June 5th - 11:55

Title: June 5th - 11:55 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: Ethan had the bright idea to try out a helicopter ride without the doors on to scope out the island from above. I used to have a fear of heights and realized the only way to conquer them is to expose yourself and embrace the fear with courage as much as you can. Samantha was our pilot and we trusted her to keep us safe, and she did. Once we buckled up and equipped the mics she turned on her playlist. It started playing Creedence Clearwater's Fortunate Son. We drastically took off! She set the mood and momentum off perfectly with that specific song. Associating that tune with all the movies we have seen that juxtaposes with helicopters scenes in war zone. It was as if it was a battle cry. At war with our ego. I was clutching on to the chair in front of me. Breathing in and out as best as I can as the wind howled into the cockpit with fierce force. It didn't stop until we landed. I was somewhere between afraid and in awe, a perfect balance of presence. Knowing you are alive; adrenaline pumping. We got over a ridge and I started to calm down a bit. Once we made it to the other side of the island she lowered us into an extinct volcano hull. We got extremely close to the mountain side and Samantha's soundtrack started playing the Jurassic Park theme song, which fit the scene quite well. It was BIG reveal. There was another chopper nearby. We waved to them as they followed our lead. Our Heli ascended upwards and Samantha took this opportunity to send us through the mountain obstacle which felt like we were a football being kicked through a field goal post. She full sent us through and scored a touchdown for the home team! We all laughed in excitement. Before we knew it an hour had passed and we descended back to the airport. We got out and touched the ground with our knees to kiss the Earth. Samantha was preparing for her next ride. We had 15 minutes before lift off. I asked if we could make her portrait with her getting in the red helicopter. The mechanical dragonfly whizzed behind her on the helipad in the background. We all eft, and left our fears there too.