Head in the Clouds

July 3, 2014

I have to say I’m at somewhat of a loss as to how to describe today. As would be expected, the plan for today didn’t even come close to happening. I mean, I wasn’t entirely sure how far I was going to go today, which route I would take, or where I would stay when I got there. I was reasonably confident though that I’d be pedalling for more than 16km.

The day started somewhat overcast and dare I say even a bit chilly. Okay, maybe even a lot chilly by my standards (I believe it was 18 degrees). My tent was still wet from last night’s rain – did I mention last night’s rain? I don’t think I did. Well, it rained last night. A lot.

A storm? Today?? I don’t think so!

I was actually somewhat oblivious to the storm that was approaching because I was so focused on typing up yesterday’s entry. When the thunder and lightning announced the storm’s approach I took note. Not enough to actually retreat to my tent, but instead to try to type faster. Due to the limited range of the WiFi network I found myself updating this site near the office – about 400m from my tent. The approaching storm upped the stakes on completing things quickly. I felt like I was in a movie, racing against time to complete the upload before, well … I don’t know … something bad happened – which in this case would be me getting soaked. With the “Upload Progress” bar slowly moving along the thunder continued and the rain started to fall. And it was the big rain drops. The kind that are promptly followed by larger drops – and in larger numbers. Did I mention the 400m between me and my tent? When the upload completed I packed things up in about 4 seconds and made a desperate run for it as the intensity of the rain increased. I ran. I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more. (okay, yeah. I stole that line – but it’s a good line and I’m not telling you where it came from). Miraculously I reached the safe confines of my tent just as the downpour started. Whew! I was about to find out how durable my tent really was. And fortunately, it turned out to be pretty durable. As with many thunderstorms, this one only lasted for about 20 minutes and I stayed dry throughout. I actually fell asleep to the sound of rain on the tent.

Gliding over Hawkesbury, ON.

So, anyway – back to today. A mere 16km from the Cedar Shade Campground, and still 100km from Montreal, I approached the Montreal Soaring Club and since I’d never been up in a glider before I thought I’d stop in. I met Tony as I rode up the driveway, followed shortly thereafter by Jean (the Chief Flight Instructor), and later Greg (President). The weather conditions did not inspire confidence that I would be able to go up for a flight but I decided I would take a chance and hang out for the day and hope for the best. The weather was committed to NOT being the best but was at least cooperative enough to go for an Introductory Flight with Greg.

Is gliding to St. John’s an option?

Despite the lack of thermals to keep us aloft, it was a great flight. A completely different sensation from both hang gliding and paragliding. And I even got to take the controls for a bit – I definitely need training! Forty-two minutes later we were back on the ground – but not before Greg took us for a few steep dives and climbs (porpoise-style), a few steep turns, and other fun manoeuvres. Great times!

After the flight we proceeded to put the gliders into the hangar which methodically holds six gliders and three tow planes. A BBQ and beer at Greg’s followed shortly thereafter where amazing tales of past adventures were shared. During which time Greg assured me that I’ll see bears in Quebec. I’m not sure I really needed to be assured of that but he didn’t seem nearly as concerned as me. Probably has something to do with the HUGE amount of wilderness experience he has – which made for some great stories!

With the evening setting in and rest needed for all, we parted company and returned to the soaring field where my rain-tested tent awaited me.

I’m still not entirely sure where I’m going tomorrow or which route I’ll be taking but I guess I’ll worry about that in the morning. For now, I’m just going to enjoy what has been an unexpectedly fantastic day. Thanks again to Greg, Tony, and Jean for a great day at the Montreal Soaring Council (http://www.flymsc.org/AG/CLUB/CLUB.htm).