C-YRT

Confused by the Title? Don't be. It's not your local rock, AM or FM station. Don't confuse it with YYZ, of which you may well be more familiar with. Perhaps you know YUL or in my case, more recently, YWG. You probably solve the mystery, a bit, when I mention JFK.

Now, your grey cells definitely recognized that last one. In 1964, it was changed from New York International Airport, established in 1948 (most commonly known as Idlewild Airport until '63). The next year it became John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) honouring that recently slain president by the FAA in the U.S.

Leaving YYZ on Wednesday morning

YYZ is officially known as the Lester B. Pearson International Airport (formerly Malton) since it was located there. In Montreal, YUL (originally DORVAL) is known by the Pierre Elliot Trudeau monicker. Recently, I became familiar with YWG. The James Armstrong Richardson International Airport in Winnipeg is named after an influential businessman and pioneer of Canadian commercial aviation from that city.

It was designated as Canada's first INTERNATIONAL airport in1958. Originally, it opened in 1928 as Stevenson Aerodrome to honour a Manitoba aviator and pioneer bush pilot, Captain Fred J. Stevenson. Seven years ago, when I was last here is was smallish, busy, and fairly compact. It's changed. The new terminal completely

It was much more snowy & colder than its Welcome sign

Inside "Departures" Level

replaced the old, which has since been demolished. Arrivals and departures are on different levels now.

Being the eighth busiest in Canada, it serves as a hub for some regional cargo and passenger services. One is Calm Air (with whom I flew north with 7 years ago). This time of year, with the outside temps in the low 20's (this is Winnipeg we're talking....in February...minuses don't count..but they are very much understood), there are many flights to Mexico, the DR (Domincan Republic), and Cuba being announced throughout my time here. People want to leave town. The airport is busy.

Flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Yellowknife, Vancouver, Toronto and other canadian destinations are announced overhead. I became quite comfortable in those surroundings as I arrived, waited, cancelled, rebooked, checked out with my baggage(S), stayed overnight, returned to the airport, checked in once again and went through security a second time.

A jet has replaced the CALM AIR turbo prop I flew in January 2008

This time, I was a “victim”...of CATSA (The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority...the security staff...as they scanned my computer, my camera, my lenses, my e-reader, and my carry-on and MY PERSONAL BAG (You are allowed one carry-on plus one personal bag). Now I had been through all this in Toronto and as a passenger these days you expect these procedures. You take off your heavy coat and put it in a tray. Similar with your wallet, change purse, belt and any other removable items, empty your pockets...into another bin. These days your shoes or boots, those you can leave on....for now anyways.

You know you are in trouble when the operator of the xray machine scanning your “trays” calls over a co-worker and the belt moves back and forth a few times as they scan and re-scan and then you shudder to the announcement “Who's bag is this?” Knowing, that I was clean...I gulped...quietly raised my hand and echoed from my lungs...a weak “here?”.

“I'LL HAVE TO INSPECT!!!!”...“no problem”....“ANY SHARP OBJECTS?” as they stared at my carry-on....while under my breath “just my wit”, out loud it sounded like a weak but emphatic “no”. The case is unzipped. In front of everyone, heading to destinations everywhere, my life is dissected as the search begins in earnest. Straight to the shaving kit. No diversion...objective plainly in sight..it's now being opened. The offending article is raised for all to see...could the stainless steel bracelets be next? Will my name be added to the NO FLY listing? Am I being profiled as a white, canadian-born, north american male above the age of sixty...with an over 100 year old direct tie to the UK? I'm beginning to feel this, even though my parents had never warned me that it could happen.

I shrink at the thought that, I, travelling north to a small hamlet to help fulfill a medical need, could have committed the ultimate terrorist act, to date, in Canada's Arctic. I could have affected the entire north (those 1500 kilometers between Winnipeg and Rankin Inlet)...could have contributed to decades of contamination of a province AND a territory. My method, if not foiled, would have been quite easy and one that most had, previously, not thought about...using the deadly....STANUS FLORIDE...cavity preventing as well.....all with the help of my toxic tube of Crest toothpaste. “Yes I'm sorry eh?” “Oh? It should have been under 100 ml.?” “IS THERE AYNONE YOU CAN LEAVE IT WITH?” Under my breath again...”it's not in our Will”.

