Toronto to Somerset, New Jersey (via Rochester, NY)
Toronto to Somerset, New Jersey (via Rochester, NY)
Departure
Airport Ident.
Arrival
Airport Ident.
Time Enroute
Distance nm
July 16
Buttonville, Toronto
CYKZ
Somerset , New Jersey
SMQ
2:42
338
*Includes a stop for Customs clearance required at Rochester International Airport
Next stop was back to the USA to visit former colleagues at American Standard in New Jersey . We scheduled our arrival for Somerset Airport near our friend's home in Bridgewater . Since Somerset is not an AOE we needed to land in Rochester , New York for Customs and Immigration formalities.
As we have experienced every time entering the US the clearance procedures when very smoothly and our stop in Rochester was short – 1 hour including coffee and donuts!!! Onward to Somerset was equally nice arriving 2 minutes late of our ETA……..pleasing our friends waiting at the airport for us.
The approach to this airport had concerned me a little as the runway was on the short side – 2700 feet – but long enough if you fly the plane properly. Our approach was one of my better efforts. Approach speed was right where I wanted it at 70 knots. We touched down just passed the threshold rolling to a stop, without much braking, well short of the runway end. Nice recovery Norm from all those bad landings you have given Lec!!!!
We stayed with my former boss Alec (sorry no last names on the internet) and his wife Heather for 2 days. Heather's father, Jack, was visiting from Australia and, I must say, meeting Jack has been a highlight of our trip. He is one of the most remarkable people we have ever met. In spite of being 90 he is super active both physically and mentally. It was delightful to be with him observing his energy, zest for life and wonderful sense of humor. He gardens, makes his own breakfast, goes swimming and engages everyone in interesting conversation constantly. I have never met a man of his age with such vitality……a great inspiration.
We also had a great reunion with American Standard's former Chairman (Mano) and his wife before leaving New Jersey . Mano was the leader of the corporation through a dramatic period in the '80's defending a hostile take over. American Standard has since gone on to become a tremendous success story and was a wonderful place to work under people like Alec and Mano. Of course we did a bit of reminiscing that night…….
*Includes stop for Customs clearance required at Halifax International Airport
Our good fortune of flying in wonderful, clear weather came to an end as we prepared to leave New Jersey . The entire eastern seaboard was overcast with thunderstorms and rain and it was definite IFR time……..We requested GPS direct to Halifax but that was impossible. The New York area was congested, planes were backed up and ATC wanted us low and on airways until we got well out of the New York area. My clearance was a long one. The overworked ATC guy joked and apologized for extensive and detailed routing around New York . But it was understandable and off we went into the rain and clouds.
We remained in clouds for the first 2 1/2 hours of the flight; but experienced little rain or turbulence at our altitude. The Garmin system is wonderful in this situation and we were well aware of our position and the conditions that surrounded us. As we progressed up the coastline near Boston we requested GPS direct to Halifax and were given direct clearance. Push a couple of buttons and all those VOR's, intersections and airways were replaced with a straight line to Halifax .
Garmin screen - weather in the N.Y. area…..
Over the water the conditions improved and approaching the Nova Scotia coastline we were in VFR weather.
Canada Customs met us at the Halifax airport (don't forget to call them in advance – just like US Customs) and two friendly officers cleared us efficiently back into Canada . After a short rest we took off for Debert – just 30 miles north of Halifax – 18 minutes wheels up to touchdown.
My late cousin's husband, Dick, met us on arrival and we spent 4 fun filled days with him. The weather we left behind in the US caught up and the first three days we were dodging raindrops. That did not deter us and we toured around the area enjoying the quiet pace of life and wide open, natural beauty of Nova Scotia . Of course no visit to this area is complete without a stop at Peggy's Cove.
Norm & Lec with Dick at Peggy's Cove lighthouse….must have been a RED suit sale in Debert!!!! –
Dick is a consummate organizer. Before we knew it, a Truro Daily news reporter was taking pictures and interviewing us for the morning paper. A nice article appeared in the paper the next day. As we walked around the town later that day we noticed people pointing at us and talking in whispers – obviously everyone reads the Truro Daily news and not many “celebrities” come to town.
One of Canada 's largest TV networks picked up the newspaper story and sent a reporter to catch us for the evening TV news. It was really nice coverage and captured the essence of our trip which is to visit “neat” places and meet “great” people. They also took the approach that retirement need not be a trip “out to pasture” but an opportunity to do those activities in life that you dream of……..perfect.
We also appreciated the helpful team at Debert Airport , led by Stu and Val. Val did our 50 hour inspection and Nang Fah was fresh and ready to fly out after our visit.
There are a number of Gallery pictures from Nova Scotia on the site; hope you take a look.
Toronto to Somerset, New Jersey (via Rochester, NY)
Garmin screen - weather in the N.Y. area….. 
