Hunt of a lifetime

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:12 pm

As you all know, we have a lot going on in our lives right now. There was a lot of "praise" toward Tyler for his help with the handicapped and such and we are grateful to everyone who has bought raffle tickets or sent an e-mail or a PM. As you all know, Tyler was invited on a youth turkey hunt of a lifetime with a very generous outfitter. As the story spread to other forums, we have gotten more feedback from some wonderful folks. Tyler and I have been invited to 10 day trophy whitetail/bear hunt in Maine. The hunt is on a lake with lots of trout and sounds just wonderful. They even offered to pay for the flight. However, we are encountering some problems that I hope that you guys will help me out with.

The flight, that's a problem. You see, I've never been on a plane before and I have to admit that the though of flying terrifies me

. I don't think that I could make the 3 hour flight.

There is also a problem with school that may prevent us from accepting this generous opportunity as we are trying to pin down a date. This problem is pretty much a given. I cannot let hunting interfere with his education. Perhaps we can work something out with his teacher. We'll see.

Tyler finally broke down last night and admitted that he really didn't want to shoot a bear. He had been on our hunting club when a bear was shot and it was very vocal with "death groans". He has had many opportunities to shoot some nice bears around here but he has never shown any interest. I assured him that just because he didn't want to harvest a particular animal doesn't make him any less of a hunter. It's a matter of personal preference I explained. I expressed Tyler's reluctance to harvest a bear and the outfitter recommended a 5 day whitetail hunt and not to even mention the bear hunt anymore.

They sound like they are very accommodating and really want us to come and I don't want to let them down but guys this flying thing has really got me sweating. Any advise? Anyone ever been to Maine? Sounds real cold

God Bless and thanks for your replies.

Partikle · Post by **Partikle** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 2:42 pm

How long is the drive for you Ray? I think N.C. to Maine is about an 18 hour drive. Are you sure it's a 3 hour flight? I would bet it's less than 2 hours.

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:04 pm

I've been to Maine many time,beautiful place.
It would be more dangerous to drive than fly,nothing to it Ray.I too was terrified in 1974 when I flew with my father to Germany and France to retrace his steps during WW II.I LOVED IT,I like the take off the most.I think if you face that fear you will be glad you did.I fly many thousands of miles a year now doing gig's,you couldn't make me drive.You guys deserve this hunt,get with his teacher well before and have Tyler do his work in advance and take in the full monty,flight and all.

Partikle · Post by **Partikle** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:09 pm

You know about the deer in Maine eh... they dress out at over 400 lbs.

http://www.sportingjournal.com/main9.shtml

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:23 pm

I'll have to check on the flight again but there is now way that I could drive that far with out a companion that could take over when needed. I wonder how they deal with a wheelchair on a flight. I'm still scared to death.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:53 pm

bstout wrote:My biggest problem with flying is staying healthy. Breathing everyone else's air five times over, by the end of the flight I'll have come down with a serious head cold. Happens almost every time I fly.

I was a million miler on American and United. Got so I knew flight attendants by their first name. The greatest danger I was ever in while flying with our domestic carriers was catching germs in the big aluminum incubator tube. I cannot say the same for some of the airlines I have been on in South America and Central America. LAN Chile and TransBrasil will really teach you the meaning of the term
'fear of flying."

There are two ways that the airlines handle wheelchairs. If you are capable of walking the short distance from the entrance of the plane to your assigned seat, they will take your wheelchair at the cabin door and store it for you and have it ready again at the door when you land.

If you are incapable of of that short walk, they will take you in the wheel chair to your seat, assist you in getting into the seat, and then store your wheelchair. They will reverse the process after you land.

Fear of flying is usually just fear of the unknown. Once you take the flight you will see just how silly these fears really are. That is of course unless you plan to visit Santiago!

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:11 pm

Hey, Ray ...

Yes, I've been to Maine. Wonderful, beautiful place ... love it where the rocks meet the ocean!

I have also held a pilot's license. Flying is a wonderful, beautiful thing ... love it when the plane "rotates" (leaves the ground)!