After an explanation of my options, I announce out loud “No, I'll surrender it to you”. Off it goes. Me and my "friends" from CATSA part company, once again.

Use it well...Grasshopper! 

And the YRT....you guessed right! It's
RANKIN INLET. 

The replacement tube tonight at the Northern...130 ml for $4.19

(AGAIN) A NEW DAY DAWNS

Yesterday, the two a.m. wake up was expected as I was set to head to Pearson Airport in Toronto. What wasn't was the Lincoln Navigator at 3:30 as a means of transport to the airport. That comfort was short-lived as we stopped in St. Catharines for another passenger, then on to Ridley College. I was a little to early...and a few years late for either the Upper or Lower schools. We were there to pick up two more passengers enroute to Pearson.

They were heading off home for their mid-semester break of one week. One was heading to the Bahamas, maybe both. I thought warmth....for a fleeting moment as we then transferred into the mini-bus at vineland transfer, airport bound. The cold airport, the heavy luggage...reality set in, once again.

Catching some ZZZZZ's along the way, we arrived at Terminal 2 ?? 3 and as were were all for AIR CANADA, we disembarked and parted our separate ways. Ships in the night.....

This morning we are trying again to get north. In case you missed it, we had some delays yesterday of a mechanical nature. That lead, eventually, to a full cancellation. We were rebooked, provided meal and hotel vouchers...arrangements were made to try the next day...and we are here awaiting.

First in line for today's Check In

Yesterday I offered my services telling them that I'd been flying for the past few years now and have considerable experience in aircraft maintenance and repair. They seemed genuinely interested in my story when I mentioned that, of course, I've worked on smaller planes. I continued by telling them that every time we crash, we put things back together with CA glue and kicker or epoxy. That brought strange looks upon their faces.

I think at that point they must have wondered literally how much glue fumes I'd inhaled along the way. And finally, I got their attention by mentioning that flying from the ground was more difficult that being really in the air. When I showed them by MODEL AERONAUTICS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA (MAAC) membership card, they realized that my small aircraft were indeed that...and radio controlled from the ground. (The previous two paaragraphs are used without permission from the new Brain Williams book “STORIES I'VE MADE UP” due out in the next 6 months with good behaviour).

The hotel was a holiday in in POLO PARK right across the street from LEON'S FURNITURE (who

All set ...ready to go today!

started in Welland) and just about a half mile from a Target. I was not needing furniture and even the “at UP TO 30% savings” didn't interest me as I am already overweight on my luggage(s). The evening was spent catching up on my blogs snapping some shots around the hotel...and getting some rest. If I had packed my bathing suit, I could have gone for a swim. I guess that I could have gone to Target and got one, but then it would be wet to pack and frozen solid by the time I got to Rankin Inlet.

Yesterday's cancellation ballet

This morning, a new day dawned, once again with temps of -23 here in WINTERPEG. The winds have diminished and the cloud cover is quite high..no blowing snow today. The flight crew has just arrived. We either have two females in the cockpit and a male flight attendant, or another combination. The sun has been poking out through the cloud cover. The covers are off the air scoops of the jet engines and the cargo loading has begun. There is a hive of activity from catering to ground crew. So perhaps with only 45 minutes to departure, its time for the snow overpants, the Sorel boots, and time to pack the laptop away. Gate 15 awaits.

God speed...John Glenn.....

WELCOME to WINNERPEG, WINTERPEG er...WINNIPEG!

Left Pearson this morning on AC259 on time, after a horrendous cattle call through security. The electronic posting said 30-40 minutes but it was longer....when you got closer to the entryway area, there was a mediator who asked what was the boarding time on your ticket and then bumped you ahead of the others. (MEMO TO BOB: BRING YOUR NEXUS). Made it to the gate with a whopping 10 minutes to go. There were others that boarded after me...there was good news, for, after departing the screening area and exiting the down escalator I started looking around for Gate D31.

For this first time in my life it was the next gate right in front of the escalator...about 50 yards straight ahead. That's why I made the plane before the doors were slammed shut. Luggage loaded, we taxied

out and took off...the sky slightly overcast with the sun trying to break through. At 8:50 local and 36,000 feet above Sault Ste. Marie I enjoyed one of Air Canada's best breakfast sandwiches. There must be a reason that they have been recently voted top North American airline for the forth year in a row. I would hate to think what the cuisine on those other carriers must be like, for them to keep winning. But, the crew was great and the pilot made up 10 minutes.

