Alberta

The main landing gear touched the runway ten minutes ahead of schedule this morning in Edmonton, Alberta. The flight was nice and smooth until we were abeam Great Falls, Montana, then the turbulence began and lasted all the way to Edmonton. It was miserable for the 127 passengers. More than a few upchucked. Yikes! The turbulence was what we call moderate, i.e., we had control of the aircraft, but items were crashing in the galley and the Captain's coffee had heavy white caps. The instrument panel was hard to keep in focus because of the continues movement. Sharp, quick jolts that would not let up.

Canadian ATC gave us permission to altitude hunt, so we climbed as high as we dared, about 37,000 feet, until the wild airspeed fluctuations, caused by windshear, forced us to descend. The co-pilot, who was flying, started descending with the engines at idle thrust and the spoilers fully extended until we reached 21,ooo feet. We listened to an exchange between ATC and an airliner below us at 19,000 feet; they were getting hammered, too. We decided to stick it out at 21,000 feet... Only 300 miles to Edmonton. I picked up the P.A. microphone, and then with my best Captain's voice, assured the passengers that we were in no danger, but, unfortunately, we would have to take the beating until Edmonton.

As the engines spooled up to cruise power at 21,000 feet, the fuel flows went sky high. No problem, though... I put the Captain's "what if" fuel onboard before we departed.

Later...
Edmonton is one of my favorite places to overnight. Compared to the western deserts of the Empire, the atmosphere is light and crisp. The air temperature is about 62 degrees Fahrenheit. With a light breeze whipping through the downtown area, it is a bit uncomfortable for a desert dweller without a coat. My crew and I are walking to a famous aircrew hangout in downtown Edmonton; a pub named Sherlock Holmes. The fish and chips are excellent!

Tomorrow, southbound and home...