I’m in Anchorage airport right now, waiting for my plane to take me home after a week spent reporting a bush flying story for Popular Mechanics. What, you ask, is bush flying? Well, I think this video explains better than any mere words:
I made this yesterday, shooting over the shoulder of veteran bush pilot Terry Holiday as he sets down his Super Cub on a tiny patch of gravel near the Knik Glacier north of Anchorage. As we were coming in, I was thinking: “Where exactly are you planning to put this thing down, Terry?” Yet oddly the experience didn’t feel that scary; Terry has such a natural feel for the airplane that I sensed that it would do exactly what he wanted. Having said that, the take off was even more extraordinary, as we bounced into the air and scrabbled for altitude as Terry guided the plane between a large hillock and the face of a cliff. Alaska — it’s always an adventure.
Dear Jeff,
You’re really inspiring! I just got back from Rockies (Yoga Journal Conference) – went hiking & tried rock climbing for first time in my life!!! This is trully an amazing experience.
Funny, how I thought about your blog on fear…as I was climbing & telling myself “Time doesn’t really slow down – this is just an illusion my mind creates…” Yoga really helped me to overcome my fear and enabled me to push my mind & my body beyond what I thought was possible a few years ago.
p.s. Also enjoying reading a book you recommended.
Looking forward for more blogs from you!
Anna.
Hey Anna,
Sounds like you had a great time! Personally rock climbing is the one thing that I haven’t been able to get my head around. The fear of heights just kicks in and I can’t seem to shake it. Maybe if I spent more time doing it…
J