The short 40 minute layover connection to my First Air flight at 1030 north to Rankin Inlet had grown by 10. Now after talking to people who have travelled to Rankin Inlet since my last visit 7 years ago, I knew that the airport had been completely rebuilt. With less than an hour to find the right gate and check-in there, I was a little panicked. Again the travel gods were smiling. Not 50 feet, this time, from the door exiting Gate 11 where we landed...was the gate I was looking for. FIRST AIR flight 300.

The gods quickly frowned when the BEARSKIN AIR girl behind the counter told me that FIRST AIR were in an Equipment Delay until 12:30 and quickly added that First Air would buy my lunch today ...or at least give me $12.00 towards it. I sat down to get my bearings and asked her a few other questions. Yes, the voucher was good at any of the restaurants behind security but you could also go out and return through it again but she apologized warning me it might take UP TO 20 minutes and plan to be back for noon. I looked across the fifty feet and there was a LCD screen begging me to return to Toronto in short order.

Outside, it was heavy cloud cover with some snow coming down, but there was blowing snow everywhere. I looked back at and forth between the two gates and finally decided to get some grub because this might go on all day, given the current weather. I gazed out through the glass and found the First Air 737 with the ground crew loading cargo into the upper deck, right in front of seat 11A (which is mine Window seat the first row after the upper deck cargo.

I didn't want to chance more line-ups in security, so I decided to forego Stella's, I dined with the UPPER CRUST (sorry not “with” but “at”), just across from the Prairie Bistro, watching the security

The Upper Crust ...Great Baguettes... Fresh baked as needed!

here work their magic with smaller numbers. This new airport is gorgeous...wow...you wouldn't believe what it is like. Large glass, spacious areas, clean, quiet...well, pick all four. Behind the security, in the gate areas, there is shopping, several nice restaurants and that was on my end only.

Remember, it's roll-up time across Canada. There is a Starbucks, and a Tim's there...quite a distance apart..as were their coffees. But now, with Dark Roast at one and a lighter blend at so can load it in to my online game. I won a $25 gift card on day 3 of the current run. I'm a major prize winner!!! That's a story for another day...right now..the snow is still blowing but the sun has made a strong appearance and the skies are clear.

Across the seating is the Prairie Bistro

the other those differences are starting to mellow. The lineup at Tim's was very Canadian...quiet, patient, all in a straight line. Above the crowd scrolled the roll-up info...both in FRRRRRRench and English...telling the virtues of winning by in-store and online! I got the number for today

I texted Matt and left a couple of messages about the delay because as “no luck” would have it...we are further delayed now til 1 p.m. Off come the snow pants for a second time and off come the Sorel boots since we are not going outside in the near term. A couple of the Inuks decided to leave the area, leave security and head back outside to have a smoke.

FIRST AIR...The early stages of maintenance and loading of upper deck cargo

They are not back when the announcement is made “Ladies and Gentlemen information regarding the First Air flight #300 to Rankin Inlet recently scheduled for a delayed departure of 1 p.m. is now cancelled. The silence is deafening. Disappointment grows as further instruction are given. Now the lineup starts...and my thoughts are back to February 2011...West Palm Beach airport and the cancellation after multiple delays of our Direct Air flight back to Niagara Falls...we got home the next day but many didn't as the airline went bankrupt.

The difference here is that because it was NOT weather related and WAS DUE TO a mechanical

The early morning swirling snow in Winnpeg at the UPS depot

FIRST AIR working to get us going...the sun had come out nicely!

issue, the airline, FIRST AIR, is arranging accommodation overnight at the Holiday Inn...and with a meal voucher allowance as well. Well, standing in line I hear all kinds of stories. Some of the Inuit have been discharged from the hospital here in town and were on their way home, either directly to Rankin Inlet or to other communities nearby. Some are heading tonight back to the Kivalliq Native Centre for their special diet and accommodations. Some are staying in town with friends.

