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Relating to The Earl E. Myers Story Chapter 29 Page 2 of 4 Pages The Bermuda Interruption Then it was off to Bermuda for 30 days that ended up lasting for 6 months. But, before we get into this part of the story, I want to reminisce for a moment. Bermuda is one of the memorable Islands that I have visited. As I mentioned in an earlier chapter, my first visit to Bermuda was in 1948 on the way to Germany in a B-29. Some years later on, our 3-man RB-47, six engine jet, crew made Bermuda our destination, flying out of Forbes AFB, Topeka, Kansas. Each crew was allowed to do an R & R. during the latter portion of our training program. The destination was our choice with the Wing's approval. It taught us how to be self sufficient and not rely on other members of the ground crew to make our aircraft mission ready. The biggest problem we had in preparing for our departure from Bermuda was that we did not want to leave. It's so beautiful. All autos were privately owned or were taxis. The mode of transport was largely by motor scooter. Almost every family had at least one. The more affluent had at least one car and more than one motor scooter. |
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| Now, moving on — in April of 1979, I received a call from Bermuda asking about my availability for 30 days of piloting services. My reply was yes! So off I went to another adventure. On arrival about 2200 hrs, I was greeted by a company rep and after clearing customs he took me to my living quarters along the North Shore. It was a converted building adjacent to the main house and very decent place to hang my hat. It was about 4 miles from Kindley Field. |
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| The next morning, I was picked up by a company car and taken to the main office in downtown Hamilton. I spoke with the owner for about an hour and was then taken to the airport to survey the Lear-36 model. Proper Jeppsen charts were up to date and complete.
When satisfied with the condition of the aircraft, off we went to obtain a motor scooter. I was on my own then except for a beeper. The majority of flights were to London for a few days and then return. It was not unusual for the owner to make side trips to other countries like Germany, Switzerland, Holland etc. So off we went. On one flight from Bermuda to London, it was a clear night with the stars shining bright. All of a sudden I realized that the stars were moving. Our inertial navigation system had malfunctioned. We were about half way when this was noticed. A correction to the right about 20 degrees was made and a steady course was held until we could talk with Shanwick Control in Scotland. After they completed a "fix" on us a correction of only 4 degrees to the right was required until we could pick up Shannon's navigational radio signal. I was sure happy to have had the celestial navigation school in the USAF under my belt. A normal approach and landing was made at London Heathrow Airport. After securing the aircraft it was off to a local motel not too far from the airport . We were released by the "boss" to do what ever we liked for the next 2 days. Off to London I went and to my former employers flat not to far from the Hilton on Hyde Park. He was there and it was good seeing him again. We had lunch together with the family, also. It was like old home week. He told me that I was correct in obtaining an all bachelor crew as he had been through 9 crews since I left. He wanted me to come back but I declined. Bermuda is the most pollution free place I have ever visited. The prevailing Southeastern winds protect that island group. Passing thunder showers are common and it is necessary to have a raincoat when on your motor scooter. The showers pass slowly and you wear your raincoat backwards to prevent the rain from getting you to wet. It looks strange to see a person riding with the coat on backwards. You do dry off rapidly as the wind from the forward motion on the scooter drys you off. Batching it, I was provided a 2 room efficiency and it was quite adequate. It was separate from the large main house. Meals were available at the main house and they were good. I had breakfast there many times and for lunch I would find another spot and likewise for dinner. There is a multitude of restaurants available and they are all of high quality. |
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| In the process of first getting to know the area, I soon found a lovely accomodation which we rented. We called it “Our Villa by the Sea.” It still provided me quick access to the airport, when needed, and it made a perfect home base for Kip and myself for future explorations of the islands. Earlier on, I had engaged a mature woman who served as a “nanny” for Kipp when I was away on my many trips to various locations in the world. She was always available to take over when I was scheduled for a flight. |
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Truly, a great place to be. |
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| I was out one morning early on the South side of the Island and found a good place for breakfast. The locals that came in were interesting to share conversations with. The food was good. My off time was spent exploring the Island. It was about 26 miles long and only perhaps a mile wide at the widest place. I would go from the North shore to the South side and then head West. Bermuda appears to be like a forearm with a partially clenched fist at the West end. The roads were all in good condition. One Sunday morning I started out for Somerset on the West tip and it was a wonderful trip. At about Southhampton, I was attracted by the organ music from a beautiful white church. I had shut down the motor scooter for a break. The music was so relaxing. I entered the church property through a gate and proceeded toward the church. I was compelled to enter. The inside of the church was spotless as were the grounds and graveyard. The parishioners were all singing along with the organ. I sat down in the back and it was not long before the people were aware of a stranger and that he was white. A visitor attending was most welcome and the pastor was not looking for a gratuity like most. The pastor greeted me afterwards and showed me around the grounds and the cemetery. Not a blade of grass was out of place. He invited me to dinner but I declined as I was on call. Just past this church was a small one-lane bridge near a lagoon where smaller sail and power boats were anchored for protection from any high winds. The bridge had an opening in the middle that would permit the sail boats to pass through. I do not know who's responsibility it was to open the drawbridge, but it was done on demand and the sailboats could pass on through. Now on to the North to the Royal Navy Yards. That's where Queen Elizabeth docks when arriving by her Royal cruise ship. It is of industrial design, like any dock area, but it is secure and well guarded. A look-see does not take very long. They do have a first class Naval Museum located in the area. Now, for the return trip to my digs. It was completely different as everything was reversed and just as interesting. and beautiful. About half way back, a vendor was selling strawberries from the back of his car. After the purchase was completed he asked where I was from and I told him Florida. Well these strawberries come from Plant City. (just a little Southwest of Orlando) We both chuckled over that. I did buy enough for he "main house occupants" to enjoy. It was greatly appreciated. On returning, at about the half way point , a big light house looms from the highest point of the Island. During the day you are allowed to climb up inside and view the surroundings from there. The large bulbs, as shown, are inoperative in the daytime. It is a view worth climbing for. You can see all of the Island from St. George to the East to the Royal Navy Dockyards to the west. Of course at night it is closed to visitors because of the rotating light. The heat would be unbearable also. Again the beauty of traveling along the South coast is unbelievable. Continuing on and passing Kindely Field, lays St. George, a very quaint, small city. A wooden, Columbus type, ship is anchored there. It was so cramped inside it is difficult to understand how the crew survived and with a load of silver and gold as ballast. It is in good repair. What a way to go back in time to those days. In the Square is a penstock. Put you legs in the leg slot and your arm in the arm slot and when it is closed you cannot move. I can just see the trash that must have been thrown at the misbehaving soul. St. George is very hilly. On the way to almost the center of the city is a beautiful church sitting high on a hill. Many steps up are required to visit. the church. Again, it was clean as a whistle and very interesting. After climbing those stairsteps you had to sit down and the only place to do so was inside the church. Mediation came automatically. It was so beautiful. |
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Page 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — Chapter 29 Go to EEM Introduction —Chapter 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 |
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