Hanging below a helicopter

I spent the last couple of days getting trained to be transported on the outside of a helicopter! As odd as it sounds, this is a good way to transport someone a short distance over uneven terrain. The helicopter doesn't have to find a landing spot and (assuming you hook yourself up properly) is quite safe.

The training took place in Redding, which is about a three hour drive from here. While hanging below the helicopter, I kept gazing out at the distant mountains of Lassen, Shasta and the Trinity Alps. They are still thick with snow, but the summer season is coming!