And the rest of us are just partying....not. The couple with the two week old baby are heading back to Arviat...just not today. We gather by one of three luggage carousels as we have to reclaim all our

The sun came out and made the ceiling gorgeous

luggage. I look at the new mom and ask where's the baby. She calmly smiles and points behind her head..The amauti...I forgot about about the amauti...the “papoose”as we used to say, Yet another story for another blog.

While awaiting the shuttle, one person tells of being delayed by weather last year daily for 5 days...and the airlines weren't responsible (because it was weather related). We further discover that there are 4 Holiday Inns here in Winterpeg. Who knew??? Which one is coming...which one are we booked for...on closer inspection, there are two right near the airport. No one stays outside long in -20 to wait for the shuttle but it soon comes. Transported by the hotel shuttle,we check in....and now we get to do it all over again tomorrow.

Baby “J” and her proud parents are resting tonight here at the hotel and we are all re-booked for tomorrow's 10:30 to Rankin Inlet . Well, I'm about to check that out. For me, from 2 a.m this morning 'til now, it's been a long day and like Baby “J” I'm not there yet either.

Going...going...GONE !!!!

The past six weeks have been most interesting...Hectic? Definitely, but interesting just the same. On a Friday, just two weeks before Christmas, I got Matt's email. I called that monday to answer an S.O.S. And here it is, with a few days to go, before my return to Rankin Inlet.

The INUKSHUK along the Niagara River Parkway

I would be remiss if I were not to thank those individuals for the assistance in making this return to the Arctic possible. First, I have to thank the better half...for many things but mostly for her understanding and support....not just for this trip but for over 41 years of wedded bliss. She is my constant sound board...listening to many ideas, frustrations and thoughts. She is my gyroscope, my image stabilizer and my GPS...my rock, my hero and my lighthouse...all at once...so thanks.

It doesn't seem that long ago that I left SCGH after 37 years. The skills I learned in the early days from Tony and his techs have allowed this revisit to occur. Without the confidence building imparted by the staff, well let's face it..this opportunity would not be possible. Challenges still lie ahead, though.

Having just completed my tenth Christmas season at Henry's, this hiatus will give me a chance to refocus and an opportunity to apply some photographic skills while “up north”. So thanks to the crew and management in St. Catharines for covering for me for the next 6 weeks. Hopefully I didn't bore them with past stories and, with any luck, I hope there will be new ones which I'm sure that they will hear ad infinitum.

The multitude of well wishers that dropped a line, stopped by the store or left a message of encouragement were appreciated. Some had jokingly (or maybe not) questioned my sanity. Others simply asked if I had not had enough winter yet. There are many others that have helped make this possible....so consider this note a “thank you” to each of them. It would make this tale too long and I

would be sure to miss someone, for sure.

The "BIN"...all ready to pack.

The bags are almost packed. My bin is almost full and the list of things remaining to be done or picked up is getting shorter...THANK GOODNESS!!! The next couple of days will probably be a blur and go by VERY quickly. Before I know it, my  travel day will be here. A trip to Pearson Airport, the flight to Winnipeg...a dash to the connecting flight and the wings of FIRST AIR will have me safely arrived in Rankin Inlet, faster that you can say Inuktitut in English.

The weather is scheduled to be clear and sunny for my arrival The high a -36...the low -39...A warming trend is currently in the forecast for the rest of the week. Of course, that is just a forecast. I'll keep you posted or you can click on the weather link located in the blog. The most that you can expect from weather is...there will be change.

While previous experience provides us with a good foundation, new experiences are the fabric of life...even when the temperatures outside are a bit cool....you simply dress for it.

"THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN SPEAKING, WELCOME TO..."
 To be continued...

First Air 737 loading the upper deck cargo area in January 2008

THE BATTLE OF THE GROUNDHOGS

The second day of February is not marked on any calendar, to my knowledge. Perhaps, in Gobbler's

Willie's Predictions

Knob, Pennsylvania or in Ontario at Wiarton, the date is marked clearly. It's GROUNDHOG DAY.

The sky, cloud cover and presence or absence of sunshine is the deciding factor in the remaining severity and length of winter..and it can vary in each location. In Niagara, we are situated between both communities and we have one of the most temperate climates in all of Canada. Positioned between two Great Lakes, our temperatures are modified in summer and, it's hard to believe, even in winter. Also, we have the added protection of the Niagara Escarpment, a landform carried over from the shores of a glacial lake of the last Ice Age.

