On Monday, August 2nd we loaded "BNC" for our trip eastward. As we approached Montreal, the clouds started to mingle, and we had to descend from 9,500’ to 7,500’, then to 5,500’ to stay VFR. I experienced the sensation of almost dancing with the clouds, staying below but near the clouds as we wove our way eastward in the smooth air.

Descending towards Moncton’s airport, C-FBNC’s engine suddenly started sputtering. A quick check for carb ice and engine instrument checks failed to show any apparent problems. We quickly looked around for a suitable landing spot and were astonished to find a beautiful grassy runway below us. With the engine still sputtering but running, we made our approach and landing at Havelock, New Brunswick. Our landing wasn’t up to our normal standards, but we were simply glad to be back on the ground! No kidding!!

At Havelock (we renamed it "Haveluck") we were welcomed by a group of pilots who were celebrating New Brunswick Day. They were pleased that we found the airport, especially since some of their own members have trouble locating the runway! 

We registered as part of their fly-in and were offered steak dinners and camping facilities overnight. We opted for a good check of the engine, some socializing, then a very thorough run-up before flying out to Moncton where we relaxed downtown, in comfort, with some cold beverages. The source of the temporary engine problem remains unsolved, but did not reoccur. 

Moncton Flight College (MFC) was bustling with a new class of 20 air cadet students, along with other students and instructors in the process of going flying. Their fleet consists of two twins, several Cessnas, and Tomahawks. The following morning we ran into Rob Thompson, a former OFC staff member, now an instructor at the MFC. Rob joined the MFC about 3 months after earning his Instructor’s rating at the OFC.

Our next stop was at Halifax, a short and pleasant flight. The Esso facilities welcomed us and took excellent swift care of us during our visit there. A check with car rental facilities revealed a scarcity of cars, resulting in our rental of a new "Beetle". Bob and I were greatly amused, and a little sheepish, in having to ask for directions on how to get into the hood area to store our baggage - we didn’t know that the new models had the engine in the front! The young attendant wasn’t aware that the engine used to be in the back, adding to our feeling of being a little "old". In Downtown Halifax, we encountered one of COPA’s North Bay Convention organizers, Peter Brown and his family, and renewed acquaintances. The B&B we stayed at proved excellent, although I almost needed a ladder to climb onto the 4-poster bed. Bob, a native Nova Scotian, was treated to the sights of the BlueNose II going for a sail. So far, the weather had been remarkably co-operative..

Next we headed for Sydney, NS (Cape Breton), as the prognosis for Newfoundland showed that, while we could get there ok, the return trip would be problematic. The flight along the coastlines from Halifax to Sydney was beautiful and easy to navigate. We landed in Sydney only to discover a lack of rental cars and accommodations —every area of the Maritimes seemed swamped with visitors this summer. Fortunately we discovered a new friend Carol with the Cape Breton Tourisms Agency who wangled accommodations and a car for us, and laid out an excellent plan for things to do. Fortress Louisburg proved to be lovely and fascinating, in its restored 1744 design - we plan to go back! The Cabot Trail route was scenic and challenging for the brakes in the mountainous terrain. 

After two nights, we prepared to head home. A call to 1-800-INFO-FSS in Halifax provided an optimistic forecast for a VFR trip to Yarmouth, NS. Upon arriving at the airport, we visited the local FSS office, and obtained a very different forecast including graphs showing CB’s and IFR conditions at Yarmouth. We opted to remain, and our friend Carol leaped into action arranging for accommodations. Although not ideal for flying, the weather was great for doing a scenic drive along the NE corner of Cape Breton. A tour of a coal mine in Glace Bay, gave us first hand experienced on what it was like to climb down into the small tunnels under the Ocean! Unbelievable! Very interesting! 

We visited the coastal landing site of the airplane bearing the first pilot (Beryl Markham) to fly the Atlantic Ocean from westward. I promised myself to re-read Beryl’s book "West in the Night".

The next day, events went exactly the same as for the previous day as far as the weather briefings. We spent Bob’s birthday relaxing, culminating with a terrific steak supper and an outdoor concert on the Boardwalk.

Finally on Sunday the weather was definitely VFR for Cape Breton, PEI, NS and NB. The forecast was for Fredericton to be VFR until 3 PM, but as we flew in around lunch we did so in rain showers (but still 13 N.M. viz.), which closed down a little while after we landed. Again car rentals proved to be a problem, so we took a taxi to our hotel and simply sat out the rain showers for the rest of the day/night. 

Halifax confirmed that the weather was flyable in the morning, so we departed for the airport. Vaughn Evans, the local Esso guy, was super to us, helping us refuel, make phone calls, etc. As we reached the airport, a heavy shower started. A further check on the weather revealed strong headwinds, and very low cloud base in Sherbrooke and other places enroute. We opted to stay another night (Monday) but downtown.

Fortunately Tuesday’s weather was more co-operative. The winds were still strong (headwind 20-25 knots) but the ceiling bases were higher. We arrived in Sherbrooke (always a friendly stopover) after 2.2 hours flight, refueled and had breakfast. Shortly afterwards we departed and flew the 1.4 hours home to Ottawa. Instead of arriving back Friday as originally planned we got there on Tuesday, tired and happy to be home.