From Canada to Seattle…Twice

My stay in Kelowna was so short that I didn’t get to explore town as much as I would have liked. Maybe I’ll get to come back next year and will have more hours of the day to look around. But I got my candy. And that’s all that really matters, right?

After waiting at the FBO for a few hours on Saturday afternoon, it was time to head back to the good ol’ United States.

So we might as well go in style…flying in a beautiful Phenom 300. Man, isn’t she pretty? The green background only makes the view better.

Gladys was wheels-up with two passengers just after five o’clock in the evening. I had ice on board to cool down some drinks, but that was about the extent of getting ready for our return flight.

We were certainly the biggest airplane on the FBO ramp. Not that it matters, or anything. I’m just putting it out there.

It’s a pretty rare day in Canada when they not only have a GPU to help us start our engines without draining our battery, but they also let us use it for free! Almost every place I’ve ever visited in Canada charges for these power carts, even with a giant fuel purchase.

I’m glad that Kelowna was ignorant of such traditional Canadian practices.

Our flight wasn’t directly home to Bremerton…we needed to stop in Seattle at Boeing Field first to clear Customs. I sent the electronic form via their archaic website, then we called to let them know that we would be landing around 6:00 PM at their facility for our coming-back-home check.

The crew and passengers alike got to fill out the Customs declaration. I’ve found that the more prepared we are when we arrive, the nicer the Customs peeps are to us. Also, I smiled and waved at him as he walked up the airplane. That couldn’t hurt, either, right?

The iPad with our Jeppessen charts helps us get around on the airport. It even connects with the Bluetooth GPS to let us know where we are on the airport. It’s nice to have when I’m unfamiliar with the field and don’t know exactly where to turn.

The Kelowna Airport was a bone yard of sorts for some old Convair airplanes. These beauties from the 1940s are gorgeous, but it’s hard to admire them when they are obviously being scrapped for parts. Boo.

Soon we were in the air and back towards the southwest to arrive at Boeing Field in Seattle about forty-five minutes later. Just like the flight a day before, we flew over some beautiful sights.

It got slightly less snowy as we got closer to Seattle. I forget what green looks like by living in Phoenix!

Hi, Boeing Field! You are so close to downtown and are a neat place to visit. I wish we had more time to spend together today, but I am only here to clear Customs. Then I’m going to take Gladys with me, and we are going to go back to Bremerton.

Or maybe it’s her taking me with her?

Have I mentioned that I love Seattle? But probably only because of clear days like this.

Boeing Field is thusly named because it is one of the main airports where Boeing makes deliveries to its customers. Do you see all of these 737s lined up for delivery? Boeing delivers a Boeing 737 every fourteen hours. Isn’t that crazy?

Also, in the distance, we could see one of the beautiful 787 Dreamliners. They will be released this fall for service and are absolutely huge! It will be neat to see them oot and aboot in the industry.

Look at Mount Rainier in the background. Isn’t that the perfect backdrop to landing at Boeing Field?!

We were only down for Customs for about fifteen minutes, which is a small miracle in itself. My view of downtown Seattle was incredible. I’ve explored all of this on foot before. It’s a great place to visit, if you’re looking for something wonderful.

Wowsa!

That open stretch of yellow field is actually Bremerton Airport. It was busy coming in, but they were expecting us.

Remember when I was here last month? All of those pretty yellow flowers have gone away, but the green still stays. Man, it’s gorgeous here!

I love this picture of Gladys’ shadow as we are on final approach for landing Runway 1.

Bremerton Airport doesn’t even have a control tower. It was pretty much all ours tonight as we touched down and taxied into the FBO.

We helped the passengers load their bags into the car and got them on their way.

And then it was my turn to load up a car and head towards town. Bremerton is about seven miles away from the airport, but it was a lovely drive.

Another bone yard exists in Bremerton, but this time it is for old aircraft carriers. These things are massive! These are docked just south of the still-operating Naval shipyard in Bremerton.

Soon I was safe and sound in my hotel room. The view of the harbor was great, as always. I didn’t stay in here long, as I needed to grab a bite for dinner.

So I walked across the courtyard and found dinner at a taco shop. Chips and refried beans? Yes, please!

Pork carnitas tacos? Well, all righty then.

Everything tastes better when you’re hungry. I love Mexican food.

I ate my very-healthy dinner while enjoying the giant fountain in the courtyard of the hotel. There was a wedding going on in the conference center next door, and my dinner was entertained with some people-watching.

Against my will, I am staying at the Hampton Inn that stole my shoes. Everywhere else was sold out. Thankfully, it was only for one night.

Oh my goodness. How did this happen? It wasn’t planned at all.

This Founders Favorite was incredibly good. Sweet Cream ice cream with caramel, hot fudge, brownies, and pecans mixed in. All things good, in my book.

Goodbye, ferry to Seattle! I’ve been on you and love you, too! What a great ending to a great day. Flying, ice cream, sunsets, ferries, etc..