March 3-4 2016:     Travel Time

     We were up early on Thursday to move out of Ambergris's way as they were weighing anchor and it was under the Willie. From then on we were preparing for our departure by plane and getting the Willie ready and everything aboard ready for our absence.

     Dinghy aboard, loaded with deck gear, cover on, drain fitted, anchor gear checked, scuba gear dried and stowed, jib stowed below, mainsail cover tied down, rain flies set over fore hatch and midship companionway. Which windows and ports to leave open, which to close? Tommie's litter box cleaned out, food and water ready, instructions for Rose for Care and Feeding the Cat, our bags packed, water taxi confirmed, taxi to the airport arranged.

     Actually had a few moments while we waited for the water taxi, why are they headed away from us? Finally picked up and only a few minutes late to the taxi stand, but plenty of time before flight. Taxi about 25 minutes late: Island Time?

     It ended up that there were six of us in the taxi, so the price doubled. How does that work? A few tense moments as we meet a couple cars on the narrow road. That's right, driving on the left side. Glad they all know it!

     At the airport, we get right in line at Air Canada, about 2 hours before flight. Something is wrong with the Commodore 64s; they are operating very slowly today. Once we are cleared we head out across the road for a bite to eat, the line has grown behind us, across the small terminal building and out onto the sidewalk. I guess we timed that just about right.

Flirting with the ladies at the AirCanada ticket counter.

     Just as we are finishing our lunch they call us to go thru security. A lady from the terminal comes right across the street to herd us back to the airport.  I guess everyone hangs out there before leaving.  Just about as laid back as security will be on an International Flight, maybe because we are flying to Canada?

     An uneventful flight, on time landing in Toronto. Most of these folks are home now. We have a 6 hour wait for our flight to Ottawa at 1230 AM or so.

     Here in Toronto we can use our new Nexus Trusted Traveler Cards to clear customs. But wait, the machine says: No Iris Screen on file, no go! So we remember that when we first got our Nexus Cards a year ago in Calais they had no iris screening equipment and told us the first time we make an entry to get our screening done at the airport. So they checked us into Canada in person, then directed us to the customs office for our Iris Screening. Now we are much more official. Peases to the front of the line!

     Even though we had not left the airport, we still have to go thru security before boarding the plane to Ottawa, and after de-shoeing, de-belting, getting out our baggy of toiletries and laptop computers, when we slid our tray of carry-on bags thru the x-ray machine, the TSA man asked me if I was carrying arrow-heads in my bag. I laughed and said, “What?” He said, “Looks like you have a couple arrow-heads in your bag.” So opened my computer bag, and sure enuf, I had tossed in two bronze jib sheet traveller track ends that we had salvaged off a wreck in George Town. I had never given it a thought, but they did look kind of like an arrow-head. Even funnier, the guy seemed to know exactly what they were. We all had a good laugh, and I stayed out of jail.

"Arrow-heads"

     1230 Am flight delayed, long day getting longer. Finally plane is ready and we are on our 1 hour flight to Ottawa. In Ottawa most terminal areas are shut down, (it's the middle of the night) so we try to make camp on a couch. Maybe get a nap? Not too comfy, and too near an exit door. Every time someone came in or out we got a nice cold draft. I tried to go outside so our DeLorme tracker could send out a signal, but I was driven in by the cold. About 15 degrees F!

     Eventually morning came and our 0630 flight to Boston. We started checking in thru US customs, again with our Trusted Traveler Cards. I got right thru, but the machine denied Kathy. After lots of confusion, turned out the machine was just out of paper.

     Red eyes for us. And when we get to Boston still another 2.5 hour wait for the bus to Maine. Ah, travel is an adventure. We got a little breakfast at Logan, and sat where we could watch all the people gong thru security. What a boon-doggle, most people very frustrated, but in true Boston fashion, the TSA guy was very vocal about telling people just how to do things, what to get out, how to lay a backpack on the conveyor, and all with pretty good humor.

     Our bus was right on time and just as we boarded, the snow began to fall. Welcome to New England.   As usual, the bus ride was very smooth, and after stops all along the coast we pulled into Camden, where my Dad, Alan, was waiting to pick us up. Mom, Marnie was at the house to greet us. Lots of catching up to do after 5 months! An exhausting trip, but good to be back in Maine and with family.

Welcome to Maine!