Cross Canada Road Trip

[Captain Canada]

Hi guys,
   Kurly and I did a 'hotshot' from Sarnia to Edmonton back in March. We made it a sort of aviation field day, foregoing the traditional breaks associated with long-haul driving so we could show a glimpse into the treasures that this great country holds for the aviation enthusiast. I tried to post these a few months back, and after a pot of coffee and three straight hours of photo editing, my hard drive lunched itself and all was lost.....

 So, here's the second attempt ! Sit back, relax, and enjoy !

Monday, March 15, 2010. We made it to North Bay, ON, Sunday night so we could see the base and it's associated history before we got back on the road.

Hey look ! It's that truck that Kurly tried to position in the background of EVERY single photograph.....



But, due to the glory of modern day photo-editing software, it may be the last ! This Canuck is actually displayed in the town of North Bay itself



On the old base itself we find this gem...



You want bells and whistles ? Amazing that this thing can even get off the ground !

[Captain Canada]

There was a nice collection of old Canadair Regionals around, as well as this lovely Dasher....

Almost looks like old BA livery ? Did they use the -7 ?

This is my favourite preserved a/c...it just looks like it's still in service, or ready to be !

Might be, but we didn't see a one on this day !

Base sign with the old hanagars in the background....

[Captain Canada]

The mock Electric Voodoo gate guard....

A gaggle of Bells belonging to Sunrise Helicopters awaiting the spring....

A few more ready to roll..

Some more egg-beaters at the local chopper school....

And some Merlin Magic via Bearskin Airways...

[Captain Canada]

Come on, Kurly....let's hit the road !

Up by New Liskeard we spot this ol piece of iron...

And some of his newer, weather-beaten brethern...

Now this was a real treat. I had one of these jeeps back in the eraly 80s, called a Terra-Jet. Made in QC. Brought back lots of memories...

[Captain Canada]

We made it to Moonbeam Ontari-ari-ari-o later that day....

Then past Lowther where we spotted this memorial to the men and women who served at the radar station there. My Dad was there when he was just a kid in the early 60's. Thanks, Dad ! I love you.

You can glimpse into just how big this country is when you see a pile of fallen timber this big.....photo doesn't do it justice.

Spotted this lovely Beaver as we whistled by one of the many smal communities that dot the Lakes of Northern Ontario.

Longlac was our last stop for the day, where we saw this old tugboat.

We won't....

[Captain Canada]

Tuesday, March 16th 2010
Spent the night in Thunder Bay, ON. Better hit the local airport before we go !
Who doesn't love old props still working ?

Here's one for Zac. Note the Ornge life flite Pilatus in the background....

Another view, flying the flag !

Saw an MNR Squirrel off in the distance....

RCMP PC-12. These things were everywhere up there, obviously a popular a/c !

Instructional airframe....SAAB ?

AC the way I remember...

Outside the local Legion

[Captain Canada]

A quick drive by of the water bomber base in Dryden, where we finally see our 415.

Two world beaters....

[Captain Canada]

Across the border into Manitoba...we hit Winnipeg....and are greeted by another gaggle of beauties, this time in the form of 215s !

Mmmm...prop spinners.....

Over to the preserved a/c at AFHQ
Musketeer....

Tracker....

Kiowa...

Challenger...

[Captain Canada]

Voodoo...

Lark, nice Lark.....

The Mighty Clunker.....

The Mother of all Sabres....the Canadair Sabre !

A beautiful T-bird...

Dr, Ha-Havard...

[Captain Canada]

I've always loved the CF-5 Freedom Fighter

And this beautiful display didn't dissapoint

A beautiful Dak...

A lovely Mitchell....

A Snowbird Tutor hiding in the trees...

And this busted up bird off in the distance.....what is it ?

[Captain Canada]

Wednesday, March 17th 2010
Spent the night in Brandon, MB, home of the BCATP, where this lovelt T-bird was seen at the airport. We were too early for the museum, tho. The big Army base of Shilo and the museum there are only 2 mins. away as well.

On the main drag we found this Boly...

That's right, everything is bigger on the Prairie. Trains even have an engine or two in the middle to help out....

Spotted this Air Tractor heading into Regina as we passed. No time to stop there, tho !

[Captain Canada]

The Trans Canada brought us right into Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan...Home of the NATC and the Snowbirds.




Tutor all dolled up as a cenntennaire...

[Captain Canada]

Buzzz...


Lots of HIIs...

And Hawks...

He flashed his lights and gave me the thumbs up...proud moment for this Canuck !

Pair of Hawks depart...

[Captain Canada]

Hey, those look like Airfix pilots !

On the highway leaving Moose....

[Captain Canada]

Then a long road to Calgary, AB.
Thursday, March 18th, 2010
The old base of Penhold, AB, now know as Red Deer International......where notalgia reigns supreme !

The maintanence home of Buffalo Airways. We talked to a few of the 'stars' about the upcoming season, but no spoilers here !



Dakota, anyone ?