…as with everything else this spring the return of the boats at the marina seem to be early
With the warm weather, comes boating and sailing. I’m sure the water temperatures in Lake Ontario are warmer than normal and maybe that’s why the boats are already in the docks. This is always a good sign that summer is just around the corner.
When I was leaving Moncton, yesterday I knew that Southern Ontario was experiencing very dense fog. As I boarded the plane I wondered if the pilots had more up to date information on the state of the weather over the island airport that we had to land on.
When I left Moncton, it was sunny and very mild. Once in the air we were above the few clouds that hovered over the east coast but one had a nice view of the land, rivers and lakes below. As we neared Toronto we were all of a sudden above a completely white blanket of clouds. Fifteen minutes before we were to land the pilot came over the speaker and informed us that the airport in Toronto was too fogged in to safely land so they were going to circle above the lake for 40 minutes to see if the fog would lift.
After about 30 minutes the decision was made to fly into Hamilton instead because it looked like the fog would not lift until well into the next day. As we approached Hamilton I was relieved to see land below again. We landed safely but now we needed to get back to Toronto. Some people were suppose to get connecting flights to elsewhere and others had conferences they were scheduled to attend.
Normally our luggage is on the tarmac when you fly with Porter and you grab it as you leave the plane. In Hamilton, however, they had a different system and because so many flights had been rerouted there over the course of the day and because they were understaffed we had to wait about 30 minutes to get our bags. Then about 70 of us headed outside to catch a shuttle bus.
The bus didn’t arrive for at least 30 minutes and then it was only a small bus. The next bus was on its way so I allowed others who had connections to make to board in front of me. The unfortunate part was that the bus was nowhere near us and we ended up waiting another hour. When it did finally arrive there were only four of us left waiting. Twenty or more people had ordered taxis and Ubers to get them to where they needed to go. The funny part was that the second bus was a full size coach. By this time the fog had rolled into Hamilton.
The trip to Toronto was very comfortable and the driver, although a tad heavy on the accelerator, got us safely and very quickly back to Billy Bishop Airport. Of course the place was deserted because the fog was so heavy and no flights were coming or going. I ordered an Uber and luckily I was picked up two minutes later.
This morning when I woke up the fog was still over the lake and the city. The photos that I took from the park at the bottom of my street normally show a clear view of the city and the lake. As you can see there is not much to see beyond the trees.
I was worried. I was told that it might be noisy, uncomfortable and turbulent. It wasn’t any of things.
The night before I heard that traffic in the city was expected to be heavier than normal on Saturday and to count on delays. I ordered my Uber to pick me up two hours before my flight was scheduled to leave. I had to be at the airport 45 minutes before take-off.
My ride arrived promptly at 8:30 and 17 minutes later I was dropped off at the airport. No delays whatsoever. I made my way to the tunnel which is under the lake to the island airport. Again easy peasy.
Security was also a piece of cake and by 9:05 I was in the lounge area. I ordered a coffee and a croissant. Here I experienced my first disappointment. My croissant was stale. No big deal.
Luckily I brought a book to read to pass the time. Finally, about 10 minutes before the plane was to depart we were given directions to go to our gate. I was worried that my carry on luggage would be too heavy but no one questioned me. Instead I was given a special luggage tag because it turned out that my bag didn’t fit in the overhead compartment. Turns out that at least ten of us were given these special tags and they were placed in the baggage hold. No extra charge.
The plane was by no means full but I discovered that my chosen seat was next to an occupied seat. When I chose it there was no one next to me. I had a feeling that the woman next to me would be happier and more comfortable if I could move. I politely explained to the attendant that we were not travelling together and was it possible for me to take another seat. No problem, I was allowed to move to the empty row in front of me.
Fifteen minutes late, we finally took off. The seats were comfortable, the noise was quieter than a jet plane and the flight was smooth and without turbulence.
Despite the delay the flight landed in Moncton on time. Our luggage was delivered to us on the tarmac and after a short walk I found myself at the pick-up area outside the airport. Day one of my adventure in Moncton was about to begin.
…a group of cottagers from Big Sand Bay joined a flotilla of canoes to explore the north shores of Christian Island
…thanks to Cee for hosting the Fun Foto Challenge
…the Indian Maiden from Christian Island
Thanks to Becky B for hosting July Blues
….next to the Christmas Tree Farm we visited last week
When we were tying our tree to the roof of our car I walked around the parking lot looking for interesting scenes to photograph. There was a man standing close by and he told me I was welcome to walk further onto the airstrip. Airstrip?
I had no idea that the open field that I had been photographing was an aerodrome (term used for a grass runway). I guess the wind sox should have given it away.
I’m not sure of the name of the Aerodrome but I think it might be the Flamboro Air Strip. Behind the man stood a large out building and he invited us to come inside and see the planes. It housed about five replica planes that were 7/8th of the actual size of the originals.
It was a fascinating place. I only wish I knew more about planes.
There was one other light aircraft that I found very interesting. It was built and owned by the kind gentleman who invited us in. It has an open cockpit and single seat. It looks like fun to fly but I’m not sure I’d be brave enough to go up in it.
….thanks to Traveling at Wits End for hosting the Weekly Photo Challenge
On Thursday we drove to the cottage to close her up for the season. We took our usual route but along the way we came to a detour and ended going down some random country road we’ve never travelled before. It was interesting to see some different countryside. All these shots were taken from a moving car.
….thanks to Cee for hosting the Fun Foto Challenge
From double decker buses, to boats, airplanes, spacecraft and trains…..
Mama Cormier 