Heli-hiking is a Peak Experience
by Jane Ruesch
Walking Connection Member Since 2/1996

I am new to traveling, and I love it. I choose my destinations with care. A single criteria prevails: "Are there mountains there?" I have long admired them from afar and from the car, aware of my age and abilities. It never occurred to me that I could stand eye to eye with those peaks which I had gazed at longingly from their bases. "Heli-hiking", the Walking Connection web site called it. My vehicle would be a helicopter! Sounded like great fun to me!

When we arrived at the Adamant Lodge in the beautiful Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, a sign in the gift shop window welcomed us with this quote: "From now on you will be traveling the road between who you think you are and who you can be....the key is to allow yourself to make the journey!" The tone for the next four days was set; we would be challenged, our endurance stretched, but the rewards were to be great.

The lodge was lovely and comfortable, the food incredible, the staff charming and competent, and the new friends delightful. Each day we were flown by helicopter to a different site to hike. Along streams and lakes, over alpine meadows “rainbowed” with wild flowers, up hills of rock and snow, balanced on goat trails and ridges, we hiked. The quiet in these places was profound, seasoned only with our voices, our laughter, and sometimes, our groans.

Some hikes were quite strenuous and others pleasant walks. The amazing Pyrite Ridge was my favorite. Left in our huddle as the helicopter flew away, we slowly stood and looked around us. We were speechless, stunned into reverent silence by a full 360-degree panorama of layered snow capped mountains, glaciers, and extraordinarily steep drop-offs into gorgeous green valleys. It was a place of pristine beauty and pure majesty!

It has been three weeks since I re-entered earth after that heaven some call Canada. Adjectives are unworthy to describe what I have seen. They are all too pale, too weak, too inadequate. These mountains are a feast for the senses, but must be engaged with the spirit, which is left enriched, enlightened, and exhilarated. My memories are like a wonderful remembered dream. As I savor my pictures again and again, my heart swells with gratitude for the opportunities I have had to challenge my body and to feed my soul.

I stand ready for the next "peak" experience!

RELEASE: Exercise is only one part of being healthy, seeing your doctor is another! If, at any time during a training session (whether it is a group session, individual personal training session, or self-training session), you suffer any mishap or injury, we urge you to stop your activity immediately and seek professional medical attention. The information contained on this site is intended to give information about personal health and fitness, not to act as a medical manual or guide to self-treatment. Keep in mind that exercise, health and nutritional needs vary from person to person, depending on age, gender, family medical history, current health status, and other individual factors . Before engaging in these, or any other exercise or recreational activities, we urge all individuals to consult a physician. He or she is most-qualified to advise each about your specific health status and needs. By participating in any Walking Connection walk, hike or event, now or in the future, I have and do hereby fully assume all risk of injury, property damage, emotional trauma and death, and it is my intention for me and my heirs, executors and administrators to waive any and all right and claims for damages I may have against Gene and Jo Ann Taylor, Taylor Marketing and Management, LLC., The Walking Connection and any individual associated with these walks, hikes or events, their representatives, successors, and assignees, and will hold them harmless for any and all injuries, mishaps and loss of property suffered in connection with my participation in these walks, hikes, events.