Private heli-ride over Canada’s Smoking Hills

Sometimes decisions pay off in unexpectedly wonderful ways! This morning we had some delays to our excursion – a helicopter ride over the Smoking Hills, landing above them, and walking around there for 45 minutes.

I decided to take the ride over and back to see them from the air. Into the white helicopter with 3 others, and over we went – it really is a fun ride. We landed, the other 3 left the helicopter and David (pilot) handed me the headphones and asked me if I’d like a private tour! As if I’d say no!

We headed inland across the dark grey and brown coastal range, and stretching out ahead of us were plains, lakes and rivers with autumn colours of gold and red. We flew down a canyon/gully into a wide valley with a river flowing along it – we then landed on (touched) an island between two parts of the river. As he said – maybe no-one has ever been here before! Then we flew up and along another canyon, rising high over a 2nd river valley to the left. I was switching between taking still shots with the Canon and video with my iPhone - so much to see in such a short time - fortunately I didn't drop anything!

All too soon it was time to head back to the ship. A private 7 minute tour with a Canadian pilot in a remote part of Canada – very, very special!

Next on today’s agenda is a barbeque on the bow – the weather is at least fine, although no sunshine as yet. Stay tuned for the next exciting part of this adventure!