Patricia Robinson was flying from Saskatoon to Kelowna for her 90th birthday when wildfire smoke forced the airport to cancel 40 flights. Her plane had already travelled about halfway from Calgary before it turned back.
On the flight, Robinson had spoken with Quinn Sedmak, who was trying to reach Kelowna too. When Sedmak said he might rent a car, fellow passenger Tanner Salewich offered to join the drive.
A helpful WestJet gate attendant reunited the three travellers at the Calgary airport. Robinson, Sedmak, and Salewich then set off together on a seven-hour drive through the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia’s Interior.
They stopped for snacks and stretches, shared stories, and discovered that Robinson and Salewich had the same birthday. Robinson reached her family and called the unexpected trip a special gift.
