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Flying in the USA

  Floatplanes are exciting
Road Trip to the US + Canada NE - 2004,  overview Trip to Alaska
Road Trip: Boulder - Bismarck USA Travels in 2003
Bismarck - Winnipeg Soggy trip in France
Winnipeg - Sault Ste. Marie  
Sault Ste. Marie  -  Parry Sound  
Floatplane Flying at Parry Sound  
Parry Sound -   Ottawa  
Ottawa - Montreal - Quebec  
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Prince Edward Island (PEI) Visit to Japan
Nova Scotia Flying in Japan
   
   
   
Seaplane Bases, Friends and Great People Encountered on our Trip  

 

Road Trip  2004

 

Road Trip  2004

At 8:45 AM sharp, we were at Georgian Bay Aviation ready to fly. Our tour/pilot, Andrew King was waiting with chart in hand also ready to go. Ueli climbed in the left seat, Andrew directed the course and Joan had the camera in hand.

The area in and around Parry Harbor was some of the most beautiful we had ever seen anywhere. The area consists of 30,000 islands and most are only accessible by boat or plane. Massive homes complete with their own floating boat houses/hangers (guest house on top) set on the beach of an island. It seemed as though most homes had their very own island. The wide range of architecture and size was amazing. Starting with a small shack and then the more conventional A-frame house and finally single to multi house villas of every shape and color. Of course those with the extra bucks had one to several tennis courts nearby. If the island was too small the courts were built on a nearby island with a bridge or boat connection.

As we saw it, most of the shallow  water in wintertime is frozen solid and once it reaches one foot in thickness, it is strong enough to take the trusty snow mobile which is the prime means of transportation, except aircraft with skis. An island is only considered an island if there is a tree growing on it. Inland, most islands were covered with dense forest, while along the coastline, the islands were solid rock of every color, shape and size. Resorts abounded everywhere and many camps for children were scattered throughout. Andrew knew most of the "Rich and Famous" homes, pointed them out and had a story to tell about each one. After a few hours, Andrew took out his cell phone and called his Uncle to  ask if  he and his wife could hop in their boat and meet us on a nearby lake. What fun it was to merge the floatplane and boat together to meet and have a chat with these lovely people. Of course we took several pictures of one another and were sent off with fresh pastries and fruit. Next, lunch! Andrew suggested a wonderful resort called Elmhirst set along a moss colored lake. It resembled a grand English mansion. We docked the plane, walked up the meandering stone paths and stepped inside for a feast. After an hour of dining at a table covered with white linen, we were told that is was time to see more exciting things. With a front scheduled to pass during the night, it was time to go.

 

 
 
Our Floatplane

Waiting for us the Cessna 180 at Parry Harbor

Getting Ready

Fueling up and briefing by Andrew

Joan at the Controls

A great feeling we have been waiting for

     
Home under Construction

Some of the large homes understandably take their time  being built in remote places.

No "One size fits all"

One person's boat house is the other's mansion.

Elk Hunting

Checking the marshy wetlands for moose.

     
Equal Right

This turning bridge was not turned for us so we could conveniently land there.

Normal Locks

Most lakes are connected by canals permitting house boats to roam.

Elevator Lock

In Peterborough is one of the oldest still functioning elevator lock.

     
Country Strip

Park wherever you can. If the plane does not fly anymore leave it for spare parts donations.

A Meteor Impact?

Lakes develop different names out of  imagination. Could this be from a Meteor?

No Landing possible

Some waterways are too shallow to land. There's  danger of collision with a moose.

      
Found the Restaurant!

Elmhirst Resort with landing dock in front and grass strip in the back.

Great Time on Floats

That's the way to go for lunch.

Watching the Plane

While lunch is being prepared we can review our flight.

     
Green Mussels

Eating light - lunch of green mussels on a spicy tomato sauce.

Put on the Lid

Decadent layered chocolate pillar - sheer bliss.

Ready to Go?

There is lot's more to see.

     
Nice Boat House

Plenty of space for the fishing boat and enough clearance for a floatplane.

Live on and off the Land

Use what nature offers and build your impressive log home with a modest boat shed.

Choice for a Home Site

One of the 30'000 islands should suite your needs.

     
Venice of the North

Canal Grande for every one. Make sure you have the larger or faster boat than your neighbor.

Quality Standard

A life style that calls for a tennis court. Make sure you have enough balls to replace those over the fence.

Get Home All Right

To find your way home - look for a lighthouse next to the front door with helipad on top.

     
Yard for the Goat

Found a rock -  plant a little lawn for your four legged friend.

Parry Harbor

Home town of Parry Harbor in sight. It was a great flight!

Back at the Dock

Thanks to Andrew for showing us all those specialties and the many splash and goes.

     
     
 
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Road Trip:  Parry Sound -   Ottawa
 

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This page was serviced last on September 24, 2004