The Rock

[Vlad]

Next day weather was as forecasted. Windy, foggy, in low 40ies. Not even a chance for island hop. Typical Aleutian climate.




We rested well, had a nice breakfast at the hotel and went sightseeing on foot.











In about an hour we walked the little town. Our lobster lunch is still two hours away.










This French cold really gets on you. We brought a lot of warm clothes but no rain gear. Let's go to the Museum of the Archives.





We were the only visitors. A very nice guide gave us an excellent tour.

[Vlad]

Then on lower level we met an artist/photographer by his own exhibition. I was so glad I had an interpreter. Then we met the Mayor at the same Museum. She invited us to come next year. What a day!





Lobster lunch was next the portion was so big I had to have a drink of vodka to finish it. Then we made a reservation for dinner. Wohooo!





We stopped at the local supermarket just in case. Bought some munchies and went to the hotel to recuperate.





Took a nap till dinner. Dinner was good. Tomorrow's forecast looks promising French weatherman said the sky will open around 10 am.

[donaziza]

Wow, At $1.11 to the Euro, I'm coming up with $7.57 for a gallon of gas up there.

[Vlad]

The French weatherman opened the sky for us around 9 am. We were already in the tower/FSS.








Fed RV with two last quarts of oil, filled necessary forms, said farewell to very helpful controller and got airborne.





Very interesting place from the air. Old St. Pierre airport runway is still visible.






Power station and water reservoir. The island is very efficient.





We flew low level to Miquelon, another French island. There is a sand dune connecting two islands and a smooth road running through it. We saw a herd of mustangs they looked pretty wild but not scared at all. They even ran in our direction I kid you not.





Miquelon village and airport pretty deserted place.

[Vlad]

Then from here we started our run against the time. Sky were open over Newfoundland and Eastern Canada but a line of powerful storms was developing in US and we planned to get home before it hits our final destination. Yes, the dreaded home getitis. Quick hop to Newfoundland the weather was beautiful and views magnificent.





Hope Brook Gold mine.





Very rocky terrain. We are getting closer to civilization again. Fishing villages are becoming towns...





















CDA5 St. Andrew of Codroy Valley. A point of express rest, refuel from jar cans and situation reassessment. There were two bikers and a dog on the runway but by the time we joined the final course they disappeared.





Two magic carpets both need a compass to function.





From here my copilot will bear major if not all responsibilities. A lot of work will be done within next five hours on top and between layers.




We still have good weather over the water but in Maine it's already getting low. So instead of going to Bangor, ME we are amending our route and calling US Customs at Lubec checkpoint which is located by a municipal airport 65B with an RV suitable grass strip. We were told do not land until you call us. And after spending couple hours in the air we did circle the checkpoint for 10 minutes catching that phone signal. Then we were holding over the airport for another 15 minutes watching the officers to arrive. If I tell you the grass runway was OK don't believe me. It's bushes one foot high probably were never cut this season. There is no gas. Two crews of pleasant officers with very cute dog spent about an hour talking to us. They were surprised we came here. Every single carpet in the airplane was lifted and checked, every hatch open, every single bag was removed and searched. Every card, document and banknote in the wallet were inspected and questions asked. That what I would call a ramp check which we passed with flying colors. Some planned time was lost and after take off we gave my old RV a good workout. We landed at home airport before first drops of rain hit the ground and well before dark. It was a stunning destination as advertised. A trip to remember. Total time was 18 hours.

[jeffw@sc47]

Vlad, nice record of trip - especially the food pics (mouth watering), and aerials.

I always assumed that in order to cross international borders an airplane required 12" fuselage registration numbers - not so?

[Steve Melton]

I like the picture of the guy praying with the gas can on the wing in the background. A whale of a trip!

[rv8bldr]

Originally Posted by jeffw@sc47

Vlad, nice record of trip - especially the food pics (mouth watering), and aerials.

I always assumed that in order to cross international borders an airplane required 12" fuselage registration numbers - not so?

I think that is only required when crossing the ADIZ into the US (like from the Bahamas). It isn't required here in Canada. It certainly isn't needed on flights between Canada and the US.

[Sibirsky]

Originally Posted by Steve Melton

I like the picture of the guy praying with the gas can on the wing in the background. A whale of a trip!

That guy happens to be me , it was quiet a trip , and Vlad is quiet an aviator , one year later ...and because of this trip , I bought my First RV !

[madhun]

Excellent write up VLad, I'm envious of you $2/Ltd AvGas