In the back of the Caribou

[motto (RIP)]

Was on Vancouver Island a few years ago and chanced upon Sproat Lake where two Martin Mars flying boats used as water bombers were based.
The maintenance guys were quite amiable and took us aboard one whilst the other one moored alongside was started up and taken for a high speed taxi around the lake to make sure it was ready if called upon. It disappeared around a point and when it reappeared it was airborne. The fellow we were with explained that they always taxied fast enough to haul off the water if anything got in their way.
I will always regret not trying to talk my way onto that one. What a magnificent aircraft, two hundred foot wingspan, four Wright 3350s with Curtis Electric polished steel 4 bladed props and capable of carrying 30 tons of water.
It was a bright sunny morning and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen when they put it back down on the lake and turned towards us with all four ticking over.
The aircraft were retired last year I believe and I don't know what is to become of them.

David