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flight.
Airports are hundreds of miles apart. In most cases
there are no roads or railways for navigation. At lower
altitudes, voice contact with an airport is an exception
rather than the rule.
Flight plans of course are mandatory. Map reading is
difficult. There are so many lakes, many of them the same
basic shape that a sharp eye must be kept on the map.
For seaplanes, the ever present danger of logs, rocks,
and reefs is amplified by the distance from civilization.
Flights must be carefully planned around suitable refueling
facilities.
The pilot of a private seaplane is in his own element
here. The pleasure of landing on a remote lake, its quiet
green waters undisturbed by others, is indescribable.
After securing the aircraft and setting up camp, the
true beauty of the north can be enjoyed.
Waters teeming with fish, are surrounded by wildlife of
all types. The smells of wood smoke and coffee mingling with
the sound of fresh fish sizzling in the frypan.
The songs of bird life. The cry of the loon. The
evening wail of coyotes and wolves. The whistle of wings as
ducks, geese, ravens, hawks, and eagles travel down the
shoreline. On the lakes are the wakes of passing beaver and
muskrat. The occasional warning smack of a beaver's tail on
the water as he senses danger.
The varied hues of trees, evergreen and deciduous. The
colors of windflowers. The taste of fresh wild strawberries,
raspberries, and blueberries.
The excitement of an evening sky dancing with a
dazzling display as the Aurora Borealis appears. The
"Northern Lights" are surrounded by stars, incredibly
brilliant against the black, smog free heavens.
Thoughts in the night.... Lying in your tent you hear
rustling noises. A twig snaps. Mouse or rabbit? Moose or
bear? Is the food secure? You visualize the food bundle,
securely tied to a tree branch, high above the ground.
The wind is rising, you can hear small waves breaking
on the shore. Is the airplane alright? Should you go and
check it?
What will the fishing be like in the morning? Will you
get another chance to land the big Walleye that you lost to
day. Or a bigger one?
A lone mosquito buzzes your ear. Somehow he has
penetrated the netting of your tent.
The cry of a loon is the last thing you hear. You sleep
peacefully until the songs of early morning bird life
announce the start of a new day.
But for the constant buzz-sting-slap of insect warfare,
you might be in heaven.
Far to the south, your friends and neighbors are also
facing a new day.
Howling dogs. Screaming kids. Squealing tires. The wail
of police and fire sirens. The reek of diesel fumes from
passing trucks and busses. Telephones jangle and typewriters
clatter. The work piles up.
Dissatisfied customers grumble. The boss looms
threateningly.
They jostle in line for a bus, then for coffee, then
for lunch. They fight traffic to get home.
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THIS IS A SHAREWARE TRIAL PROJECT
IT IS NOT "FREEWARE" WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE
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