Removing from the closet my yellow North Face duffel bag to pack for my storm chasing trip in the US, I couldn’t help but remark at the airline baggage tag still attached to the strap. The details: February 23, 2020, Air Canada 879 from Zurich to Toronto. A happier time, or perhaps one when ignorance was bliss.

It had been 15 months since I was last on an airplane. I was lacking in practice so packing was a disjointed affair. There were also a number of additional steps required to board the flight from Canada to the US. None of the health measures can reduce the risk of contracting Covid to zero but along with proper mask use they’re ok. I was still nervous about it, and with a full flight I’ll be a bit apprehensive for the next week or so. Such is the commitment required to fly right now. And I’m in the mood for it, and to take back some of the life we’ve had to put off because of this virus.

I’m also looking to avenge our 2019 storm chase adventure, when we saw some dramatic storms but no tornadoes. It’s that time of the year. Yesterday I left for Oklahoma City, where I’m doing a mini quarantine before 10 days of chasing.