Enroute to Indonesia, somewhere over the Pacific Ocean
40 hours, four flights, three layovers, and over 8,000 miles later, we arrived in the city of Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, exhausted, fatigued, and glad to see a fellow American there to pick us up. Thanks, Aaron Hoffmann (MAF pilot and long-time friend from Spokane)! As tired as we were, we have a lot to be thankful for. For starters, all of our bags made it, which all by itself qualifies as a miracle considering the fact that there were three different airlines involved, two separate bookings, a flight delay AND a last minute gate change in Jakarta as we prepared to depart amidst scattered thunderstorms. Another miracle? We found a Starbucks in the Taipei airport, a welcome respite after our 12.5 hour flight. A big thanks to all of you who have been praying for us as we journeyed here and during our first few days recovering from jet lag and a complete shock to our systems on every level as we adjust to completely new surroundings.
Somewhere between Seattle and Taipei Connor wanted to try out his own seat
Taipei Starbucks!
After that long flight, Connor decided he needed some, too
About to board in Taipei, headed for Jakarta - only two flights and 15 hours to go!
The morning after we arrived, we hit the ground running. Aaron Hoffmann, our host, took me to the hangar and I got to have a look at the pretty unique operation they have going here.
The floating MAF hangar
The ramp down from the administration building (river is very low)
PK-MCD ("Charlie Delta"), one of two MAF float planes here in Palangkaraya
PK-MCB ("Charlie Bravo" or "Charlie Brown") is dry-docked for an engine change and some repairs
Robi, one of the MAF national staff, working on Charlie Brown
We (Ken Smoll, my coworker at STC, and I) got to ride along on a last-minute, afternoon flight
Everyone lives along the river. It's their transportation, livelihood and source of water.
At the dock in Puruk Cahu
Most of the river terminals are conveniently equipped with restroom facilities
Ready for takeoff
A little weather on the way home
Back in Palangkaraya!
I'm going to have to save the rest for upcoming posts. Stay tuned!
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