Sky Watch Friday - X marks Memories!

This recent, late morning contrail above my garden, conquered up wistful memories...

When I see it's like, I'm always reminded of Little Buddy!

And, the time we shared together while he flew, leaving such jet trails in sky's world wide.

X, as in destination, could be one of many European cities, where we met & enjoyed long airline crew lay-overs.

Or, time spent in a favourite British Columbia hide-away!

Now, X is a reminder of what was pre his retirement & now is no more.

Pilots no more!

How time flys!

It's two years ago today since little Buddy officially retired, & our regular meeting's ended.

His flying career had spanned over 41 years, he having, obtained his private pilots licence when he was just 18 & flown for a living, in one form or another from then onwards.

My full post about his retirement/career is here for anyone new, vaguely interested.

LB, in typical modest style, choose to slip quietly away after his last flight as a Boeing 767 Captain with Air Canada.

But, yesterday he was back in Vancouver for another retirement, that of his long standing 'wild card' friend Shamus who was hosting a party @ The Flying Beaver Bar & Grill, Richmond [a terrific spot, I know well - see it here] to mark his final trip & then having even more drinks back @ his home in White Rock, BC!!!

I suspect both will be seriously hung-over this morning, bless them!

So, in memory of these two careers now ended, and the many other great pilots who I was privileged to met, over 16 years of liaisons before Little Buddy retired, a little flying humour!

First, this cartoon of how a Captain's viewed...

Secondly, A Pilots Log versus Maintenance Report...

P = The problem logged by the pilot.
S = The solution logged by the mechanic.

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire!

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft!

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit!

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on backorder!

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed!

P: Suspected crack in windscreen.
S: Suspect you're right!

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search!

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious!

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed!

P: Radio switches stick.
S: Peanut butter no longer served to flight crew!

P: Screaming sound in cabin at start-up.
S: Company accountants now deplaned as standard!

P: Funny smell in cockpit.
S: Pilot told to change cologne!

P: Aircraft 2,400 lbs over max weight.
S: Aircraft put on diet of 92 octane!

P: #3 engine knocks at idle.
S: #3 engine let in for a few beers!

P: #3 engine runs like it's sick.
S: #3 engine diagnosed with hangover!


Happy Retirement Guys!

I miss you.

Canadian Travels Tales continued!

Day 2 & 3 of my BC Road Trip last month, saw Little Buddy & I make our way towards Vancouver, via lakes & mountains...

We left the Trans Canadian No 1 Highway to drive through the Okanagan Valley, famous for its vineyards, regrettably, grr - no time to stop & wine taste!

Held up due to road improvements to Highway 97 - they're literally blasting the mountain side away to create a dual carriage-way; LB fetched out his binoculars & scanned fruitlessly, the deep Okanagan Lake for tell tale signs of Ogopogo, Canada's equivalent to Scotlands Loch Ness Monster...

I looked closer to home.

And, spotted a funny faced critter, with a waggly tail lounging in the sun - a Hoary Marmot no less - postcard image...

Arriving finally, in Vancouver, or rather Richmond, a city in its self, we headed to a very favourite venue for a early, low alchol supper, the next morning being LB's medical.

Little Buddy introduced me to the delights of the 'Flying Beaver Restuarant & Bar' on my very first trip to Vancouver...

It overlooks the Fraser River & is the home to Harbour Air Seaplanes, who use Beavers [& Twin Otters] to fly between the mainland, the Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island, hence the bars name!

One dines well, whilst enjoying panaramic views of the float planes landing & taking off on the water.Little Buddy's flown Beaver's, on both floats & ski's in the Artic!

So, he loves to watch the planes, reminsce & regale, fascinated me with tales on the subject.

Infact, his greatest claim to fame, and one he's rightly proud of, is that he actually flew the first Beaver plane, ever built, Serial No 1, Reg CF-FHB whilst a Captain @ Norcan Air in the early Seventies!

The image below is "Beaver One" is by artist Michael Martchenko...It portrays the legendary De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk.1 aircraft - Serial:1 Rgn:CF-FHB during its maiden flight on floats on September 16, 1947 near Toronto Island.

The plane, now considered a national treasure, is in the Canadian Aviation Museum, in Ottawa; it is in its original Norcan Air livery of blue & white, as flown by LB.

