The Travel Industry News - Editorial Archives

July 1, 2001

Soar Like an Eagle...

What’s that expression? “I’d rather soar with the eagles than........(?) “Once Upon A Time”...that was the way I felt most of the time... it was part of the reasoning that brought me to the United States to seek my fortune.

Somehow the years have slipped away , along with the fortune, and yet every now and then in recent times, my heart and mind have soared again with the eagles that now share Camano Island with me.

My latest ‘flight’ was on a ‘red bird’, that belonged to Blackcomb Helicopters in Whistler B.C. Canada.

Along with three travel industry colleagues I clambered aboard our helicopter at the Whistler Municipal Airport located about 10 km north of Whistler Village. The giant blades above us came to life, soon they were roaring a challenge to the surrounding mountains and we lifted from terra firma , drifted left and began to climb above giant trees and insignificant mortals towards the snow covered mountain tops.

Directly beneath us fields, roads, homes and golf courses became a colorful patchwork quilt with no two patches the same...and we continued to climb. We were sometimes seemingly so close to the rugged cliff faces of the mountains, that you took in a deep breath and fleetingly thought of those intelligent ‘turkeys’ below! Across the craggy frozen ice blue face of Cheakamus Glacier we hovered like a hummingbird...then turned slowly and crossed again... the Glacier stared back at this ‘insolent’ bird that disturbed its silent thoughts.

Still we climbed, up over the mountain tops, looking down on B.C’s Coast Mountains. Shimmering lakes, virgin white snow, untouched forests, the man inspired ‘Whistler Village’, alpine trails and the green, green fairways of the golfing set.

We began our descent and soon Blackcomb Mountain’s 5,280 foot peak looked down upon us. Garibaldi Park stretched off into the distance, valleys found their way through guarding mountains.

Trees became tall again, cattle were bigger than ants and even the ‘turkeys’ could be seen going about their business. Like everyone in today’s travel business, Blackcomb Helicopters have to maximize their investment and they have become very creative in their ‘package’ offerings to potential clients.

The list includes: Alpine Group Heli Picnics; Heli- Fishing; Heli-Skiing; Heli-Hiking; Glacier Landing; Coastal Excursions; Mountaintop Tours; Heli-Biking; Meetings in the Mountains & Charters (how about it you travel incentive folks?)....AND YES... Heli-Weddings. They confided in me that they had actually also had one Heli-Divorce, now that’s going out in style!

For further info: Blackcomb Helicopters 1-800-330-HELI or visit their website at www.blackcombhelicopters.com

Yep, I love those little ‘hummers’ and there are many opportunities during one’s travels that you...or your clients...can take advantage of.

In recent times I have taken ‘HELIJET’ (HQ’d in Richmond B.C.) from Boeing Field in Seattle to Victoria B.C. which proved to be a delightful and fast way to visit Vancouver Island for a mini-break or vacation. These are larger helicopters that carry 12 pax in comfort.

Then there are various offerings in Alaska to see things in a way that you’ll never experience in a tour bus or on a ship...or how about Hawaii? As you fly the helicopter on Kauai, the William Tell Overture fills your headset reaching its climatic crescendo...just as you plunge over the cliff tops towards the ocean.

One of my own most memorable travel moments was dropping over the edge of the magnificent Iguassu Falls in a small three person ‘chopper’...with no doors. Anyway, that’s enough ‘soaring’ for now!

British Columbia’s ‘Whistler Village’ began life dedicated to winter and all it affords. Today Whistler provides excellent facilities and a myriad of options from which visitors may select...year around. Golfers are catered to with the choice of four first class courses from which to choose.

1. The Arnold Palmer designed ‘Whistler Golf Club’
2. Chateau Whistler Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
3. Jack Nicklaus’s ‘North Golf Course’ & 4. Located just 25 minutes drive away, is scenic ‘Big Sky Golf & Country Club’.

Recent Whistler ads in Seattle papers advertised golf packages from $399 pp for 3 nights accommodation AND 3 rounds of golf.

Knowing that life cannot be sustained by helicopters and golf alone (although I don’t see why not?), the Whistler area offers a selection second to none as a vacation destination.

Skiing & snowboarding in winter...and summer...on the Glacier; River Rafting (packages for three days avail.) 1-888-932-3532; Hiking; Fishing; Mountain Bikes; All-Terrain Vehicle Tours; Horseback Riding; Tennis; Swimming; Jet-Boating; Spa Facilities; Shopping...AND... a wide variety of accommodations and dining, while the ‘Nightlife’ is indeed the ‘Goodlife’ at Whistler.

For those of you who haven’t visited in a while you will be amazed at the increased facilities now available.

I had only one opportunity to visit a hotel while there this time, so I visited one I hadn’t seen before. The WESTIN RESORT & SPA has been rated a Four Diamond facility by AAA...and it’s obvious why. An impressive, yet rustic lobby features a variety of works of art and welcomes you to this 419 all-suite hotel. Features include 18,000 square feet of ‘Conference Facilities’; indoor/outdoor pool; an 8,000 sq. foot Spa and Health Club; the Aubergine Grille Restaurant..and.. all slam-bang in the middle of everything!

Suites? How about soaker tubs, gas fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and Westin’s special ‘Heavenly Beds’...oh, and 24 hour room service of course. Yep, you can sell this one with confidence.

If clients...be they potential eagles or turkeys...are looking for a get-away vacation with lots to do, Whistler B.C. takes alot of beating!

David ( ‘Red Eagle’ ) Bond

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