Statistically, you are in far more danger driving to the airport than you are on a flight. The more important thing, though, is that you are a man of faith, and there is no reason not to trust Him in the plane when you trust him otherwise ... is there?

You really are afraid of it because you don't know about it. If you take an aisle seat and don't look at the windows, you'll hardly know what's going on after takeoff anyway.

It's up to you, but I too think you would do well to face up to this fear.

As for Tyler, it is his choice too. If he doesn't want to hunt bear, that's OK ... but if it's just that bear can be vocal when dying, you'd better tell him that deer can bawl like a sheep when they're hit too ... just so he'll be ready when it happens ... and it will someday, when he spines one or hits one in both shoulders! Tell him to go for one of those big Maine bruiser bucks!

I bet ya'll be glad if you go ... and if you do, flying instead of driving will leave you twice as fresh and rested when you get there and get home ... if not more.

Let us know what you decide to do! We're rooting for you!

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:22 pm

Well, looking at flights, it looks like a 2 hour flight is going to take around 7 hours

. We would have to leave Raleigh NC, go to Atlanta Ga, 2.5 hr wait, and then to Bangor, Maine

. Seems to me that if your booking eight months in advance, you could get a non stop flight? I might be biting off more than I can chew with this flying thing but, my dream is to harvest a caribou with my xbow but I guess driving there is out of the question. Any ideas. I think a non stop flight would be better for me giving me less time to think about what I've done getting on a plane.

God Bless,

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:34 pm

Ray, there is no way your getting a non-stop flight from Raleigh to Bangor regardless of how far ahead you book the trip, they just don't exist. At some point you are going to go through a hub. I'm willing to bet there are no non-stops from any of the other airports near you including Charlotte.

We are a nation of hubs, it is the way the system works.

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:40 pm

Want me to get checked out in a big twin and fly you up there, Ray?

Non-stop, non-drop. I always hope so, anyway!

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:45 pm

Hey, Ray ...

Something else to think about:

If you drive up to Maine, you're going to pay in tolls about what your ticket will cost you!

A slight exaggeration, perhaps ... but trust me ... in New England, there's a toll booth every ten miles ... and they won't let you cross a river without paying up. Seems that way, anyhow!

Save money and stress ... fly the friendly skies!

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:51 pm

I thought about something,I know several of us mentioned that your's and Tylers good deeds would come back 10 fold------and it begins,enjoy my friend,I would hate to see either of you miss out on this.
I get on the plane with my i pod,bose noise canceling headphones and a brand new shinney hunting magazine wearing my Excalibur cap and before I'm done reading,we are landing.Remember the wright brothers?
N.C. First in flight.

raydaughety · Post by **raydaughety** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:53 pm

I guess I'll try and find the flight with the shortest layover times I guess. What will they do with Tyler if I freak out on the plane? I'm sure it happens.

gunnutjay · Post by **gunnutjay** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 4:53 pm

Ray, flying IS the safest way to travel! It's quick, and comfortable to! If you have a disability, the airlines will accomodate you. Call them, talk to them about your concerns, I am sure they can put you at ease about all your concerns.

ENJOY YOUR HUNT!!!

Cheers
Jay

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 5:38 pm

raydaughety wrote: What will they do with Tyler if I freak out on the plane? I'm sure it happens.

Believe me, they are well prepared for every eventuality, Ray. No need to sweat it. Whatever happens, they can handle it. Their goal and job is to get you where you're going in efficient comfort.

When my 90 year old grandmother flew in from Indiana for my wedding (many moons ago), she was able to walk, but was quite feeble and needed a wheelchair for the flight. Well, when her flight landed, we waited and waited as people streamed by us ... everyone but her ... and then here she came ... and who do you think was pushing her? THE CAPTAIN!

They treated her like gold. They'll take good care of you, too. Really.

Layovers aren't so bad. If it's short, proceed to your next gate. If it's longer, get something to drink or a bite to eat. Lots of places to sit ... watch the people ... see the world go by. It's not bad. Really.