Trapped

After travelling overseas to ski for the past 25 years, I have never had a flight delayed for more than a few hours. On my way home this year I finally ran out of luck and was stranded for 2 days when a massive storm closed New Chitose airport. The storm was so intense that I wasn’t able to get to a hotel the first night when rail and road were closed due to snow drifts. Statistically, I have most probably been quite lucky. I just hope this is not going to become a trend.

After queuing for hours for closed trains and taxis to nowhere, it was time to rest

The remaining seats did NOT look inviting

The floor did NOT look inviting

For those lucky enough to score a blanket - on top or underneath?

The place looked like a sick cross between a refugee camp and a terrorist attack.

Truly scary! The loud, deep-throated snoring emanating from the children's play area

"the Coke side of life" ? Make up your own mind

3am and I am feeling peckish - not a single eatery open in the entire airport

Ahhh! : Royce Chocolate : The best chocolate. Side effects?

How I would expect a closed airport to look at 4am - ground level

You just had to tough it out

All flights were still grounded the next morning

My favourite shot of the night - he even looks familiar - Toni?

Yep, there truly were a lot of Vacant Moments at the New Chitose airport.