On Top of the World

          Nature is a mysterious and magnificent thing. The raging hurricanes that can pummel cities, or the beautiful snowfall that changes any landscape into a sparkling wonderland. At times, we don't appreciate weather, like when it is raining on the way to class, or too hot to think without sweating. However, there are plenty of times, at least in my life, that I appreciate a sunny day or fresh snowfall. This brings me to my next item on my bucket list that weather plays a huge part in.

          Since I was a young teen, I have loves the sport of snowboarding. The thrill of the ride, calming sessions and breathtaking views will always stay with me for the rest of my life. There are thousands of places to snowboard around the world, but not many have been rode before. There are some mountains that are only accessible by helicopter, and that is how the truly passionate snowboarders get there and it is called heli-boarding. Heli-boarding is a very extreme sport that requires a lot of skill and this is where the beginning of my process to check 'heli-boarding' off my bucket list. 

         I would consider myself a pretty good snowboarder, but I am no match for the steep slopes of a mountain at 10,000 feet above sea level. First, I would need to generally get more advanced at snowboarding and become more than just a 'natural'. next is the specific training that comes with heli-boarding.

          At the elevation that heli-borading exists, there are avalanches, bone chilling weather, and various other natural dangers. There is a weeklong class that is taught to train for and know how to deal with these problems. After knowing all you can about the process, there is only fun left in the experience. 

         At most ski resorts, one 'run' from the top of a ski lift varies from 5 minutes to 30. The view is always fairly scenic, looking out across the different runs and the rest of the resort and its inhabitants. When you step off of a helicopter to begin your run, you will not finish riding for hours. But, most importantly, there is no other human life where riding happens, a moment to truly take in the beauty of the nature that is surrounding you. Snowcapped peaks, beautiful glaciers, and breathtaking landscapes are wherever you look. 

          Heli-boarding one of the most thrilling and beautiful things that can be done on this planet, so there is no doubt that I would love to check it off the list as soon as possible.