Hurry Up and, ... Wait!

May 17th, 2010 - Fort McMurray, AB.

What is it they say about "the best laid plans, ...?"

Last week I was waxing poetic about being so excited to get out there and get those camps open and, this week, ... I am still waiting to go! As with most good plans, ... something always seems to happen to keep you grounded just a little longer than you planned. For Tim and I, it is the availability of aircraft. The one we need is down for maintenance until Wednesday. So, ... we wait!

In the meantime, I travelled to Edmonton this past weekend to visit my family and pick-up the last remaining things on my list that I seem to have forgotten up to now. My Thermacell Mosquito machine, Bug spray, my Bear-Gun (just in case), coveralls, rubber boots and, my integrity suit (just in case I take a premature dip)!

Trying to get out of Fort McMurray on a weekend can be a bit challenging to say the least! As I left late on Thursday, I encountered a Police Check-Stop! ... 30 some-odd police cars stopping every vehicle heading South! Now, ... I would like to think that we are all responsible drivers, ... BUT, apparently not! There were many vehicles being marshaled to an inspection area and many drivers who did not look very happy! Following a quick check of my Driver's License, Insurance and Registration I was on my way thinking "GOOD!" I am really pleased with this tactic by the local RCMP! All you need to do is listen to the radio, watch the local news or listen to the radio in this province to know just how dangerous driving on Highway 63 can be! It almost seems as if there is a serious accident or a death on this highway every week, so, the odd Check-Stop here-and-there has to be a good thing! Once through the Check-Stop, it was clear sailing all the way to Edmonton.

Returning on Sunday proved to be a challenge too! It is so very dry in this Province that grass fires are starting to be a problem. I encountered a road-block just north of Redwater because of a fire burning near Opal, Alberta. The smoke was so thick, I could barely see the fire information officer standing just outside my truck window telling me I had to detour around the area. So, ... after a scenic tour of a few back roads in the area, I was back on the highway and headed North. The remainder of my drive was uneventful and I arrived home in time for supper.

Today, ... I'll dust-off and blow-up my water wings in anticipation of being airborne by Wednesday.

Until next week, ... travel safe and, try and be kind to one another.

Cheers!

Paul