While those same lakes dump mounds of snow on the south towns of Buffalo and into Oswego and Watertown when combined with the prevailing winds, here in Niagara, it keeps the volume of snow a lot less for us. Many times, as we see our neighbours in Buffalo digging themselves out from huge snowfalls, we thank our lucky stars. “Missed us by that much” as Maxwell Smart used to say to 99.

Monday was the second day of the month and proved to be a busy day for me and many more throughout our area. I watched CHCH TV report the many road problems, restrictions and school

By noon on Monday...let the clearing begin

closures as we were in the midst of our own blowing and falling snow storm. By the time it was over we had accumulated between 20 to 30 centimeters depending upon where you were and the directions of the winds around you. By noon, the sun broke through the cloud cover, for a while, and then the clouds returned and the snowfall continued.

The terms “blizzard-like” and “blowing snow” were in the Environment Canada storm warnings that were published online and echoed by other media...and, in fact, I believe that we were in the midst of a blizzard. How do I know? Well my last trip to Rankin Inlet 7 years ago had several of them. There were a couple of days when the Health Centre and the schools there were actually closed. Other days there were just periods of blowing snow followed by the sun coming out (during our restricted daylight hours) and the most beautiful snowscapes imaginable.

Last time I was delayed in leaving at the end of my contract due to the longest recorded blizzard in the history of weather in Rankin Inlet (and the rest of Canada as well). It's even listed in Wikipedia “Beginning on January 16, 2008, Rankin Inlet endured the longest recorded blizzard in Canada. Wind speed was 74 km/h (46 mph) or above, with gusts to 90 km/h (56 mph), and wind chill values was as low as -58. The blizzard lasted 7 days 5 hours.” I survived it...both indoors and out.

January 2008 Blizzard Conditions

So I consider myself blizzard-ready...should that skill be necessary this trip. Well, it may be since on Monday during our storm, I talked to Matt, my “soon to be” boss at the Health Centre. After a few questions and answers and some pleasant comparisons of our respective climates, we terminated our call. Later, in the late afternoon, my in box showed mail. Finally, almost after 7 weeks....my contract had arrived.

Now, why the delay? Well, there are many reasons. Nothing could happen before my police check was completed. Once I had fulfilled all necessary professional requirements, I had to sit and cool my heals until the mounties could tell our regional guys that my record was clean. That required my fingerprints being submitted digitally to check for any outstanding warrants, previous convictions, and any ongoing investigations. Once I had obtained my “vulnerable sector” clearance, the next step was to forward the necessary documents to my perspective employer along with all the other details they required...my S.I.N. and direct deposit info for pay. This required a form to be filled out, stamped and signed by my financial institution and then forwarded on to the north.

As well, the weather up north has been “winter”... in its simplicity and beauty. The odd snow day interfered with my approval for the temporary position. Some bureaucracy can be expected when dealing with government agencies but there has been good co-operation and things seem to be moving along nicely. By late afternoon, on monday the second of February, in the midst of our

The Inukshuk stands guard through it all

blowing snow, snow clearing and further snow deposits the final decree came by an email.

It didn't take Wiarton Willie, Punxsutawney Phil or any of those other furry prognosticators to tell me my fate on Groundhog Day. Instead, the Government of the Nunavut Territory officially notified me that I'll have six more weeks of winter...just sign on the dotted line...travel and accommodation info to follow. The irony is that after I signed my contract and sent it back, I heard nothing more. Another full day passed again and still there was no confirmation of receipt. So Wednesday I sent another email north to see if they had received the documents.

Yes, they had received it...but didn't respond. You see, the Health Centre was closed. The reason...the entire Kivalliq Region was experiencing...another blizzard.

Next Time: NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

NO PASSPORT??? No Problem!!!!!

Have you renewed your passport lately? My last one needed attention since it was expiring while I'm north. The Canadian Passport used to be valid for five years, but now you have an option of either five or ten. The trip north to Rankin Inlet does not require one...and travel in Canada does not require it either...but we've always maintained a valid one. So it made sense to do the renewal before I head away. I think it's always quicker to renew a valid one than to wait and re-apply for an expired one.

