Trans-Canada-Airlines CONNIE Crash: BRAMPTON 1954

KINGSVIEW VILLAGE PS 1967: Centennial Year - For Shelley Hickman

The ARROW: How Close Can You Get?

Here it is, folks.

It was almost destroyed. Twice.

During the making of the CBC production, the unexpected blockbuster hit movie: "The Arrow".

That be another story.

Gwen asks us, "What is it?"

We do not laugh.

A lot of people ask that question.

Before a military airplane is created live ( aluminum, steel, rubber, secret materials etc.) there will be a wooden mock-up made of the intended aircraft just to start working out some of its' design aspects.

From a hands on, three-dimensional standpoint.

Voila!

Here you have the original wooden mock-up of the COCKPIT of the CF-105 Avro Arrow!

Not the whole airplano. Only the cockpit… where special attention to detail is paramount because this is where the pilot lives. Reacts to the enemy. Or simply flies patrol. At a thousand miles-per-hour.

All the minutiae were worked out here. Before everything got stripped out, (seat, electronics, control wheel) it was pretty much a functioning cockpit. And if there was a problem in design, location of a gauge, etc., it all got settled right here.

Need more details? Read the plaque, in the picture, itself.

Housed at the Brampton Museum (Peel Heritage Museum) as an ongoing Avro Canada exhibit, it resides at 9 Wellington Street East, less than a quarter mile from my house.

But that's not the clincher.

Nope.

THE GUY who designed the cockpit was Wilf Farrance. While he now lives in London, Ontario, he used to live at 14 Crestview, in Brampton, which, by road, is just one mile and about a hundred feet south of the museum. And this exhibit.

His baby.

THREE MONTHS after Black Friday, Wilf went south to Martin Baker where he became plant manager. But had he stayed put, in retirement, he could have simply strolled up to the museum to see his former "workbench".

Nah, you're right. Too painful.

So few artifacts remain from the Arrow program… that every single one causes us to pause, and think.

What if?

It has taken us 60 years to leap back from the Avro Jetliner cancellation, and Bombardier has done well in the commercial aircraft segment…

But Canada never bounced back in the military aircraft sector.

Once the Arrow was murdered, we never went back to the military stuff. We bought it, but never again did we produce it.

But it is museum pieces like these that remind us of the tenaciousness, the intensity, and the success of Canadian ingenuity in the early part of the Jet Age, in the late 1940s and 50s. It was a new frontier, folks. New, to everybody. And a small country like Canada (through research and development) could be as successful, and even more so, than some of the more established players in the aviation field ( Britain, the USA, France).

Even if, only, for a time.

So, meander your way up to that there museum, and look at this artifact, and many other Avro Canada ones. Each will leave you with an impression of how grand the aeronautical endeavours, and undertakings were there in Malton in the 50s. You'll note at Avro Canada, their strong employee social network, this carefree and serious "country" within our country, that would eventually have such a huge impact on our tiny, tiny, nation.

And of, course the world around us. Because nothing is ever done in a vacuum, folks.

What was happening at Avro Canada was noticed worldwide. And what was learned there has been passed on through, to later aircraft design.

The BAC TSR.2 benefited heavily from the Arrow program. No less than 15 design inputs snafu'd from Avro Canada engineering data given to BAC for free, for FREE, by the Canadian government! Stupid is, as stoo'pid does—

The Concorde, and its Olympus engines both benefitted from our Canadian successes at Malton (YYZ). More freebees. To any who just asked! First "acquired" from Avro Canada, and next from Orenda Engines (the engine subsidiary of Avro Canada).

And I could go on, but won't.

Do yourself a favour.

Visit the museum, and breathe it all in.

Stop pretending you're a Canadian… be one.

And, I, am, outta, here…

Rare!! AVRO ARROW Photo… before engines installed!

(photo credit: unknown)

Unknown also, are the identities of these Avro engineers who posed in front of their baby.

AVRO CANADA was way ahead of the "times" in the 50s because they gainfully employed over 300 people with disabilities.

THIS PHOTO comes my way by Robert Millie.

