Misconstrued Thoughts : Yesterday's Misconstrued Thoughts Today

Well everything in New Mexico was complete. I finished an 80 hour work week last week. Tiring? Yes, indeed. But an adventure is more the theme.

I've never been in a helicopter before. And hey, why not do it for legitimate reasons?

As we arrived in the Gila National Forest (the first designated Wilderness area in the US), we knew we were in trouble. We had been radioed by the chase plane that the gondola had landed in a Raven, 3 miles from the nearest access location. Since this thing ways 4000 lbs, we knew there was going to be a problem. However, the Forest Service proved very helpful, they quickly offered up there resources (crew and helicopter) for our use. Great people indeed. We got on our flight suits, and headed to the skies.

As we landed on the mountain, it was apparent that this wasn't going to be easy work. We landed the nearest location we could find, and walked up the mountain about .5 mile caring roughly 100 lbs of gear.

Looking over the crash site. It was apparent our design had held up well and worked just as planned. I know you're thinking, that looks bad, but that was much better than what we had expected.

After about 4 hours of prep work the helicoptor returned to pick up the gondola. The mission was a success. The temeratures of 105, the rattlesnakes, and the cactus just added to the element of well pain in it all. But an adventure none the less.

The vehicle is now ready for its next flight. Antarctica was originally the plan, but it appears that has been bumped. The next flight will probably be next year in Scandinavia. So we wonder from the South to the North pole... and on we go.