I came to Alaska to defeat the big mountain via the Helicopter .. actually I came just because this seems like the type of thing that people love to do and live for.
My impression is.. its indeed the ultimate experience. I am very happy to be able to do this in terms of:
1) Physically -- though most of the customers are 40-60yo's, they are in great shape and train all year for this.
2) Skills -- though I am not the best, I am barely good enough to tangle w/ the big boys.
3) Money -- its expensive, but since I don't have wife and kids.. its ok. No gf even these days!!!
4) Opportunity -- after riding w/ these guys I feel this operation is high risk, one slip and they are out of business. The landings are really gnarly.. I imagine you can't mitigate the risk, its just a matter of time before heli goes away from America due to risk, insurance costs, and lawsuits.
Anyways it has been a blast. Definitely the ultimate experience...
During my downtime I am doing nothing.. not thinking so much about my life or loves or whatever. Just being is enough for now.
One thing I do notice is the passion around me. The folks here love it.. there are many who do odd jobs just so they can have winters off to ski. They are excellent skiiers, probably some of the best in the world. But they sacrifice some amount of family life and materialism to be doing this type of thing.
My impression is.. its indeed the ultimate experience. I am very happy to be able to do this in terms of:
1) Physically -- though most of the customers are 40-60yo's, they are in great shape and train all year for this.
2) Skills -- though I am not the best, I am barely good enough to tangle w/ the big boys.
3) Money -- its expensive, but since I don't have wife and kids.. its ok. No gf even these days!!!
4) Opportunity -- after riding w/ these guys I feel this operation is high risk, one slip and they are out of business. The landings are really gnarly.. I imagine you can't mitigate the risk, its just a matter of time before heli goes away from America due to risk, insurance costs, and lawsuits.
Anyways it has been a blast. Definitely the ultimate experience...
During my downtime I am doing nothing.. not thinking so much about my life or loves or whatever. Just being is enough for now.
One thing I do notice is the passion around me. The folks here love it.. there are many who do odd jobs just so they can have winters off to ski. They are excellent skiiers, probably some of the best in the world. But they sacrifice some amount of family life and materialism to be doing this type of thing.
