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"It is strange what Ryanair are doing compared with the other airlines. Could it be that they don't have any spare aircraft to send out and bring holiday makers home - or is it just all about money?" The latter, for sure! It's a completely unprincipled outfit run by a moron! Other ex-pats here say they have no choice, but I've managed not to give him a bean over more than a decade. I hate it when Mrs 3G flies with them, particularly when I have to drive her to the airport at some ungodly hour to meet their scheduling. But she's quite canny and knows exactly how their rip-off charging system works, knows what days to fly, how long to book ahead, so plays the system for the cheapest possible seat. Ryanair: I'd rather cycle it! Steer clear of EU countries in any case, they have only ever been after our money, and will rip you off in an instant. If you want that, and want to be treated like cattle, then good luck to you, but don't moan about it afterwards!

Cheers Vic - I haven't seen the kids planned journey but I know they have picked out places to visit and I will see their full itinerary eventually. At the moment all I know is after they picked out sights to see they then went to the Travel Agents and arranged the 'Pit Stops' through the agents and i believe there is a flight arranged for one place to visit. I would love to have been mobile enough to join them on this holiday but will just have to listen, with envy, when they return.

Yes the weather is a major consideration in our daily lives, but I wouldn’t change it. The nearest towns are Hinton (100 miles) to the South and Grande Prairie to the North (120 miles) GP is a small city. NOTHING in-between towns, Edson is regarded as our pit stop, it’s half way to Edmonton (area) where our three daughters and their families are scattered around. Most small fires are first attacked using choppers dumping water, then larger fires get water bombing aircraft. Ground attack teams (heli-tack) is a big part of controlling the fire, cutting fire breaks to steer or extinguish the fires, we have teams from Africa, Australia and USA and other parts of the world. 2016 city of Ft McMurray burned to the ground. Pop 88,000. Canada 5,500 km east west, 4,500 km north south. One week just driving across, but I’m sure they won’t be driving coast to coast, but they can and would enjoy. I’m the smoke will be gone and they can see everything! Lots to see. Let me know if there is anything I can assist with their trip, (I was thinking of possibly visiting Blyth/Bedlington next August!)