A photo of it, on display in the @ the museum, can be seen HERE.

Landed!

Well I made it - a piece of cake, not so much as a headache.
I ask you, Doctors!
Though, I was quizzed by the lady @ Security, about how I obtained my unusual eye colouration.
I did explain briefly, but her raised eyebrows suggested she thought it was more likely due to abuse than an accident!!!

The flight was uneventful, in fact the nine hours literally, did fly by for once, due to the in-flight entertainment.
Generally, I don't watch the films, as find it hard to concentrate/hear due to the airplanes drone, plus they are usually edited versions of the original.
Anyway, today I was glued to my mini screen the whole trip.
I saw three exceptional movies, that I recommended whole heartedly.
First up, was 'Australia', starring a favourite actress of mine Nichole Kidman.
This sweeping tale, @ times brought tears to my eyes.
Next, was 'The Changling' - a fascinating true story from the 1930's.
And, finally the amazing, much acclaimed & rightly winning Oscar winner 'Slumdog Millionaire'
I am too tired now, to do any of them justice re a review.
But, I will say, I want to watch then again unabridged and in the comfort of my own home or quiet surroundings ASAP And, I'd be very happy to own the DVD of each of them for repeated viewing.

Was so engrossed, didn't stretch my legs much from my centre aisle seat.
This shot, is as we passed over frozen wastes around Churchill, Manitoba...And, here's the patchwork- squared grid landscape of the Canadian Prairies...
Unlike Las Vegas last month, there was no Little Buddy waiting to welcome me with open arms @ Canadian Arrivals.
As I'm in his home territory, he's keeping a low profile till tomorrow, when we hit the road!
Which is fine - I'm self sufficient, made my own way to my hotel that I'd organised - no trouble.
But, it was strange landing here in Calgary, to find no reception committee; as it where, I fly to when visiting Prairieland.
And, Sir & Headmistress are always there to warmly greet me when I make it through Customs.
I learnt a while back never to mention I was going to a farm!
Ironically, I'm totally out of favour there @ the moment re this trip.
It seems I can't keep all my Canadians happy @ the same time.

From now onwards I have no idea of my forth coming where abouts.
I, therefore may not be blogging for a while.
But, have scheduled posts for True Colours Thursday, just in case.

Packed & Ready!

The procrastinator in me, as usual saw that I left my packing till yesterday.

Wheelie Bailey checked out the size of my blue suit case & found it wanting for 10 days...But, I've managed to STUFF it successfully if densely!

Head off, very shortly.

With Airport Security still tight, International Flight Check-In's remain painfully early.

Will languish in LHR's Departures Lounge for hours before boarding my AC Boeing Triple 7 to Canada.

So, it's no dawn breakfast @ home for me.

I will instead, treat myself to a visit to the only known quiet haven in any given airport - The Caviar House!

There, they serve Scottish Smoked Salmon, scrambled Eggs & Bucks Fizz for Breakfast, rather than the Egg/Bacon/Burgers & Coke breakie offered by the fast food places on site.

Most do not go for the up market choice but I do.

Yes, I admit I am, a poor but a foodie snob.

But, I love Salmon, & the scrambled Eggs, will, if true to form, be the lightest ever, there'll be lots of thin brown toast, slices of lemon, and if I am lucky, I may, even get my Bucks Fizz topped up!

It is a nice civilised interlude, I've always enjoyed/indulged in on previous trips, so that's my plan again.

Pre flight, I like to make relaxed as the trip is long enough - 9 hours.

All being well, if my airport hotel's Internet link works, will check in blogwise, to say all worries about me flying were groundless.

Am sure my doctor was just covering her-self professionally.

If not...

True Colours Thursday - SCARLET!

