Many years ago, I flew my family (which included the family dog, Pippa) to the beach. The weather was overcast and an instrument approach to the runway was required. After we landed and taxied to the ramp, my wife leashed Pippa and took her for a walk. While I was unloading the airplane, I saw Pippa running toward the infield. I was horrified and furious all at once as I began to chase her.
Pippa saw large birds landing in the culvert between the taxi-way and the ramp and she flushed a few dozen ducks and marsh hens for nearly an hour. I was not happy. Fortunately, it was late in the day and the weather remained overcast and there was no other arriving/departing traffic.
That was Pippa’s last trip to the airport for nearly 10 years.
Pippa is now 12 and she is slowing down. She cannot hear very well and its clear, she is getting old. I often thought of Pippa’s banishment from the airport and I always wanted to take her for one last ride in the airplane. On Saturday, March 11, 2023, I had a completely open day (my children were away at school and my wife was out of town) and perfect flying conditions. On a whim, I took Pippa to the airport. We loaded up and flew to Jekyll Island, GA. It had been decades since I had been to Jekyll Island but I remembered there is a nice airport and a great bike path to the beach which is only 2 miles away.
Pippa enjoyed the sand and wading in the ocean. Pippa also loves a good bath and she particularly enjoyed her “spa treatment” at Puppy Paradise at St. Simons Island, GA. The video captures Pippa’s excitement to be at the beach and the natural beauty of Jekyll Island.
