Float Planes are Great

We got the chance to go in a Float Plane at our first port of call Ketchikan. This was the highlight for me. It was awesome. Our Pilot Andy took us up the Misty Fjords. Yes this is what they are called it was a clear day though. We flew around some very impressive mountains, saw some Mountain Goats on the high tops and we landed in a Fjord in the middle of nowhere. We got the chance to get out on the floats and take some shots before we flew back to the dock. Almost 2hours of flying.

The Group Shot. The Self Portrait.
Pilots point of view.Stunning views everywhere you looked.

In the middle of nowhere.
My mum and sister in law with Andy our Pilot.


Heading back to what classes as civilisation in these parts.

Even in July the high lakes are frozen.
Another banking turn.

I want one. Do you think Float Plane Trips from Loch Tay would be a winner?

Vancouver

We got the chance to spend a few days in Vancouver. It's a cool place, very laid back and a stones throw from the mountains. We spent a day and travelled across to the Northshore and went up Grouse Mountain by Cable car and across a suspension bridge 102ft off the water.

View from our hotel room.

Up Stream and round the corner is a 70m Dam with water pouring over the top. We had a chance to see it from both angles.

This Suspension Bridge is very high, very long and very wobbly.

Jax hugged a few trees.

Alaska

Jax and I are just back from a trip to Alaska. It was a two week trip with a few days in Vancouvor Canada (more on that later) before a 6 day, wait for it, CRUISE!!!!

It was a family trip. My mum had always wanted to go and when someone offers you a trip to Alaska you don't say no, do you. It was an amzing experience. The first time we had had a family holiday since I was about 15 I think. We met up with my brother, his wife Tammy and his Mother in Law. He lives in the states so it was a quick trip cross country for them to meet up with us in Vancouvor to board the Ferry. I mean Cruise Ship. The cruise took in 3 ports of call on the way to Seward and a couple of days cruising the fjords looking at glaciers and trying to spot wildlife. The ship was able to hold 1200 guest and had 560 staff on board, and lots of food.............

At port in Skagway.

Our ship the MS Statendam from the air.

It could be Scotland but really it is a misty Fjord in Alaska.

Everything is bigger in America!!!

My Brother Dave and his wife Tammy (wondering What the????)

At the end of the cruise Jax and I got to spend a few days in Anchorage while the rest headed home. We stayed in a great hotel with some interesting artwork on the walls........... We didn't cathc any of it by the way.

Alsaka Living Room.

Landrovers

There is something about these things. You have to love them. I had mine running for a week and it was running well. A bit of shakedown before the first event. I had a small oil leak and went to tighten the bolt. SNAP. I sheared the bolt head and made an even bigger oil leak......lesson learned. If it is only a small oil leak. Leave it. Bob came and picked it up this week and trailered it back to his to mend it. Thankyou Bob.

Should be back on the road and more importantly OFF it very soon. More pics to follow soon.

IT LIVES!!!!!

Major step forward in the build. The winch got fitted last Sunday and I took it out for it's first play just down the lane from the workshop where it has been getting built for the last year and a half.
It is performing great. I had to fit some new swivels, CVs and front Brakes last night as they were a bit worn. It was a second hand axle so I was expecting to replace it. Better to do it now than leter. The power is just where I want it and the new Warn Winch works too as you can see from the pictures. I need to put a new fuel filler on as at extreme angles I had some fuel leaking out the filler. NOT good but an easy fix. I think we are all good for the Shandon Event next weekend. Just got to add a few accessories. Fire Extinguisher, Shovel Mount, Spare Wheel Mount and Storage.

Descent into the bombhole

On the way out. But it needed winch assist. It is steeper than it looks.

Getting the winch ready.

and winching off the back of Bob's Truck.

In the trees.

Thankyou Bob and Helen for the photos.