UNCLE GEORGE – C 2012 JoJo

In his younger years (he’s now 94 years of age) my Uncle George was a missionary bush pilot, working in Brazil. He’d fly all over the country, taking supplies to fellow missionaries in the bush, flying sick people back to the city for medical attention in a hospital, or flying in doctors and nurses into inhospitable areas where medical attention wasn’t available. He flew a 4 seater Stinson, and he could land his plane just about anywhere – and often did. Here’s an account he gave me once about an event that occurred on one of his flights:

“Did you know that one day I had just taken off from a small clearing where
the plane had been overnight in the bush near Rio Verde, Goias, when a large
snake came out from under the back seat and started to stroll around between
the legs of the passengers. Fortunately they all froze, me also as I was
afraid of startling it by using the pedals in order to go back and land
again.

Later, as compensation I had a really good laugh – I’ve never seen such a
rapid disembarkation. The plane looked as though it was exploding!

On another occasion, I felt a thud when the plane hit a partridge as we
were taking off. When we landed and I went to examine the engine, I was very
impressed and moved to see, stuck to the front cylinder, a tiny heart, pure
and in perfect shape and condition, just that and nothing more. It looked
like the macabre gift of an innocent little creature who only wanted to fly,
just as I did, but failed.”

I thought the partridge story was poignant and touching, which is why I am sharing it with you.

I could tell you many other stories about Uncle George’s adventures because he was a real dare devil, and a fearless bush pilot. He was (and still is) a real character!