The Annual Inspection

What do you do when the skies are gray, and the weather isn't tempting for a flight? Schedule an annual inspection for your airplane. Being on a winter cycle isn't a bad thing for us here in the Pacific Northwest.

Every airplane is required to have an annual inspection, and the aircraft's manufacturer has a maintenance manual that spells out what must be included. A certified aircraft mechanic and/or facility does the work. Here in Bellingham, John Ring, owner of Whatcom Territory Aero Service, and his chief mechanic Joe take care of things for us.

Aircraft owners can do some items in preparation for the annual inspection or assist along the way. But for us, we develop a "squawk list" to let the mechanic know about problems we are experiencing in addition to the airworthiness directives for inspections, parts replacement and components that have reached their end of life.

There are two exceptions to an annual inspection. The first is for aircraft used to carry persons for hire or flight instruction. They are required to have a more frequent inspection every 100 hours of engine time. The other exception is a progressive inspection that results in a total inspection of the airplane within a calendar year.

Flying is a very safe activity when all flight safety and maintenance precautions are taken. Wayne maintains very detailed records for 997 to make sure we are ready to go when good weather finally arrives. -- Margy

Squalicum Harbor

On Bellingham's waterfront you'll find a bustling mixed use marina at Squalicum Harbor. On one side there are hundreds of private power and sailboats lined up waiting for a Pacific Northwest boating adventure. Seems like very few get out except in the most warm summer months. Too bad.

On the other side, you'll find a large working marina filled with fishing and large sea-going boats. That is my favourite side to explore. There are several docks you can stroll to talk to fishermen and see them working on board.

On shore you can walk through the net storage area to see all of the working equipment waiting for the next open fishing season.

While you are there stop for a brew and a bite to eat at Nicki's Bella Marina overlooking the guest boat moorage area or the Web Locker Restaurant for a tasty lunch.

There are two parks in the area as well. Zuanich Point Park is a great place to stop as you wander through the marina. It is a local spot for kite flying and also offers paths for jogging and roller-blading, picnic tables, a children's play area, water access and wonderful sunset views. A more primitive park is Squalicum Beach Park (see my December 4 post) before Marine Drive turns up the hill. You have to pass through an industrial area, but at the end there is a dirt parking lot that leads to a sandy/rocky shoreline. At low tide you can walk all the way to the start of the Bay to Baker Trail. But don't get caught when the water comes in. Both parks are open from dawn to dusk. -- Margy

Everyone's a Food Critic

Chopped on the Food Network had an unexpected judge this last week.

The four contestants were preparing holiday appetizers, entrees and desserts under the watchful eye of our cat Stick Tail.

Stick Tail wasn't inspired by the cranberries, but thought the turkey dishes had some promise. Though he thought salmon would have been a better holiday meal choice. -- Margy

Sunset at Squalicum Beach

When I went to Squalicum Harbor last week, I stopped by Squalicum Beach to watch the sun set.

This little park in Bellingham Washington is tucked away in an industrial area, but is well known with off-leash dog walkers.

At low tide, you can hike along the shore for a long ways.

Or just sit on a driftwood log to enjoy the peace and calm as the waves lap at the shore. -- Margy

Clouds Over Powell Lake

Our Bellingham skies have been gray and misty this week so I reached back in my archives of Powell Lake photos. I love clouds and Powell Lake is a great place to find some beautiful examples. Here's the view looking south through First Narrows with the glacial eroded Bunster Hills in the distance.

Storm clouds are brewing to the north. Lenticulars like this big guy mean winds and turbulence.

On a calm day there are clouds above and clouds below.

Wish I was there for real. -- Margy

A Special Friendship

I would like to introduce a special friend who has helped me immensely over the last ten months. Her name is Jeanne. She started as a good friend of my husband Wayne. In fact, on our first date, Jeanne brought cookies for our flight to Catalina Island.

Over the years, we've shared our home and lived near each other. Last January, Jeanne chose to move to Bellingham and found a place across the hall from Mom. Jeanne is a great cook and baker. In fact, she makes most of our dinners when we are in town. When she isn't making something gourmet from scratch, you might find her in one of the local bakeries or specialty shops.

It was fun to have Jeanne come to Powell River to see our special home up the lake. While she was there, she got her first taste of quad riding. Jeanne rode Wayne's red Kodiak and, for a change, I got to be the lead. She also got to go to a Kings hockey game with our good friends Dave and Marg -- friends meeting friends.

When Mom was in the hospital and rehab, Jeanne came to visit all the time. She brought Mom little treats. With all that yucky hospital food, they were really appreciated. Mom also enjoyed all the gossip Jeanne brought from the condo coffee klatches. Jeanne's visits helped Mom reconnect with her life before back surgery. That was a very important part of the healing process.

Now that we are home, Jeanne has become one of the family. She fixes Mom's breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She runs errands, helps with cleaning, and most importantly, shares her time with Mom. They are good friends, and that makes Jeanne an even more special friend of mine.

Do you have a special friend? I sure hope so. -- Margy

Historic Fairhaven

Bellingham has it's old town sections. One is called Fairhaven. It's a quaint district along the bay with historic brick buildings, restaurants of all types, and numerous little businesses perfect for window shopping.

This monument commemorating the city's start sits in front of an old warehouse on the seawalk/bike path. It's a lovely place for a stroll and picture taking. Fairhaven was established in 1883 by the principal land owner Daniel Jefferson Harris in hopes that it would become the western terminus of the Great Northern Railroad. It didn't and the once booming turn of the century town fell on hard times.

Fairhaven is a favourite place for several blogging friends to meet. Mary Beth comes a little ways north from Stanwood to meet up with Betty and me for several hours of coffee, sweet treats, and browsing. Several of our favourite haunts are the Eclipse Bookstore and Village Books (makes us sound a bit high brow), and Avenue Bread (for our coffee, treats and a loaf for later).

You can find Betty at her blog called Mud Creek Mama. Mary Beth has several blogs. I don't know how she does it. One is more than I can handle. She has Small City Scenes of Stanwood, Holy Houses, day4plus, and Country Charm. Do you have any blogging friends you meet with? What kinds of things do you do? - Margy