You know his dad who designed the CF-103. The CF-103 was an Avro Canada precursor design and fighter interceptor concept consideration which became another stage in the design process, that would eventually evolve into the CF-105 Avro Arrow.

The Tiger Boys' Aeroplane Works OPEN HOUSE 2009: GUELPH, Ontario

This brother and sister team were mighty impressed with the Tiger Boy's kid's version of the de Havilland Tiger Moth. It can taxi! This baby Moth has working pedals and a steering stick!


GUELPH, Ontario… The Tiger Boys' Aeroplane Works OPEN HOUSE 2009: …really, AIR SHOW, with loads of airplane ride opportunities. You're up there flyin' for only $40! Dawn to Dusk. Saturday and Sunday in Guelph, Ontario. Third week in September. Always.

The Tiger Boys' motto : "Where Old Planes Go To ... Fly!"

Located on the outskirts of Guelph, it's a tiny airport. They call it an air park.

But every year, there is a surprise.

One year a CF-18 came to visit!

THIS YEAR there was a Silver Dart replica with Flight sim booth so you could try to fly a the AEA Silver Dart yourself.

ONE HUNDRED years ago, in Baddeck Nova Scotia, the AEA Silver Dart was the first heavier than air, airplane, to fly a powered, AND controlled flight, here in Canada. The Silver Dart may not have had a telephone, BUT Alexander Graham Bell was one of the five AEA designers of the Dart!

But, I digress…

So what will be "the surprise" next year?

Next year… well, I heard… that the Arrow that got away… may, may, show up.

Hey, you never know.

So you better be there. Tom Dietrich and Bob Revell who oversee the Tiger Boys put on a great show. THIS IS the way an air show SHOULD BE. Every one settles in around the runways and you let the show go on! It's also a fly-in. So bring your airplano! There was a ban on Taylorcraft products this year, but next year the ban should be lifted,

ONE GUY who flew in, landed, had sup, and then had to go. He flew back over the Air Park at an altitude of about 500 feet, and then throttled down his engine. A woman lying under a Cessna became alarmed and suddenly sat up scanning the sky for the airplane in trouble. At that moment the pilot yelled down to the unsuspecting visitors, to have a good day! And off he flew… to parts unknown!

Airplanes are taking off and landing every other minute. All at arm's length!

Folks, you are missing a GREAT, GREAT EVENT that runs every year! Lots of historical artifacts are also housed at the airport. Several static airplanes at the Air Park have appeared in blockbuster movies, etc.! And there old-timers there with stories to be told. But if you insist on being a couch potato…

The Tiger Boys' Aeroplane Works OPEN HOUSE 2009: The De Havilland DH.82A Tiger Moth

AT A FLY-IN… sometimes the most unexpected visitor shows up!

ALMOST 3,000 of these were made in Toronto, folks!

CANADIAN TIGER MOTHS were modified and upgraded from the original design. Upgrades included… float and ski fittings, sliding canopy, cockpit heater, redesigned cowling, increased power, and a tailwheel. The British liked the Canadian mods and ordered 200 Tiger Moths of the DH.82A version. This was the FIRST TIME the "flow" went in the opposite direction. Usually Canada ordered aircraft from Britain.

From DND (Department of Defense),

"A vital Aircraft in the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan was the DH-82C Tiger Moth, in which thousands of Commonwealth pilots soloed. Built by de Havilland in Toronto, over 1500 Tiger Moths equipped many Elementary Flying Schools throughout Canada."

The Tiger Boys' Aeroplane Works OPEN HOUSE 2009: Fleet Finch

SURE… I COULDA' reached out and touched her.

THIS WAS an air show!! Right up there with CWH's!!

FLEET FINCH Model 16s were developed specifically for the RCAF by Fleet Aircraft of Fort Erie. These aircraft were used exhaustedly to train Commonwealth pilots of the BCATP at 12 EFTS (elementary flying training school) sites across Canada during WW II.

They stayed in service with the RCAF until 1947, and 430 were built for the RCAF!

A grand total of 437 Finch Mark 16s were made, altogether.

CORNELLS eventually replaced all of the Finches on charge.

THIS FLEET FINCH can be seen flying out of Windsor Mills, in the 1940's film, Knights Of The Air.