From the time we turned in our old ones and paid our fees, it took a week for the doorbell to ring and Vince to ask for a signature on his Canada Post device. When you actually sit down and look closely, this new document is really a work of art. First, this new passport is actually an e-passport...as all issued since July 2013. It has been designed to thwart counterfeiting with a number of new technologies and printing techniques...many used since 2001...including  microprinting, holographic images, UV visible inks and watermarks.

Canadian e-Passport

While smaller in dimension it retains its distinctive Canadian Coat of Arms in Gold Foil print on the front cover, along with the french and english words for "passport" and now features the international symbol for e-passports. Your picture is now digitally printed and not a photo affixed to the paper. That entire page (with your information printed neatly) is laminated with a plastic covering impregnated with at least six distinct holograms.

These include the word CANADA, a compass rose, two different maple leafs (one traditional, the other a modern facsimile). Another small hologram is a map of the entire country...over printed on the solid maple leaf. In addition, there are about 30 small maple leaves in various sizes scattered throughout the remainder of that laminate (all in a hologram).

The page next...the one above your colour photo/info page...has a small black and white replica of your colour photo of the previous page much like your drivers licence...and of course, the signature line. The next 30 pages are to be used for those stamps and visa attachments required by various countries for entry or departure. They are the most amazing collection of Canadian memorabilia and our country's history.

All regions and major events in our nation's close to 150 years history (yes, in 29 months...we'll be 150 years old) are depicted. Our Native Canadians are honoured on the next page with a sketch of an INUKSHUK, an EAGLE feather and an infinity symbol. Canada's North is represented by a map showing the Arctic circle with the many expedition routes of Joseph-Elzear Bernier from 1906-1913

Bernier's routes were sponsored by the Government of Canada

as he sailed to expand Canada's sovereignty over the arctic archipelago up to the North Pole. The Prairies pages show images of a Grain silo, some oil wells a-pumping and those famous Wheat Board of Canada hopper cars in a line.

Halifax's Pier 21, Newfoundland's Cape Spear, the famous Bluenose, our picturesque Parliament buildings, and a sketch of Niagara Falls grace several of the leaves. The 1885 insertion of the Last Spike on the transcontinental railroad is recognized. Respectfully, the 1980 Marathon of Hope is remembered with the sketch of TERRY FOX. It's actually a drawing of his statue. One of seven that have been erected across our country to honour this 22 year old hero who started an intense focus towards Cancer treatment.

Historical pages denote important events in our nation's fabric. The famous gathering of the Fathers of Confederation, Samuel de Champlain and his vessel as well as a classic view from the river of old

Samuel de Champlain died in Quebec on Christmas Day in 1635.

Quebec city are showing the early foundations of our country. Iconic drawings of the Northwest Mounted Police and a modern RCMP musical ride are also documented.

In sporting tradition, “the Cups” of Lord Stanley and Earl Grey (our 9^th Governor General) are sketched as Canada's famous annual struggles as well as an image of Nellie McClung, one of the famous five. Those from the east may not recognize the name but she was well respected in her struggle for women's rights and social responsibility and change along with her four compatriots in the west.

Canada' s efforts in the First, Second and Korean wars are recognized by the drawings of Billy Bishop and his plane, the HMCS Sackville, and The Infantry of the Korean War, respectively. And finally, to recognize those who've made that ultimate sacrifice, are pages showing the Vimy Memorial in France and the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa.... LEST WE FORGET those who have actually allowed us to remain safe on our soil and yet, travel freely with this document throughout the world.

With only 35 pages...2 are taken by photos from my hometown

Perhaps, I should have asked for a passport with the extra pages. Although those ones are no longer available, it would have been interesting to see what other sketches might have been included. While it's almost a shame to have to cover these pages with stamp ink as we enter various countries over the next ten years...a tough job for sure...but somebody's got to do it!

Next up: GOING....GOING....GONE!

LONG DISTANCES

There's lots being said, these days, about how the world is changing or has changed. In many ways, our world is much more complicated...and yet, things have also simplified and become easier....maybe too easy. Take for instance air travel. Distances between destinations seem to have diminished, at least with the increased flight range of today's modern jets and direct flights (when you can find them) between airport locations that used to take two or more legs of travel.

