On the way back to Abbotsford from glacier kayaking, the helicopters set down on this sand bar in a remote alpine lake. We explored the surroundings, while our pilot and guide set out tables and chairs and an amazing spread from Lepp Farm Market. The scrumptiousness of the food was accentuated by jaw-dropping surroundings. We had all assumed we’d eat up on the glacier and were thankful that our assumptions were incorrect. Also, the extra stop meant three helicopter flights on the day, giving all three of my buddies a chance to ride shotgun with the pilot up front. This bonus adventure made the Compass Heli Tours expedition even richer than we had hoped and imagined.
Not a bad spot to eat lunch, eh? Photo credit: Nick Drader of Compass Heli ToursOn the way home from glacier kayaking, we made a stop in what felt like Jurassic Park—another undisclosed location on crown land. Crown land is somewhat equivalent to the US version of BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.While we ate, our chopper pilot flew his drone to give context to a magical lunch. We’d like to return here someday for some heli-camping—as long as no carnivorous dinosaurs emerge out of those trees. Photo credit: Nick Drader of Compass Heli ToursWhile the professionals set up a Lepp Farm Market lunch, we explored the surroundings. I want more moments in life like this, where I retreat to the simple joys of life. Childlike wonder distracts me from my work stress, my personal dysfunction, and the weight of leadership. Jesus praised child-like faith, and I imagine he loves when we revel like grade school explorers at what he has made. Photo credit: Ryan SmithIt’s one thing to eat lunch in a remote wilderness with no sign of human anything. It’s a whole other level when you’re guarded by jet-propelled helicopters. Photo credit: Nick Drader of Compass Heli ToursWe ate a delicious lunch from a farm-to-table company in Abbotsford (where our chopper is based). We would’ve been content chowing down on cheese crackers, but we got to luxuriate in a scrumptious meal from Lepp Farm Market. Photo credit: Nick Drader of Compass Heli ToursI love this shot. I love what it means to my heart. There’s adventure in that machine. There’s adventure outside it. The slow, thorough inhales of the mountains makes me come alive. Zooming over tree tops and next to rock outcroppings supercharges my heart. On this 4-hour trip, I got a heaping helping of both.Bank shot! Every good thing must come to an end. The Compass Heli Tours glacier kayaking expedition was amazing literally every minute for hours on end. It’s one of the few experiences of my life that held no lulls, no letting off the throttle. It was full-on excitement, exuberance, or exploration for the entire trip.Nick Drader is *the* man. He’s a smooth operator. The dude lives an amazing life, taking daily trips into jaw-dropping remote locations on glaciers, beside ice caves, and along alpine lakes. He also fights wildfires from his chopper. And he does it all with humble self-assuredness, a wry smile, and contagious wonder. All of us look forward to flying with Nick again. He’s got a lot of other “undisclosed locations” up his sleeve, and we can’t wait to see them. Photo credit: Ryan Smith
Ryan has pursued physical and spiritual adventures on all seven continents. I co-lead the Blue Ridge Community Church parking team and co-shepherd Dude Group, a spiritual adventure community for men.
