Shortly after the prop quitting turning the captain informed us that we would be returning to Rock Springs. We safely landed, made a few changes and took off again, barely running late! It is amazing to me how many things can go wrong and still not truly cause a problem. That helped me feel safer as I continued flying.
Since Wyoming was considered home, I flew there often. Planes were small and winds high on the plateau where the airport was situated. One another trip from Rock Springs to Denver we boarded the plane and were cleared for take off when the wind grabbed the plane and drove us off runaway. I am not sure what really happened because the pilot came on the intercom and said there was a paperwork error we needed to go back to the terminal and fix. Hmmm…..
Although much of this sounds a bit scary, I think of how many “close calls” I have had driving and I still feel much safer in an aircraft!
Toward the end of my flight attendant career I was leaving Houston for a trip and when it was complete I planned on going straight to Wyoming for Christmas. Prior to my scheduled work flight I needed to put my 15 year old dog on the plane and send her to Wyoming so she would be there when I finished my trip. She did not do well flying so I gave her a mild sedative. I was standing in line, in uniform, with the other passenger checking baggage. While I was waiting I was holding her in my arms. She was passively resting in my arms when all of the sudden I felt something warm on my stomach. I looked down to realize that she had urinated all over my uniform. I felt very uncomfortable and the horrified stares of those waiting in line with me made me want to crawl in her kennel and hide! I continued to wait and put her on the plane and quickly took my luggage and went to the closest restroom where I was grateful I had an extra uniform to change in to. I found a plastic bag to store my soiled uniform in my luggage and was even more appreciative of the fact that none of the passengers waiting in line with me were on my flight!
Flying has truly proven to be an adventure for me, in more ways than I anticipated when I yearned to fly the friendly skies!
