Million Dollar Views

As part of our package deal for our minibreak we got a helicopter flight over one of the local glaciers. We were booked to do this at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I knew I would spend much of the day feeling a bit anxious about this as I've never been in a helicopter and I can get nervous flying at the best of times. The weather forecast wasn't great which could alter whether we got to do this activity so we headed there early in the day and asked if we could take an earlier flight. Luck was on our side!

The helicopter company we were using had no spare helicopters at that time but they took us across to another company who said they could take us up - to me that showed great spirit in this little community that has been hit hard and is obviously working together to support their local industry. I didn't have time to think about getting anxious as it was all on and before we knew it we were belted in and lifting off! No backing out now!

I admit I felt scared to start with but once we got up there the scenery was so stunning it soon took my mind off my anxiety. It was amazing! We felt so small in this little machine flying over this majestic glacier and steep mountains and I marvelled at its quiet beauty. 

I felt saddened that it is retreating more quickly than expected due to global warming and it was a quiet reminder that humans have a lot to sort out if they want to keep the world in a state of natural beauty we can all enjoy. Living in cities with things like this seemingly too far away, and obviously not accessible for everyone due to the cost to get there, it is easy to forget we have these things that are measuring and reminding us of the effects of climate change. A bit like the canary in the mine - we should be noticing what is happening.

To me this short ride was priceless and to share it with my husband, who'd never been in a helicopter either, made it very special and worth so much more than any amount of money. It strengthened my resolve to continue to reduce our carbon footprint as much as we can so that these magnificent places are there for subsequent generations to go and marvel at. It also made me very humble and quietly reminded me of our short time on this earth - while these ancient structures have been present for millennia - I think that shows who will win out in the long run...