Saturday, January 03, 2009

Waterplane Over Gulf Islands, BC, Canada

One windy overcast day in Vancouver we realize how lucky we are to know TWO French pilots who both fly water planes (one in Vancouver and one in the Maldives). This is how we find ourselves walking down a wet boardwalk on our second anniversary towards a small plane that seems likely to be tossed about on the wind. I climb in to ride beside our pilot and take in the dash board full of knobs and switches. The take off seems effortless and far less turbulent than a runway does. Looking down at the miniatures houses reminds me of my time working for B&B Scale Models who create small architectural models. I was the Assistant Landscaper. We sail past the Vancouver Airport and head out towards the Gulf Islands. We are on a regular run with one passenger on board to drop off on Thetis Island. We pass small islands along the way some of which are completely First Nations owned. It is stunning and despite the plane being small it is relatively steady. We land at the small Thetis Island harbour and say goodbye to our passenger. There is such a secluded feeling to the West Coast of Canada that I love. For both the contemplative and the adventurer it is a giant playground. Francois, our pilot, makes a sudden ascent and my head feels like blacking out from the G-force. He smiles and says he usually ascends a lot higher and a lot quicker. Does anyone else see that mischievous glint in his eyes? We head over to Salt Spring Island next where we are to pick up two passengers. This island is a lot busier and it turns out we are picking up two Texans. Nigel and I switch seats and he gets to fly next to Francois all the way back to Vancouver. I sit in the back and take more pictures out the side by the wings. The mountain ranges on some of the islands are impressive. Some sort of barrier breaks the water up as we approach the mainland. The first sitings of Vancouver appear. We have a smooth landing and quickly pose for a shot beside the plane. One last glimpse over our shoulders and we head back up the ramp to dry land.

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