And then part way through the flight, which was a two and a half hour leg to Lac La Biche, AB, Gary discovered the GPS was not functioning. Walter was able to download an "App" that helped them navigate to the Saskatoon area and we landed in another small airstrip at Martensville.
By this time, Caylea's grin was dimming. She felt a little airsick and had to use the bathroom. So while Gary and Walter fiddled with the GPS and made some phone calls, Caylea and I found a secluded spot in some weeds! Then we walked around a little and finally, Caylea took a Gravol and laid down in a warm, sunny patch to rest.
We had a snack and felt more stable and ready to jump in the plane when the guys had things up and running. But we were barely in the air when the GPS was again not functioning. Gary opted to head for the Prince Albert Airport, where he had connections with other pilots and could acquire another GPS. Caylea and I went to the Terminal to hang out while the guys again problem-solved.
It was obvious we were running out of daylight to even make it to Lac La Biche and then have to find lodging and meals. So we decided to call someone to pick us up from the airport. Walter and I could stay at the NCEM suite where we always stay. Gary has a home outside P.A. And Caylea has good friends who could put her up for the night.
This was also Walter's birthday!
So we took Caylea's friends, Gary and our family to Montana's for a birthday supper. The plan was to start early the next morning and do the fuel and bathroom stop in Lac La Biche and Lord willing, make the next two hour flight to La Crete, AB.
As Gary radioed ahead, he was watching the updates on the forest fire smoke conditions in northern Alberta. Six kilometres visibility would be preferred. Less than that made flying in our small plane with only the VFR (Visual Flight Rating) more risky. The first leg was smooth and beautiful early in the morning. As we neared the LLB airport, it was becoming quite smoky. Gary wisely consulted with the High Level (closest to La Crete) weather and smoke advisory. The forecast was for it to increasingly clear up by mid to late afternoon.
We waited it out in the LLB terminal, a very comfortable place with washroom facilities and leather couches. We made ourselves at home, ate our lunch and relaxed. Gary decided we would wait until 2 pm. If the conditions were not reasonable, we would fly back to Regina. If they did clear, then we would go north. In the meantime, our wonderful pilot got into storytelling mode and regaled us with tales of close calls and God's faithfulness. It was entertaining and passed the time. But what did it do to inexperienced and already nervous passengers?
"Clear prop!" Gary called out before starting up the engine.
With anticipation and a word of prayer, we lifted off to fly above the cloud cover and smoke. At times we couldn't see anything but grey or yellowish haze all around us. Occasionally the dark shadows and vague outlines of trees would break through as we looked down towards earth. I almost felt panic but knew Gary's many years of bush flying and his trust in the Lord would see us through.
Landing at the La Crete airport was a relief! Albert Heal, our other NCEM pilot, had flown in the day before with his wife and could testify that there was not much visibility when they landed. He was glad we waited that extra day. Although we arrived late, we were so thankful to have made it safely.
Next blog will be about the flight back home...
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