8 Décember 2004, La Havane, Cuba

My interview with the local news in Orlando has created some « craziness » around the Six Pack ATW. My stay in Miami was only supposed to last a few days, but I was “caught” in a media frenzy. It seems that all the media outlets now want a piece of the action. I spent 3 WEEKS in Miami , giving interviews and living the “high life”.  

Heck, I even appeared on Larry King Live on CNN, and flew in a private Lear to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman! I also used these opportunities to raise some money to help Peps pay his repair and maintenance bills.  

The only negative aspect was a small demonstration by the Cuban community of Miami , just outside my hotel. They were demanding that the Six Pack don’t stop in Cuba , and take part in a masquerade organized by the Castro regime. I was forced to repeat on numerous occasions that the Six Pack was not involved in politics and that “all we are saying, is give beer a chance”!  

The time as now come for me to leave North America . Flying in the US was relatively easy for me, but I was about to get more exotic by flying to Cuba and the Caribbeans. Sunshine… Here I come!  

I therefore filed my flight plan in mid-afternoon on this December 8^th. I plan on flying towards the Keys and then hit the Cuban just in time for “happy hour”. I even left behind in consignment my American beer supply. I am sure the Cuba custom officers would of gladly “taken care” of them on my behalf.  

At 16:29 , I turn on the engine and request take-off clearance, and of course bust the speed limit again! KMIA is packed today, but I surprisingly find myself number 2 for take-off on runway 9R, just behind a Northwest aircraft.  

A nice climb under partly covered skies gave a nice last look at Miami International Airport . I also flew over Joe Robbie Stadium (I think it has changed name) home of the Miami Dolphins before I turned west towards the Florida Keys . Flying towards the setting sun, I am amazed by the number of islands and by the landscape. No doubt, I will have to come here with the family one of these days.  

After Key West , it was just me, the sea, and the sunset. The radio silence is only broke a few times by some heavy irons flying tourists towards destinations all over the Caribbeans and South America . I even took the liberty to pop in my CD player the latest U2 album, and do poor justice to Bono by signing out loud!  

It’s almost 18:00 when I get a visual on the Cuban coast. At about the same time, ATC started to vector me for my approach to Jose Martin International Airport (MUHA). I was a bit surprise to see how fast the darkness fell in this part of the world, so much that my descent and landing were in pitch dark conditions. All went smoothly… and I gladly added yet another country in my “speeding ticket” list!  

I turned off the engine at 18:13 . I started to get nervous when I saw a military officer walking towards me while I was securing my plane.  

-         “Senor Paradis?”

-         “Si?”

-         “Senor Johnston asked me to leave you this a few days ago”

-         “Gracias Senor”  

I opened the box only to find: a nice case of Bucanero Palma Cristal! Welcome to Cuba !!!!