A Newspaper Interview, Weather and War Stories

The guys awoke to a beautiful day in Slave Lake Canada. Entering the motel lobby for a continental breakfast before they left for the airport, the owner of the motel
handed Rich the phone and said, "It's for you." Puzzled, Rich answered and it was a reporter from the local newspaper who had gotten wind of their arrival and wanted to interview the men and do a photo shoot. Lovely Leah Miller, reporter for The Lakeside Leader, arrived to take the men to the airport and do the interview. After saying goodbye to Sam Parks the owner of the Lakeside Motor Inn the guys put their gear in Leah's pickup and rode to the aerodome.
While Leah was interviewing Bill, Rich preflighted the Last Chance and taxied the plane up to the terminal. After more talk and pictures the fellas said good bye and lifted off for Lloydminster Canada. Two and a half hours later they were landing for fuel and a break. The next stop would be Regina where they had to leave Bill's rifle when they entered Canada on the way up. Rich filed a flight plan while Bill called customs about the Winchester. With everything set they battled strong crosswinds on take off but the Last Chance rose faithfully on her course. The Gps weather was once again working and showed lots of rain ahead. Entering the area of precip the plane fought turbulence for 100 or so miles and the guys dodged active cells all the way into Regina where it was marginal VFR.
After landing Bill went in to call customs and Rich arranged for fuel. While waiting for customs to show up with the gun, an airport security man approached Bill and Rich and they began telling him their story. He smiled real big and said, "Hey, I flew for the Canadian air force attached to the RAF in Lancaster Bombers in England during the second war." Turned out Glen Heisler was 83 and had been in the war from 1943 till the end. Bill and Glenn began swapping tales and was it ever a special moment for both men. Who could have guessed that just before they crossed the border into the U.S. the guys would meet another bomber crewman who was a mid-upper gunner and served when Bill did. What a fitting way to leave and what a special memory to have. Glen, it sure was great to meet you and we wish you the best. Thanks for helping to make the world a better place!!
Jeremy Simonson of Shell Aerocenter got the plane refueled and after filing another flight plan the guys were off to Minot North Dakota and entry back into the states. Dodging several rain cells as they climbed out it began to rain heavy at the airport as they departed southeast. Rain was intermittent for the entire flight and they landed at Minot ahead of schedule. The tailwinds had held for the entire day and put them a day ahead of schedule.
Landing at Minot two linemen were waiting to tie the plane up as they pulled into the ramp. Strong looking weather was headed for the airport and they wanted the plane safely tied down. Officer Elliot of the customs dept. showed up and began his check of the men's credentials and the contents of the plane. Helpful and efficient the officer had the men through customs quickly.
Calling the Vegas motel the men waited for a shuttle to pick them up. The van pulled up and they were greeted by Karrie who had them quickly loaded and to the motel in no time. Meeting Jessica at the desk she got the guys checked in and both girls gave Rich time to photo them.
With bags in the room the men went to supper in the motel restaurant and were served by Sharon. A real class act is this restaurant! The service and food were superb. If you are ever in Minot North Dakota be sure to stop at the Vegas motel and eat at the "Sevens Bar And Restaurant" you won't be disappointed. Ask for Sharon and she will see you get plenty to eat. Thanks Karrie and Jessica for a sweet welcome and Sharon for a banquet fit for a king!!
After a sumptuous Walleye dinner with bread pudding and cheese cake the guys have settled in for a good nights sleep.