Earl writes...                            Also see (Cut Bank and Calgary)

Sunday morning dawned like any other morning in Caldwell, Idaho.  Except, this is the day both planes--David's Cardinal 177 and Earl's Cherokee 235--would be in the air together on their way to Russia and back.  After re-packing Jim's duffels and bags and loading them in N9188W, and loading Earl's gear and the survival gear, and filing flight plans to Cut Bank, MT, we were wheels up close to noon.  We tracked northerly towards Idaho County (Grangeville) and then turned easterly towards Missoula.  We flew abeam the Clearwater River and the Lochsa River past Lolo Pass. At this point we turned north again and flew up the length Flathead Lake.  We turned east again and flew abeam the awe inspiring Glacier National Park, over Marias Pass and to Cut Bank, MT. We landed after just 3 hours and 25 minutes of flight.

We were met at Cut Bank by our friend Bret Bledsoe.  Bret is an agent for the USDA in the NRCS division.  After a quick sandwich, we stopped by to say hello to Teresa Bledsoe at home.  Then back to the airport to file our flight plans to Calgary, Alberta.  We notified Canadian Customs of our intent to enter Canadian airspace and the necessary appointment for inspection and permits.

After a very good 160nm flight to Calgary, we were in communication with and being radar vectored into the Calgary airspace and placed in rotation for landing.  Earl was second for landing behind a Boeing 737.  He was instructed to square his pattern so the tower could roll a 767 heavy out  before he landed.  Needless to say the landing was eventful--with the wake turbulence generated by one jet landing and one taking off.  He logged 7 landings.  But the "fun" was just about to begin.

After being "vectored" to the Customs holding area, Earl and Jim began to collect aircraft documents, personal identification records and documents and the "survival" shotgun to present to the Inspector who was making her way to the plane.  Her first question upon approaching the Cherokee 235 (and seeing David's Cardinal approaching in the background) was, What are you two doing in THAT plane and he gets to fly alone?! Well, Jim's response to her did nothing to assuage her interrogation.  She led the 3 of us inside and handed us forms to fill out.  When she came to Earl's Mossberg bolt action 20 gauge, did she ever come alive!  All of us together could not find a serial number ANYWHERE on the gun.  Earl was in trouble.....it didn't matter that he had possessed the gun for over 35 years--that his dad had given it to him--it had been in the family for over 4 decades.  It had been "modified" and boy oh boy oh boy!  He was thrown against the wall, spread-eagled and the cuffing process was started.  To say the least, this could have been a little distracting.  But the Inspector received telephone instructions to pass the gun.  Earl is sure that Jim and David have a different story to tell.

Around 10 pm we flew 20 nm south to Okotoks Air Park where we were met by Glen White.  Glen is a long time friend.  He drove us to his home in  Millarsville.  We were able to spend time chatting with Connie and Aaron and Glen.  All in all--a fabulous day!.......EARL

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David writes...

The flight into Canada was great.  After living in Southeast Asia for a couple years where every border seems to be hostile, it is really a blessing to have such a friendly border with Canada.  We filed our flight plan, then just flew into Canada.  The Canadian Air Traffic Controllers are some of the most professional, friendly and helpful we've met.  

The customs office in Calgary was definitely a highlight.  Our officer was efficient, professional and emphasized the rules especially regarding our guns.  We are carrying the guns for emergency situations as is recommended by both the Canadian government and Alaska government. 

She was also concerned about our one gun not having a serial number.  Other pilots who may fly, take a lesson from us and make sure you have a serial number on your gun.  While she could have confiscated the gun, she called both her supervisor and the Firearms department.   After these discussions and a fax or two, she produced a special notice and attached it to our paperwork allowing us to keep the gun and providing written approval for customs when we return!

Even with this serious matter, our customs officer was wonderful and funny.  Actually, I don't think Jim and I stopped laughing the hour of so that we were there.  No matter what Earl said, the customs officer gave him a hard time or had a witty comeback to put Earl in his place.   Earl finally just stopped talking to end the pain.

Fun day.

David.

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Jim writes.......

As long as I live I don't think I will ever forget how nicely and professionally we were treated and in all the years I have known Earl I have never seen him at a complete loss of words for over 45 minutes.

Flight planning in Caldwell, Idaho, Earl's home field just outside of Boise.

Carol:  you guys did your weight and balance, right?

Earl:  Jim did it.

Jim:  I thought you did it...

Earl and Carol before takeoff...

Before takeoff in Caldwell...

Beautiful Flathead Lake in Montana.

Looking north to Glacier National Park...yup, real glaciers.

Bret Bledsoe met us at Cut Bank, Montana airport.  

Lethbridge set in the middle of lush Alberta farmland

We are appreciative that our Canadian custom's officer was very professional.  She was also sharp witted and Jim and I didn't stop laughing at the hard time she gave Earl.