This was one of my favorite assignments when I was working at the news. My boss told me he wanted me to go up in a helicopter… I’m afraid of heights so I was a little wary of the assignment. I accepted the “challenge” and headed to the airport with my photographer Brenton Awa (who now is a reporter at KITV4). Little did I know, this was one of those teeny tiny little helicopters! <Great> And it had NO DOORS!! <Awesome – *hint of sarcasm*>

Yes, I was seriously freaking out but I couldn’t very well back out now. I sucked it up and thought “Hey, at least I’m not carrying a heavy $40,000 camera on my shoulder.” Poor Brenton. Actually, that’s unnecessary because Brenton LIVES for this stuff! He was so stoked to do this shoot! Brenton and I got into the backseat and strapped ourselves in. The only thing that kept us from plummeting to our deaths was a seat belt – same type as on airplanes … I had visions of accidentally knocking the buckle with my elbow, it flying open and falling through the sky… fun times! ha ha!

Once we were in the air, I started to trust the pilot and I actually started to enjoy myself. Some of these “spots” really were “secret spots” with very little access by land. It was very cool to go on this adventure and discover waterfalls, ruins and to see things like the “Stairway to Heaven” from a different vantage point.

Stairway to Heaven

Writing this story was a breeze… it’s always more fun when the topic is compelling. Just a little behind-the-scenes snippet for you to enjoy! Have a great day everyone! Life’s Swell!