THIS FLEET FINCH can be seen flying out of Windsor Mills, in the 1940's film, Knights Of The Air.

:::. The HERO… that TORONTO Forgot ~

THIS IS Flight Lieutenant D.E. Hornell, VC's Canso of RCAF No. 162 "Osprey" Squadron.

Well, THIS WAS the paint scheme of Hornell's Canso (PBY Catalina, to the Americans) and brought back to life through the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, in Hamilton, Ontario. Here CWH's Canso is being put back into the hangar after an unscheduled flight on Thanksgiving Day.

Hornell's Canso attacked, and sunk, U-boat U-1225 on June 24, 1944 using depth charges at co-ordinates 63.00N, 00.50W which is north-west of Bergen, Norway.

AND ALTHOUGH, David Hornell born in Toronto, was awarded the Victoria Cross for both his conduct in the attack of U-boat U-1225, which they sank, and whilst awaiting rescue in their dinghy (they were also shot down during their attack), he isn't worthy to title a Toronto airport.

Namely, Toronto Island Airport.

Nope, that honour must go to Billy Bishop who apparently is the only Canadian war hero Toronto City Council has ever heard do of.

And… he ain't from TO.

The mayor of Toronto, David Miller, recently stepped down as mayor.

Good riddance.

::: The Airport That Time Forgot

GUELPH, On.

The Tiger Boys' Aeroplane Works OPEN HOUSE in 2009 and that's a Fleet Finch.

Made in Fort Erie, during WW II, for the BCATP.

BCATP? What, who dat?

Well… start Googling…

::: CANADIAN AVIATION

AN IN-PROPORTIONALLY LARGE part of Canadian history revolves around aviation.

BASICALLY nothing happened in Canada, until we embraced the world of aviation.

Nothing?

Nothing.

And then, we almost went to the moon. By ourselves.

Canadian innovation.

We didn't have much as a nation. And we were pretty small, population wise. But, by gosh, we ran with what we had—

'Course you'll never learn that in school.

Elementary, collegiate, or post-secondary.

Oh, no.

Let's talk about Louis Riel, Pierre Trudeau, the suffragettes, …etc.

Hey! Let's not…

… and say we did.

WAY BACK IN GRADE 8, I had a crush on an attractive little blond girl.

Course, a lotta' guys in my class did. And we had some hockey stars, and some hunks, a guitar player or two, and a whole bunch of other guys that would appeal to a little girl a lot more than I would. I mean these were the days before my weightlifting, wrestling, and boxing obsessions.

I mean, I was pretty nerdy kid.

So I would talk about the only thing I knew. Those mighty, mighty Lancs.

I mean, I was just a dumb little kid.

Well, she laughed, and she laughed hard. And she laughed often. And soon enough everybody was jeering at my mighty, mighty Lanc stories.

Course, it only got worse.

I had just about given up. And, I had just about tossed in the towel because the object of my affection was further away than ever.

But then again, we're Canadians. And we never give up, and of course, we never say quit. Unless you're born out of that "New" Canada. Then you can, and will do, whatever.

So I took the ridicule. And I waited.

And then something extraordinary happened. All stars the aligned. And almost overnight.

She came over to me one day, and smiled. She said, "You know I saw a special last night on TV that had these Lancasters flying in it. There were all these people walking around and…"

That's when I cut her off.

"You mean, they were talking about my mighty, mighty Lancs!?"

"No", she quietly responded, "They were talking about OUR mighty, mighty, Lancs."

"Do you want to walk me home, today?"

"Yes, I believe I do—"

There are people who say we can't rebuild Canada. That we're done. Well… I don't think so.

They also say there will be no more great stories of Canadian innovation. And that's where I cut them off.

Folks, it all unravelled with the Avro Arrow, and that's what we have to go back to. That's where we have to begin.

Again.

A new Arrow. Several marks to meet the varying, but ever-present defence needs of Canada. But that will be just the beginning. That is only a start, towards a renewed national independence and a more enlightened nation-building policy.

Since that IS where we lost our Canadian soul, that IS where we have to take it back.

