The past two weeks have been… indescribable by words. The people I got to work with, sights I got to see, and the story I get to help tell is something that is so special, so incredible, that it’s still hard for me to process.
I’ll admit, flying scared me. Especially in small 4-person planes and helicopters. I think it’s a good fear, because flying is, well, dangerous. After these weeks at Katmai National Park and Preserve, I dare say I am no longer afraid of flying. I actually enjoy flying, even get a rush from it. I took 4 flights in a Cessna, which holds 4 people and has a front propellor. I took 4 rides in a vibrant yellow helicopter. 8 rides in aircrafts that I used to be terrified of, and that I now miss.
I will say this – conquering my fear of small planes was all about the pilot. I was lucky, and had two phenomenal pilots. I never felt uncomfortable in the air, and I was absolutely spoiled by the KATM (Katmai National Park and Preserve) pilot, Alan. We flew to see some of the most scenic parts of the park, and Alan knew exactly what to do to make the picture the best it could be. On our last flight out of the park, he told me “I even cleaned the windows!”
This is just the first post of many from my weeks at Katmai National Park and Preserve, and although I know there are some people anxious to see bear photos, I can’t help but share the incredible landscapes first. I sound like a broken record, but it does seem unreal. I never knew places so beautiful existed, and it give me great respect for our beautiful planet.
Kaiti Grant 