8.24.22 Grand Canyon South Rim
I woke that morning with an urge I never fathomed I’d conceive in my head.
Yesterday I visited the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It was a fun day yet it didn’t start out that way. I made an attempt at hiking down the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail and failed. This was all due to my acrophobia (fear of heights). I froze partially down the trail and had to convince my legs to move back up the trail to my perceived safety.
That’s why when I had this urge I couldn’t help but wonder what was wrong with in my head? Why would I put myself through such a terrifying experience?
I had the need to ride a helicopter over the Grand Canyon!
RV Traveler Turns Into Helicopter Traveler
Holy moly! What was I thinking?! My fear of heights would certainly kick into overdrive up there. But I decided to call and make a reservation for later that morning.
I got there early, way too early, and sat in the parking lot watching the other helicopters shuttle people back and forth on their Grand Canyon tours. This of course did nothing to ease my slight anxiety about making this decision.
Yet I was in no way going to back out of this trip.
The thought did occur to why I was doing this. To this day I have no idea. The closest reason I could find in my head is that I would get to see the Grand Canyon like birds do.
All the beauty and grandeur of nature below me. Massive and mostly untouched by man.
It was time to check in. I payed my $250, got weighed and received my boarding pass. As I proceeded to the waiting area I noticed everyone there was from a foreign country – it seemed mostly France and Japan. I can kinda tell which popular languages are being spoken as well as one can tell they bought their clothes elsewhere than the United States – the styles are different.
I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed that everyone was speaking another language, I was so nervous I wanted to talk to others about the pending trip we were about to embark on. Yes, even this introvert will speak to strangers in times of, what I felt, urgent need. I would have tried to communicate yet I have no knowledge of the French or Japanese languages, I couldn’t even try in some broken attempt.
Then they called my name. It felt like hours but I think only 15 minutes had passed.
Ride of My Life. In a Helicopter. Over the Grand Canyon!
I received a bag (what I assume is a barf bag) and a gate number. Me and the other 5 people riding with my today headed out to gate 5. While waiting I noticed in the group was a boy, maybe about 10-11 years old. For some reason children ease my mind. I mean, the helicopter won’t crash with a child on board, right?
We boarded soon after and I was seated backwards! Nooooo! I can’t ride backwards, I’m already scared.
But it seemed by now I was more excited than anything. I get to see the Grand Canyon from above!
We were all buckled in and ready to ride. The pilot did her greetings and a few safety precautions then slowly started to raise the helicopter.
I was ready for this moment thinking I’d feel gravity pull or an uncomfortable weightless feeling but that wasn’t it. It felt more like a boat on water, gliding through the air. Before I knew it we were a few hundred feet in the air and I had a big, giant, grin on my face!
This was fun!!
The trip was about 30 minutes, an audio guide plays while you glide over ground and then The Grand Canyon. I was not privy to what was said since I was outnumbered by the French speaking passengers the audio was in French. I don’t mind, the pilot gave some reference in English as well.
This was an experience I’ll never forget. And not once was I nervous after entering the helicopter.
To see video of my trip click the link below to view on my Instagram page.
AllieRambles over the Grand Canyon!
If you too want to experience the Grand Canyon from above check out Papillion located just a couple miles from the southern entrance to the Grand Canyon.
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I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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