11 NNovember 2004, Orlando

My trip in Florida is making me somewhat nervous. What you don’t know yet, is that I have been sent by the Canadian government to be an observer for some vote recounting after last week’s Presidential Elections.  

Me and my “basic” English skills. Me that can only count in “beer format”. What? You never heard of “beer format”? 6…12… 24. Those are the first numbers we learn in Quebec ! 6 pack, pack of 12, pack of 24. For purists like me, everything is counted in “beer format”. It’s 40 km away? Not to me, it’s 1.5 beers away. Pizza is 12,50? To me, it’s 9 beers…. And on and on!  

Anyways, I might not be the most qualified individual for this task, but since my much adored Canadian government asked me, I can’t say no to my own little part is making the Earth a better place!  

So here I am in Jacksonville as an international observer… and I am bored. Seems that fun is not allowed here! Those Americans are strict, and don’t fool around with democracy. I can’t even drink a cold one will at work! Where is the world heading? And all those “Men in Black” everywhere, always taking in their sleeves and hiding their eyes behind their Ray Bans.  

Okay, enough is enough. It’s time to hit the air again! Before falling asleep, I decide to drop my “humanitarian” job and run for a taxi. Direction ? Jacksonville International Airport, where my faithful Grand Caravan is waiting for me as the sun in setting. “I am a poor lonesome cowboy…” Okay, I am loosing it! I need a beer quick!  

I quickly file my flight plan and rush to the hangar. At 22:10pm , I turn on the engine while performing my usual checklists and then request take-off clearance. It’s 22:17pm when I leave the ground, right after watching a United CRJ land. Weather conditions look good, with some scattered clouds at 5500’, and pressure at 30.31.  

The flight was uneventful. The only surprise came when I flew right over a nuclear plant, without being bothered by ATC or anyone else! I landed in Orlando at 23:23 . I plan to stay here a few days and visit Disney World. Then, it’s off to Tampa for a date with the Stanley Cup.