Planes have always fascinated me. Getting ready for this adventure I've had time to reflect and try to figure out just where and when. As I await my travel details for Rankin Inlet, I got thinking back to my first exposure to an airplane at Malton airport in the late fifties, early sixties. My Aunt Edna and a co-worker had booked a trip to Hawaii (she also travelled to Acapulco and many other destinations

1963 Trans Canada Airlines becomes en francais "Air Canada"

and I think that's where I got my travel spirit from). As clear as I can remember she flew on Trans

Canada Airlines, before it had become a national airline and later Air Canada (the french translation of TCA at the time). Canada's early years of passenger service in the late fifties and early sixties are far different than the travel of today's security conscious traveller.

Our family had taken her in our '49 maroon Plymouth to the airport outside Toronto. In those days, there were no seat belts and you could stuff as many people as possible on those bench seats...sometimes with us “kids” sitting on the laps of adults or the older kids. I can't remember how many pieces of luggage but I do remember her carry on...probably because a nine or ten year old could carry it. It was leather with well-rounded vertical corners, a top-opening style and a zipper that would travel on three sides. On top were her initials, “E.B.J.” in silver printing, just below the large handle and inside, on the top, was a mirror. The leather, outside, was neatly stitched and dyed a “baby blue”...can we even say that as a colour anymore?....and was part of that matching set, all packed and ready for “the handlers”.

Some recollections of the airport, itself, include large windows facing the planes on the runway and a coffee shop style lunch counter. As well, there was a staircase to the terminal's rooftop allowing you to view the comings and goings of the various propeller driven airframes. The wind was always blowing up there, but as kids we were eager to see her “off” and we waited and waited while the steps were finally backed away after the various other service vehicles had left. Those props finally started to spin, one, then two, and eventually all four before the plane taxied out. The large field area, decked out with various small signs, lights and ribbons of paved runways seemed to go on forever. Further delay meant we watched as her plane finally lifted.

The best thing about taking her to the airport, was the bonus of accompanying her across the tarmac and carrying her hand luggage up those moveable stairs. And then, at the top, she asked the stewardess, if I could enter the aircraft to see where she would be seated. My first time on a plane...no flight...but what an experience for this wide-eyed kid. This was a four engine prop style plane...was it a DC6, DC7 or a Lockheed Constellation???...not sure. It was big with a gleaming, shiny aluminum skin...along with well over 100 passengers on board. From that point there, my fascination with aircraft has continued to this very day.

A couple of years ago I decided to try a new hobby, radio controlled model flying. Finally last fall, I achieved a personal quest of “getting my wings” from the local model flying club. I was able to become certified in the operation and flight of radio-controlled aircraft in Canada and the USA thanks to the dedicated and unselfish efforts of a great group of instructors and a large support network of club members. While I have yet to actually receive them, I GOT THE PAPERWORK TO PROVE IT!!

Now, if you think it's difficult sitting in an aircraft while the guy (or gal) up front takes you on your journey, try standing on the ground and orientating yourself as that RC plane flies toward you at a fairly quick speed. You can't panic or gravity will take over and you'll go home with a green garbage bag full of parts and pieces....we all keep one in the trunk just in case. It took me a while to get the hang of it (with the assistance of a computer flight simulator...thank you “Phoenix” versions 3 to 5)...but now I can fly without the mandatory electric tether of a buddy box system. Ergo, I am now free to crash these things all by myself.

With this new found skill, I look at planes, their body shapes and wings differently. I now have to consider wind speed, direction, air flow and those physical principles of Bernoulli. It's amazing, as you get older, how you grasp concepts differently...and this hobby really makes you appreciate those subtle differences. Experience is your best teacher and the student must stay on constant alert or suffer the consequences.

Yes, our world has changed, and continues to evolve. Modern plane designs have seemed to reduce the distances between our destinations and, for the flying public, it has made those points seem closer

The distances Toronto-Winnipeg and Winnipeg Rankin Inlet

and safer than ever, given the literally thousands of passengers in the air around the world on an hourly basis. These design changes have also affected the model flying hobbyists and many advances in the technology of the sport have contributed as well.

And those long distances, while not any closer physically, have seemed to become closer. In six hours of flight we can be anywhere in North America and, even Rankin Inlet.

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THE BATTLE OF THE GROUNDHOGS