Now, I'm more than aware, that some individuals in my life, personal & the blog sphere, would consider this weeks colour exceedingly appropriate to me; as in their eyes, my relationship with Little Buddy, clearly marks me as a SCARLETwoman!
I've never made any bones about the fact that he is a married man & that I've been his Mistress, for now over 18 years.
Or, more importantly, that he is without doubt, the love of my life.
If that makes me SCARLET, so be it!
So, for fun decideded, to look amongst my things for items that match this wanton image of me!
Must confess, I'm deeply disappointed to find, I don't have much that lives up to it!!!
There is sadly, no SCARLET lingerie, flirty little dress or hot high heels in my wardrobe.
Have had to resort to shop window photo's for the last two...I do have the lipsticks, the shawl, a broach and the beads & earrings...Plus, for my travels to illicit meetings, my SCARLET sleep pillow and, now courtesy of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, the matching eye shields, pen & toothbrush and flight socks, all kindly modeled here for me, by Sir Woodstock...However, they're hardly raunchy SCARLET Mistress material - :)
I'm no Betty Boop...There are mind, my SCARLET photo albums contain many incriminating photographs...And, back in 2000 when Little Buddy & I were in Hawaii together, he did hire a smart SCARLET Convertible for us to tour the island of Oahu in.
Also, on that particular trip, my/our Lei, lovingly bought, contained fragrant SCARLET Carnations...
Plus - LOL'ing big time here to myself, as never a dream of mine.
But, if LB & I'd have ever married, this is the sort of wedding cake I'd have chosen, courtesy of the Celebration Cake Shop in Dreamingspires Covered Market, as I do love SCARLET red Roses...So, there you have it - the SCARLET side of Blue, take me or leave!

To participate in True Colours Thursday, all you need, is to post a photo/photographs & text, or better still both, on the specified colour of the week.
Then, leave a me a 'Comment' here, to say you are playing along.
For this meme only, I have lifted my Comment Moderation to help visiting.
Everyone, who is or has previously participated recently, is named & linked in my side bar.
AND, I do try to up-date the list throughout the day.
Next weeks colour is BLACK & WHITE together!
If, anyone has a suggestion for a 'Colour', please feel free to say.

Sky Watch Friday - Above the Clouds!

My Virgin Atlantic flights to & from Las Vegas, sadly, didn't bless me with my preferred window seat.
It was particularly disappointing, on the outward trip as the skies were crystal clear.
And, as a consequence, the queue for the view, out of the back end windows of the Boeing 747 meant I missed many terrific ariel shots!
But, persistance, saw me take these, as we cruised @ 38,000 ft, towards & over Arizona/Nevada...This final one is the Bighorn Basin with it's red rocks...The Sky Watch designated site is HERE!

Home Alone Again!

Landed back in the UK, after a 10+ hour flight from Las Vegas late this morning!
The Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 flight was smooth & uneventful; the young attractive crew, attentive - Richard Branson, Virgin's boss only hires lookers; and I wined & subsequently dozed the hours away.
But, flying Eastward always gives the worst JET LAG, especially as coming home for me is a sad affair, lacking the buzz of the outward journey.

I won't dwell here, on the emptiness I feel after parting from Little Buddy.
This favourite quote, is what I hold onto...
"Don't be dismayed @ goodbyes,
A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.
And, meeting again, after moments or lifetimes,
Is certain for those who are friends."
Richard Bach

On my way!

Yesterday was frantic, I packed, re packed and packed again.
It's almost two years to the day that I flew to Canada for seven weeks, combining a vacation with Little Buddy in British Coloumbia before visiting family & friends in Saskatchewan.
Knowing that Sir in Prairieland always says I travel far too heavy, I posted this image of my luggage to tease him...
This time I'm travelling light; well, one small wheelie suitcase, that weighs a ton I might add & my laptop case.

By the time this is published by Blogger, I should be enjoying the dubious delights of breakfast in Gatwick Airports Departure Lounge, having left home @ 4.45am!

It's going to be one hell of a long day.

I arrive in Las Vegas @ 1.30pm, their time, so will still have most of Tuesday in front of me!!!

Only hope the excitement keeps me awake.

Via Las Vegas & a Moment of Sadness!

Many, many moons ago, infact years ago, a certain person said, he'd love to show me around Las Vegas!
But, as this destination happens to be the favourite holiday venue of his wife, a serial, serious, gambler, it looked set to never happen, even in my wildest dreams.
However, never say never, as tomorrow I fly there to meet Little Buddy!
The Vickster, a high looser/heavy Vegas spender, hence, a Diamond cardholder was @ the weekend, invited back to Bally's Casino Hotel with the promise of free hotel rooms - postcard image...However, she can't return @ such short notice, as much as she'd like to.
Little Buddy, now a retired Air Canada Pilot & a gentleman of leisure; if, of limited means, said he was inclined to accept the offer & her response was "Go and get the hell of my hair" or words, apparently to that effect!
He subsequently, phoned me & said "Check out the fares!"
I had to sleep, or rather lie in bed, tossing & turning over night thinking on the idea!
Now, I'm no gambler, as believe, you have to be able to afford your losses and I certainly can't.
But, have always fancied seeing Las Vegas's city sights & surrounds, the Grand Canyon being one!
So, decided to seize, this once in a life time opportunity and go on a wing & a song.
Yesterday, I booked my flight with Virgin Atlantic.
To get any sort of a deal I needed to stay 7 nights, so will have a couple of days on my own too, that's no problem to me, as once I've found my barrings love to wonder!