We have to re-establish Avro Canada.

We can't go forward…until we go all the way back. Yes, even past the Arrow… to the Jetliner!

But… I'm showing too much of my hand.

'nuff said.

I SHALL never… fly again ~

The MIGHTY, MIGHTY, LANC' flys again… but this grand, old Harvard, will never fly again.

MUSEUMS only have much money, folks. And a flying museum is expensive to run. So choices HAVE to be made. Hard ones. Spend here for this, and let that go. And so as bitter as it is… this HARVARD will not get the new $50,000 engine it needs to take to the air once more. Nope.

A 100 GRAND recently had to be spent on the MIghty, Mighty, Lanc, earlier this year… as you know, and so, this Harvard had to make the sacrifice.

And this Harvard was proud to do it, damn it!

To step up to the plate. To take the "hit" for the Lanc. It's all in the line of duty.

In the RCAF. Airman, or airplane.

Then. Now.

Old soldier, old workhorse, that she is.

So, this Harvard is done—

THIS GLORIOUS airplane that once rose to the occasion and trained hundreds of future fighter, and bomber pilots to fly, in perilous times past… and later pleased tens of thousands of both the young and old in peaceful times, at air shows annually… has reached her end of days.

'Course, if you have a Harvard engine lying around, one that you're not using, or don't want… and you have a feverishly generous soul… I'm sure the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum will thankfully take it off your hands.

Until that day… SHOULD IT EVER arrive… old valiant shall never fly again.

This will be her final, undignified state.

And here we are, in the sadness, and the quiet… just you, and me, and an ole' RCAF Harvard—

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2009: USAF Heritage Flight

USAF Heritage Flight at CIAS 2009!

The PAST (P-51 Mustang), the PRESENT (F-16 Fighting Falcon), and the FUTURE (F-22 Raptor).

THE EMPTY CONCEIT of Canadians is that they are neutral "peacemakers" on the world stage.

Well CANADA, look above… here are the real peacemakers.

The USAF.

Our NOW small and vetted Canadian Air Force, works in conjunction with these guys, the USAF, who are are the real protection of Canada. And, not through any fault of the tough and proud Canadian military, itself.

Since the anemic (Liberal and Conservative, NDP, and separatist) political parties have ignored the needs of the Canadian military for so long… Canada is in NO POSITION to defend its northern border, which is PRESENTLY being internationally challenged!

CANADIANS thought the loss of the AVRO ARROW was unforgivable.

There will be no forgiveness from Canadians, for any political party here in Canada that gives up any of these northern lands. Take note.

More overt challenges are coming folks, and don't think they're not.

So, the next time, you, as a knee-jerk, mealy-mouthed, leftist-Canadian, want to criticize the Yanks… just stop.

Thank your lucky stars that our southern neighbour is the United States of America, and not the former USSR… or we'd have already been annexed, just like Poland was, right after WW II!

CANADA looked good to the former USSR, except for that giant, resting just below the 49th.

And nobody wants to wake that sleeping giant.

Well, except for the Japanese, but they've learned never to do that again.

So… I'm off my soapbox now. But just for a few minutes—

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2009: The P-51 and The Horsemen, The BLUE ANGELS

Here I am, at Toronto Island Airport (YTZ)… oops, and sorry OwenSounders, I mean Billy Bishop Island Airport!

Before me is a P-51D, one of the Mustangs from the aerial demonstration team, The Horsemen. The pilot is just starting to juice the goose!!

You know any other day of the year I'd be arrested for being this close to runway but hey, you know, this is CIAS… or what the locals simply call "the Airshow" and its all good.

The CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW closes out the Canadian National Exhibition on the final three days of the "X".

And this year is no different.

And I particularly like the Mustang's backdrop (Toronto's Waterfront) in this capture—

This P-51 was built in 1944, and served with the USAAF, the Swedish Air Force, the Nicaraguan Air Force and spent most of the 80s as an air racer at Reno, Nevada.

The BLUE ANGELS come to CIAS in 2009.

Fine performance. Been a while since these guys were in TO!

I tried a new location this year to photo from… so I got faraway shots of formation bursts etc.

