Leaving on a jet plane

You might be old enough to remember the Peter, Paul & Mary song. Not, obviously, if you are my children’s generation. But for those of us who were teens in the 1960s, folk music and social change were as important of leaving high school and heading out and away from parental controls.

I used to know all the words. Not that I can sing well enough to carry a tune past three to four notes, but still it was one of the few melodies that were close to my vocal range. I used to know all the words; most didn’t apply but I still liked the song. 

In our case this morning – it was both George and I leaving on that jet plane, but we do know when we plan to be back again. December.  The Powers that Be finally figured out that if you want to increase ridership on BART then add in early trains to where people want to go – like SFO & OAK (airports). Because of that change, Miriam was able to drop us off at BART rather than drive us all the way to SFO.

We managed to wend our way from the International Terminal to T3 (United), get checked in, drop off a bag each, and get through security. I just love the new large screening machines that let you leave everything in the bag. It is one of those uses for AI which makes total and complete sense.  With slightly more  than an hour to go to boarding, George suggested lounge which turned out to be a critical idea. We had a small bit of breakfast and a couple of lattes. As it turned out there was no food (well, peanuts) on the United Flight to Vancouver.

I don’t often get to see Alameda Island on take off. I was on the wrong side of the plane for the Golden Gate Bridge.

and I am not sure which of the Canada peaks this is (Mt. Alberta?) on our way to Vancouver. 

In Vancouver it was hike forever to immigration. Sometimes I wonder if it is only me or do all flights seem to disembark their passengers at the far end of the terminal just to ensure that we get a bit of exercise?

Anyway -I had filled out the ArriveCAN app for both of us so getting through the screening machines was a breeze, as was handing my slip of paper over to the Immigration agent. We confirmed that our luggage was checked through and headed out into the airport. From there it was upstairs to International Air Canada departures. Security wasn’t as much fun – everything electronic out which really slows things down. We now had. we thought, less than an hour between flights. So went to find our gate. 

(Note, changing planes in Vancouver – you will need 3 hours between flights if you are going US – Canada – overseas). Probably more if coming in that way since you have to first clear Canadian Immigration, then US and security 2x prior to getting to your plane). 

Our 1250 boarding was closer to 1315 but departed close to on time. 

About Holly

fiber person - knitter, spinner, weaver who spent 33 years being a military officer to fund the above. And home. And family. Sewing and quilting projects are also in the stash. After living again in Heidelberg after retiring (finally) from the U.S. Army May 2011, we moved to the US ~ Dec 2015. Something about being over 65 and access to health care. It also might have had to do with finding a buyer for our house. Allegedly this will provide me a home base in the same country as our four adult children, all of whom I adore, so that I can drive them totally insane. Considerations of time to knit down the stash…(right, and if you believe that…) and spin and .... There is now actually enough time to do a bit of consulting, editing. Even more amazing - we have only one household again. As long as everyone understands that I still, 40 years into our marriage, don't do kitchens or bathrooms. For that matter, not being a golden retriever, I don't do slippers or newspapers either. I don’t miss either the military or full-time clinical practice. Limiting my public health/travel med/consulting and lecturing to “when I feel like it” has let me happily spend my pension cruising, stash enhancing (oops), arguing with the DH about where we are going to travel next and book buying. Life is good!
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2 Responses to Leaving on a jet plane

  1. Alison Hyde says:

    (Where to?) Have a great trip!

  2. Cat says:

    Hmmm…cannot remember the words of that one but someone asked me if I knew “Blowing in the wind” only yesterday. I know a couple of lines – in German as well as English (Guide camp was good for something) but the rest is lost to me.

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