later in the the evening we went down to Andrew and Joanna’s.  They were hosting a cow judging evening so we went and had a look.  I took some photos but because I did not use the flash they did not come out so well.  Here are the photos of the walk and flypast.