HOWEVER, I got fully lit shots of reformations, rogue turns, unexpected strafing etc.

(my settings were a little off with the new DSLR)

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2009: Hawk One

I AM… a star-crossed lover, no more.

I FINALLY get to see and photograph a flying GOLDEN HAWK.

The wondrous Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, in Hamilton, has a static see-thru Golden Hawk on display, which is the other Golden Hawk all should see. I have some great shots of that one, but unfortunately, it can't fly.

I missed all of Vintage Wings of Canada's HAWK ONE'S appearances at every Ontario air show this year. And not by choice. The Hawk didn't even make it to Wings and Wheels earlier this year in TO after I told the whole city to come out!

A couple weeks ago, while on a movie set, I threw my DSLR in to a mirky lake and killed it. By fluke. And with no one around I also ran into the Bear-walker.

So without a DSLR to power my lenses, odds were workin' against me to see HAWK ONE during the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Powered Flight in Canada.

But I got a new DSLR, and finally I did photograph "the Hawk" (seen above)!

MY DAD would've seen many performances of the RCAF Golden Hawks. In fact, he had a signed 13 x 19 colour photo of them in formation… back in the day.

Not easy to come by.

I think these are the best Sabre colours ever.

REMEMBER: The GOLDEN HAWKS were Canada's first military aerobatics team, long before the Snowbirds, and were created to celebrate the (Golden) 50th Anniversary of Powered Flight (1959) in Canada. The Golden Hawks also helped celebrate the 35th Anniversary year of RCAF.

::::: BILLY BISHOP Gets A Second Airport!

Yup.

Although BILLY BISHOP was from Owen Sound, Ontario, 200 miles northwest of Toronto, the Port Authority of Toronto has decided to rename the Toronto Island Airport… Billy Bishop Island Airport!

Billy landed there a couple of times apparently. Although, no one is really sure when.

What a minute!!

Isn't there ALREADY a Billy Bishop Airport? In Owen Sound??

Yup.

But, OwenSounders, didn't you know that outside of Toronto, nothing else exists? Do you really think that Toronto city exec types know about your itsy-bitsy airport?

The mayor of Owen Sound is pi- - ed! He has threatened to come down to TO and kick ass!

Mayor, all I ask, all I ever ask… is one thing. Just let me know when you are going to said, kicking. I will pay good money to watch this.

Apparently, Toronto has no homegrown RCAF heroes to name airports after.

F/L David Ernest Hornell, VC from Mimico comes to mind, but I'm so silly.

But hey, David only died in the line of duty attacking and sinking a Nazi U-boat near Denmark, all the while his PBY Canso (Catalina) was furiously ablaze. Somehow, he landed the badly damaged amphibious aircraft, and the Canso crew was saved a day later by the Royal Navy.

David blind, and weakened from exposure, however, died a few days later.

Apparently, DAVID HORNELL VC isn't a big enough hero for Toronto City Council or the Toronto Port Authority!

You already know what my political party would do.

Statue, DAVID HORNELL VC renaming, 100 jet fighter aircraft sonic-boom flyover smashing City Hall windows etc. just to send the message home to those TCC and TPA commies.

See how HAMILTON, yes Hamilton, has honoured Toronto's DAVID HORNELL, VC: www.flickr.com/photos/78215847@N00/384925646/

… and by the way that is the Canadian ace BILLY BISHOP, and he was another REAL CANADIAN I might add.

Here, during World War II, Billy Bishop D.S.C., V.C. is giving the address and send-off at this British Commonwealth Air Training Plan pilot dedication!

And those men you see in this clip from Hollywood's "Captain of the Clouds" were real airmen from Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and the United States of America. They really did receive their RCAF pilot's wings at that moment in time.

And some of them really did, never return. But they knew it was their call to join the great battle, to free the then-embattled world from Hitler, Mussolini, and Tojo. More real Canadians.

::.:. Beware the BEAR-WALKER!

"The woods are lovely,
Dark and deep…"

Robert Frost

NOT SURE WHAT Bear-walker means in Ojibwa Indian folklore but in my survival training courses, it was noted as uncontrolled fear or anxiety, either individually, or collectively as a group, with the end result being impulsive and dangerous behaviour that would impede or extinguish your chance of survival in the great outdoors.

