Think Red Baron

July 29th was our fifth anniversary, and we wanted to do something really special to celebrate the day. We’ve done helicopter rides, we’ve summitted Denali in a small bush plane, oxygen masks and all, we’ve been dog sledding on a glacier, we’ve been horseback riding, we often ride rollercoasters, and we’re getting married in a hot air balloon. Erin has even been skydiving. One thing that we’ve often seen advertised, but had yet to do, is take a ride in a biplane. Think Snoopy. Think the Red Baron. Yeah, that seems special, right? What could go wrong?

We showed up for a romantic sunset biplane ride over Martha’s Vineyard and got strapped in. Something feels fundamentally wrong about sitting in front of your pilot. Maybe that should have been Erin’s first clue that this would not be her dream come true anniversary celebration.

We put on our leather caps (yeah, because those will protect our skulls, right?) with the cool goggles connected to them, and they pulled the seatbelt tight. All was secure, and before we knew it, we were off!

Taking off in a flight on a grass runway is interesting. In fact, the Katama Airfield, where we got our biplane flight, is one of the last remaining grass airports in the country. There may be a reason for that.

Begee was instantly in heaven, laughing and smiling in that weird way that he does even on rollercoasters when everyone else is screaming, while Erin was instantly terrified, clinging to Begee for dear life. That was not the reaction she expected.

There’s something fundamentally wrong about feeling the air on your face while in a plane. That’s two strikes.

Our pilot, Mike, flew us over South Beach, out over Katama Bay looking for great white sharks (think “Jaws”) – luckily (or not) we didn’t see any because the water was too choppy. We went up and over Chappaquiddick Island, where we got our first glimpse of the Cape Poge Lighthouse. We zoomed up and down, all around, to meet the other biplane, and Erin’s fingernails dug deeper into Begee’s poor arm. He was still giggling and enjoying every second, not even minding that he couldn’t see the pilot or the fact that there was nothing but a leather cap between his head and the sky. Unfortunately, Begee wasn’t able to take as many pictures as he might have liked, as there was no way Erin was letting go of his arm.

Mike had asked before we got in the plane if we would like to do some fun stunt stuff – rolls and dives and the like – for free. He’d throw it in there for us. This is an experience people usually pay extra for. “We’ll see when we get up there,” Erin said. “Sure, sure,” Mike said. “Most people calm down once they’re airborne. They see how stable biplanes really are.” Erin has never been in the category “most people.”

“You alright there, Erin?” He kept asking over the headset radio. He was sitting behind us, but still could tell how terrified she was. Was it that obvious? Maybe it was the fact that with every right turn, she turned as far left as possible without leaning out of the plane. Maybe it was the fact that her head never left the forward-facing position. Maybe he could just smell the fear.

We flew over David Letterman’s house, Meg Ryan’s house (who we later saw at the grocery store – Meg, if you read this, you’re too skinny for your lips!), the “Jaws” and Ted Kennedy bridges, the beautiful coastline all around the island, and the resort where we’re working this summer. Mike even slowed down and turned back a little so Erin could take a picture of the resort, but that meant she had to move her head from the forward-facing position to one facing directly to the ground below, so no picture was to be taken. Oh well. We’ve seen the resort. We know what it looks like.

We flew low over the ocean. Begee especially enjoyed this feeling. Erin especially did not.

Once we circled in for landing, Begee became the sad one and Erin the happy one. She was never so happy as to see a grass runway! Begee was sad the flight was over so soon and wanted to do more, especially the loop-de-loops. Erin just wanted to kiss the ground.

Once we got out, we couldn’t wipe the smiles from our faces – Begee because of the amazing and exhilarating flight, and Erin because it was over. Mike said, “Look how happy she is to be on the ground again!” and then discussed with us how to conquer such a fear of flying in a biplane. He said Erin was by far his most terrified passenger. Great – what an accomplishment. He offered to take us up again when Erin is ready. “You’ll know when you’re ready,” he said.

As we write this entry almost a month after, she’s still not ready.

Begee, however, is anxiously awaiting his second flight, leather helmet, cool goggles, and all.