As retirees , we love a winter vacation . However , sometimes that vacation creates more adventures than we anticipate . Our 2014 Caribbean cruise and family reunion will be remembered for its own share of unexpected adventures .
What Are We Doing Now ?
Even Columnists Get a Vacation ! by Marilyn Bossert
As retirees , we love a winter vacation . However , sometimes that vacation creates more adventures than we anticipate . Our 2014 Caribbean cruise and family reunion will be remembered for its own share of unexpected adventures .
Since we live some distance from Edmonton , our decision to drive into Edmonton the night before our flight was a prudent move . When we came out of the restaurant after celebrating our daughter ’ s thirtieth birthday , rain forced us to make a quick dash to the car . Rain in January ? Really ?
When we caught the shuttle to the Edmonton International Airport the next morning , puddles were everywhere and a strong wind was moving everything in its path . As we checked in , the ticket agent greeted us with , “ Oh , you are arriving early . Just so you know , your flight has been delayed .”
Waiting over four hours in the airport left plenty of time to check messages with my iPad . Facebook postings were somewhat disconcerting as friends described their attempts to navigate icy roads and to cope with power outages and
horrendous winds . Especially disturbing were pictures of shingles from our neighbor ’ s house scattered all over his yard !
“ Let ’ s get these people on their way !” Airport staff echoed our sentiments as we finally boarded the plane for Chicago .
The delay in Edmonton moved the time for our flight into New Orleans , so we had time for dinner before making our way back to the departure terminal . Imagine our amazement when CANCELLED was posted beside our New Orleans flight . The reason was mechanical . So much better to discover that while we were still on the ground !
United Airlines arranged for a room at the Hyatt Regency , a truly beautiful hotel , but this was not the best time to appreciate it . By 4:00 a . m ., the airport shuttle was transporting us back to the Chicago O ’ Hare International Airport . Soon we were on our way to New Orleans via Cleveland with only five minutes between connecting flights . Nothing like a brisk dash from one terminal to another at what would normally be the beginning of our day !
10 Spring 2014