It's a seasoned hunter lost in the wild for only a few days whose mind has snapped and who runs away from, and not to, a Canadian Forces search and rescue helicopter. It's a firefighter who gets lost in the wild, and keeps pushing forward, going, going…trying to catch up to friends, until exhausted, at which point both thirsty and hungry, he slips. Down a small hill. And his leg, is now broken. So, now what?

And when you're in the wild… you are not at home. Which should be obvious enough, but it often isn't.

You are far from having the usual community supports.

And that's when the Bear-walker can descend on you suddenly.

And if you lose the battle with the Bear-walker… you can easily forfeit your life.

I was taking a few shots of a Great Blue Heron that was in the clearing, near-by. It took off from a rock and I followed its flight when suddenly my camera strap caught my canoe paddle handle, wrenched the camera from my hand with great force, and out of my hands it went.

I last saw my Canon DSLR fly straight away, and then immediately down into the mirky waters.

Blewb!

My Canon SLR that had cost me $2600, my pro lenses that cost $1300, my memory card etc., now gone!

Enter the Bear-walker.

The Bear-walker is telling me to jump in. Go after your equipment. Quick!!!!!!!!!!

NOW!!

Cool head prevails.

The water is mirky. Can't see a thing. Could jump in and get skewered. What about lake reeds? Could get tangled up and hopelessly trapped. Not likely any undertow. Not likely. How do I secure the canoe so that it doesn't float away? Actually I can't. If I jump in, I could capsized all the canoe's contents! And of course, there is no one else around!

Of, course.

No, no, no…jump in. Soon there won't be a trace of your camera…

(Shut-the-hell-up Bear-walker)

Did you catch that, readership?

The Bear-walker is using my $4,000 anxiety to get me to react without heeding the danger. I acknowledge he is there, and remind myself of his existence by entering into brief dialogue with him (that single shut-up I issue to quiet my mind). He is the watcher in the woods. But the harmful one. He waits for you to make a mistake. Then, he'll help you to make more, always, always under the guise of making your situation better.

Desolate areas are always the haunt of demons.

At least that's what my Catholic version of the New Testament alludes to.

All right. Take a breather.

Slow it down.

Surprisingly, a steady stream of bubbles are marking the descent of my camera.

Gee, how far down is it?

Clips of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea fill my head, briefly.

Seaview One. Damn, I loved that show. Whatever happened to that show?

Paddle goes down into the brackish waters.

Pure stench.

And my arm and paddle are now submerged up to my armpit.

I think I'm hitting bottom.

Yes, I am!

I pull my arm out. Hey, where'd that black licorice come from?

Uh, oh… not licorice, but leeches!! Deal with those later.

I maneuver the canoe about. There is sun glare everywhere.

I take the second paddle, and block the sun over the canoe gunwale. Turns out to be a good idea.

Can see a little into the mirk, now.

HEY.

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is that my camera strap shooting straight up, with the eyelet drifting backward from an unseen current?

Damn hell, it is!!

Oh, no. Can I even reach the camera-strap eyelet?

Plus, I've also got to deal with light refraction in the water.

Where the camera strap appears to be… is NOT… where it is.

Try to snag it.

I'll use the thoughtfully placed hook on paddle's hand grip, yeah! Who thought to put a hook there?

Damn, good, idea.

Numerous snag attempts. Numerous more snag attempts. Fifteen minutes pass.

Keep light blocking paddle in place. Leaning forward, but… careful, don't TIP the canoe!

The Bear-walker wanted me to lean further out. Nope.

Almost there… almost there…

GOT IT!!

I got my camera.

Pull slowly to the surface.

Yahoo, I got my camera back! I ACTUALLY, got it back.

But… is it any good?

Remove battery. Remove memory card.

Back on shore I separate lens, and camera to dry out separately.

I return the canoe to the outfitter. I tell my tale of camera woe to a disinterested youth manning the canoe hangar.

He looks away, as I speak. Women in bikinis, frolic by. I reach back and grab one of the canoe paddles, and slam the oar down on the picnic table he is sitting at.

