Helicopter

Each year school is able to offer a number of students and staff the opportunity to have a short (15-20 minute) helicopter ride around parts of the region.  This year I was fortunate to be offered one of the places :)  The students who 'win' a place are students who have achieved great graduation marks or are nominated by teachers for making great progress or overcoming great adversity.  The teachers who 'win' a spot don't have to have achieved such greatness.

What a stunning day for it too :D  Clear skies and calm winds - Neslon at its best.  Our trip took us north over Richmond and Nelson then east following the Maitai Valley up to the dam then back to Richmond over the hills (making sure we kept well away from the paragliders over Barnicoat!) and back to school.  Absolutely fabulous!  

This is a view of school not seen by many - hard to think that I'm no longer going to be part of their furniture..........after 33+ years it feels about as familiar as my left arm does to me.......

Thanks to Graeme for organizing this and for giving me this fabulous opportunity :) - a wonderful experience.