Don't get me wrong. I love living on The Isle of Lewis. I have lived here for just over 50 years and if I didn't enjoy it I would have left long ago. Of course if I suddenly after half a century decided that I didn't like it then that would just be hard luck. There's nothing I could do now that I'm in my 80s. But I do love it, so no problem....... most of the time.
Last Thursday evening I, and probably 40 others, were in the airport lounge waiting for the plane to Inverness to board. It was sitting there temptingly.
Then an announcement said that the flight was cancelled. .......... WHAT !
Inverness Airport - the principal airport for the Scottish Highlands - had no lights...........WHAT !
How can an airport - especially a principal one - have no emergency backup lighting system?
It transpired as we all stood in the queue for our ticket refund or whatever, that there were quite a few of us going over for surgery or treatment on the following day (Friday).
At least one or two like me had already had at least one postponement/cancellation. Because of my propensity to get sepsis I had already had dire warnings not to miss yet another appointment.
On Friday they couldn't offer me a new date but hopefully I'll get one in the next few days. This time I'll make sure that I'm at least one flight in hand which means flying a day early and wasting a day in a hotel or hospital accommodation.
O joy!
Damn! I hope that in the meantime the sepsis is kept at bay, Graham. It must be worrying for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, David. So far so good but no progress on getting to hospital.
DeleteOh no, what bad luck! I hope a new appointment can get sorted without too much delay. Sounds like planning an extra night on the mainland might be a good idea - and if you can afford it, I'd suggest treating yourself to a comfy hotel rather than just an extra night in that hospital accommodation ...
ReplyDeleteActually, Monica, I don't find the hospital accommodation as bad as some do although the lack of en suite facilities (some have and some have not) is a bit antediluvian.
DeleteI'm sorry to hear you've had another delay. Hope you can reschedule very quickly. Is there any other way to get there - like by boat or train?
ReplyDeleteEllen there is a 30 mile stretch of open sea between the Isle of Lewis and the mainland. So it is boat or plane!
DeleteThat's not good. I hope the next flight manages to take off.
ReplyDeleteJanice, 9 days later and I'm still waiting for a new appointment!
Deleteoh no, I hope you can get there again soon. I guess it's the joys of Winter, so much can happen.
ReplyDeleteAmy, the joys are such that I've still not got another appointment!
DeletePrayers or a perfect flight on time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maywyn, I'll think of that when my new appointment comes.
DeleteSorry to hear this GB. I know how important it is to get it done. We shall keep fingers crossed that it all goes smoothly for you soon, xx
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen. I just hope they get uit done before problems develop. That's been the problem with delays during the delays caused by Covid.
DeleteYou're overdue for some good luck, Graham. Let's hope it comes soon. But I don't think it's fair that you (or anyone) should have to rely on luck to enjoy good health. Although I know it's not in your nature, I certainly wouldn't blame you for feeling a bit peeved.
ReplyDeleteThanks Pauline. Many apologies for not responding to all the comments on this post. Your message today reminded me.
DeleteOkay, that's one of the hazards of the quiet island life. Hope you get treated and are well.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is, Red. Thanks for your good wishes.
DeleteLiving in a rural or regional place has it's advantages but the extra difficulty in accessing medical care must be a real drag at times
ReplyDeleteIt certainly can be, Kylie. But from what I can gather at least we do not suffer from the delays caused by excessive demand that the urban areas of the UK seem to suffer from.
DeleteIt is worrying that an airport - we‘re not talking about some tiny airfield, a landing strip somewhere far away from civilization - does not have redundancy for all systems. I hope you will have a new appointment very soon and that all goes well with that trip. Third time lucky!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely correct, Meike. It seems absolutely bizarre that a principal airport should suffer a compete power failure.
DeleteAll the best for when you fly again!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cro.
DeleteOh no, I am so sorry! I am remembering many years ago when I worked as a travel agent. Back then, you could hop on a plane without any ID and no TSA lines! Cancellations and delays rarely happened but SOMETIMES, they did! Many folks would like to cut their times, just a wee bit too close for me. They would fly into Miami, only an hour or so before the cruise that I had booked for them! Now, if you miss the boat, you miss it! I never had anyone left behind but I remember several telling me that they were near misses. If you are still waiting on your flight, hope my little story of me stressing out about my travelers will amuse you.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it did, Kay. Mind you 8 days after you wrote that I am still waiting for my new appointment.
DeleteIf you were to publish your autobiography, I wonder what title you would give it? Maybe "Living on the Edge".
ReplyDeleteYP, that is certainly a very good description of living out in the Atlantic 30 miles from the mainland of Scotland.
DeleteOh no. I can only hope that you are given priority to receive another appointment quickly. And that your flight is not canceled. Those two things.
ReplyDeleteDebby, I'm still waiting. C'est la vie.
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