Now, this unexpected turn of events has me all of a flutter.
Excited as I am about the trip, I am filled with vanity concerns.
It's now 16 months since Little Buddy & I last meet.
And, the last 9 months have taken a terrible mental/physical toll on me.
I'm so ashamed of my present appearance.
My weight has bloomed - LOL - I've got seriously porkie!
None of my old smart hi-day & holiday clothes fit me any longer.
And, my once attractive 'salt & pepper' hair has gone excessively salty & fine.
I feel every bit of my 50+ years and many more

Today, in an attempt to restore my confidence, I've had my shaggy hair cut, sharply back into shape, hoping it takes years & an an ounce or two off me!
Have been into town & bought several new pairs of jeans from Marks & Spencer's casual el-cheapo range, plus a long skirt.
And, invested in US Dollars - few of which are destined for the gaming tables/slot machines mind!

My 'child' as Little Buddy teasingly calls my Laptop, will, of course travel with me.
And, given the opportunity while, LB gambles the night away I will update my blog!

Now, while I'm happily panicking/planning my Las Vegas trip, I am greatly saddened to hear of the death of Klaus, Airedale Bogart's much beloved Dad.
This is such a tragedy for all concerned.
Loosing a loved one, is the most painful of life's experiences ever.
All I can say to Lulu, is that sharing, such a special love as you clearly did with Klaus is rare.
And, I hope Bogart gives you the comfort to enable you to go on.

Monochrome Mountain!

This morning, I went in search of my old Photograph Albums.
I was particularly, looking for the ones that related to the 3+ months, I spent in Western Canada, in the Summer of '85; as it was during that visit, that I took my helicopter ride!!!
Oh, I found my books alright, all three of them; BUT, what I was not prepared for was the state of the prints inside!!!
The albums pages, were of the kind with adhesive sticky backs & a fold-over cellophane film.
I discovered to my cost, that using them was a BIG mistake on my part!
The chemicals had, had the most adverse effect on the photo's - none of the colours are now true; all, have an appalling brownish tinge to them.
After scanning the ones I wanted into my Laptop, I've tried with my limited photo editing programme to rejuvenate them, sadly to no avail.
The best I can do for Blog re-production, is to go down the Black & White route!
Heavens know, whether Aileni will think they work, but here is the tale...

In June 1985, I took Winnie, a friend @ the time, to Canada with me for a holiday.
Whilst she was out, we hired a car & drove from Calgary, Alberta; through the Rockies & across British Columbia to Vancouver.
During our stay in this city, a fav. of mine, with its amazing back-drop of both mountains & sea; we took the 'Skyride' cable car up Grouse Mountain - website image...Then, rode the ski-lift to the Upper Slopes, where there was still deep snow on the ground...It was a gloriously HOT day - the sun was beating down, hence this very Odd Shot of me enjoying a crazy moment...Returning to the lower mountain level, we noticed that helicopter flights were available over the surrounds...Throwing caution & finances to the wind, we took to the air...As I said on my previous post for Sky Watch, it was a noisy but magnificent experience.
This image from Google, is what my shots originally, well - nearly, looked like...One more regret, apart from my photo albums present disastrous state:-
I wish, I'd repeated this adventure, when in the locality much more recently with Little Buddy!
Cann't help, but think of the photo's I might have captured then, on digital!

Sky Watch Friday - Fly me away!

On a brief moment of clear blue skies this week, snaped this helicopter going over...I have flown in one, over Vancouver's Grouse Mountain & surrounds, Brit. Columbia, Canada.

The flight was a thrilling, if an incredibly noisy experience!
Will try & find the prints taken back in 1985.
This exceedingly popular weekly photo memes home is to be found @ Skywatch!