He is now max. attentive to every word I say.

Damn, I hate the rude.

I realize right away, I don't think he's ever met a real Canadian.

Bet, he never forgets me.

He smiles and waves as I leave. The smile is fake.

Back home, I put both lens and camera back together, and right into a ten pound bag of basmati rice! That should pull the remaining moisture out of the camera.

In five days I should know IF my camera and lense can be saved! Keep ya' posted.

And Clear may laugh at the Bear-walker. But the Bear-walker has claimed many, many lives. And he's right there in your thoughts, pushing you to keep going, to act quickly without taking inventory, to not bother to hydrate yourself etc. and a million other things ill thought out things.

The Bear-walker stalks people in restaurants. Sometimes, even in your home.

Do you know how many people have died from choking in restaurants?

Here's how it unfolds. A person in trouble, starts choking and can't clear his/her throat. They don't want to make a scene so they get up and leave the table. They'll wave off others who try to help. They make their way to the bathroom because it's embarrassing to cough up dramatically in front of denizens of other folk seated around you.

If a cougher leaves the table follow him, and alert staff. Panic is starting and the person is not thinking clearly. With each step, the person is running out of air.

In the restaurant setting, the person can maintain their composure. But in the bathroom, pure panic will set in. And now the person is alone!

It will end horribly, and quickly.

That's exactly what the Bear-walker wanted. You remove yourself from friends, and family, and specially trained restaurant staff who could very easily have saved you.

When you are running out of air… you won't be able to save yourself. Remember that.

And at home don't let the Bear-walker tell you to ignore that unusual pain in your abdomen, or chest. Don't let him trick you into thinking you can sleep it off.

Yes, be aware of, and beware, the Bear-walker!


© Paul Cardin
© 2009 Special Projects in Research

::: REAL CANADIANS ::…

…canoe.

Always. Well, at least ,when they can.

And portage.

And CAN SURVIVE in the wilderness for a month, no problemo.

With the bare minimum.

You don't need a tent. Or matches.

You need to be able to recognize edible plants. Set traps. Make a shelter. Keep a fire going. Protect yourself from predators.

If alone, you need to protect yourself from the bearwalker.

If really lost, you need to stay put, conserve energy and create a highly visible SOS.

Boil water and flavour with cedar leaves.

And drink LOTS!

If your urine is dark yellow… you're in trouble. On your way to dehydration.

Lose 10% of your body's water and you'll be incredibly weak, fatigued… lose a few more points and YOU'RE DONE! Delirium will set in and… that's all she wrote.

And at least ONCE in their lives, 12% of folks will be involved in a situation that will call upon survival skills.

Hope you're ready.

THIS IS the CANADIAN WILD and it shows no mercy to the careless, to ninnies, to prissies, or to the ill-prepared.

Enjoy it and savour it. BUT ALWAYS respect it.

About 20 minutes after this picture was taken, the bearwalker would put my ancient survival skills to the test. Yes, out of nowhere danger lurked, but I beat the bearwalker back. I stayed in charge.

So I lost only $4,100 dollars of camera equipment and NOT my life!

'Course, if you look hard enough…

… you'll still find remnants of the RCAF…… and here's one.

A North Star. C-54.

71 of these were built in Montreal.

The RCAF, Trans-Canada Air Lines, Canadian Pacific Air Lines and BOAC all operated these aircraft as airliners or transports.

BOAC called them "Argonauts"

That's all.

ROLLY Cardin @ Sooke

MY DAD was never afraid to ham it up. And enjoy the moment.

Here he is in Sooke, BC at his brother's cottage there.

The Canadian Navy could at times be heard just outside Sooke, "boom, boom, booming" out at sea.

I gotta' laugh at this photo… it would have killed my mother dead, to see my dad dressed here; like Relic, of the Beachcombers.

(A friend reminded me of my dad… so I thought I should post one of him. Dad at 68)

::: For JANICE GATTIE: Kingsview Village Public School, Grade 6 GRADS (1974)

(LARGER SIZE - Click on the picture)

Moments in time… WE ARE the Canadians.