In late July, I booked a last-minute helicopter glacier walk with Coastal Helicopters. Blue skies, blue water, sunshine of the non-liquid variety -- I couldn't have picked a better time.
At the Juneau Airport, bright yellow and black helicopters buzzed and hovered like worker bees. The staff was friendly, organizing a large group of guests quite efficiently. We locked up our belongings, donned boot covers for traction, watched a safety film and lined up 6x6 by weight. As we boarded our assigned chopper, the whir of the engine tickled the butterflies already flitting in my belly.
Michael, pilot and guide for our our helicopter glacier walk, has the kind of smile that says he absolutely loves this job. After flying past mountains of green, he flew us up, over, and through the Juneau Icefield, further than usual given the crystal clear air. Through our headsets, he told us about the 1500 square mile icefield, home to over 40 large valley glaciers and 100 smaller ones. We touched down on Norris Glacier. Micheal noted that he feels this spot is is the prettiest of all possible landings. I have to believe him. It was spectacular!