High on Manhattan

I have so much catching up to do. I'm going to start with a the perfect birthday present from our friend Mike. Charles was sweet and gave Me a balloon, some wine and a a birthday cake.

For My birthday, Mike gave us a gift that he knew Charles would enjoy as well. I think at some point Charles mentioned that he would love to take the helicopter tour of Manhattan but that it was something he would never pay for. Mike remembered this and surprised us both by setting up the tour for us.
On the day we were to go, the weather turned very COLD. This is a shot on the short walk from South Ferry to the Helicopter landing that you can see behind Me. I was VERY cold!

Charles and I were both very excited and I thought it was interesting that he seemed a little nervous. It isn’t often I get to observe Charles a little off his stride so I was enjoying every moment of it. I love it when heading out for a special day. I knew there was a chance we might stay in the city afterwards so I dressed for the cold but with an effort to look “cute” .

We got on the train together and started our long journey. We took the train into Penn station and then the subway to the Staten Island ferry that comes up right beside the heliport. I looked out towards the heliport and decided we could just walk. As soon as we stepped away from the windbreak a blast of frigid wet air hit, taking my breath. We looked at each other, laughed and took off running for the heliport office.

After the tragedy of the WTC, almost everything is uber protected so I wasn’t surprised when we had to unload our pockets and coats but it was FREEZING so I was hopping around trying to give them all my “stuff”.

After a bit of confusion about our tickets they handed us these little bags to buckle around our waist and told us to sit down and watch this little show. Essentially it’s to let you know that you are pretty much over water for the whole trip and that if you manage to keep from being beheaded by the blades during a crash the stupid little package around your waist might keep you floating or at least if you die, they can find your body. I don’t think any of this did much to settle Charles’ nerves but it was providing Me an enjoyable show. I was not scared at all and practically jumping up and down to get in that helicopter.

We finally went out side and I managed to get into the helicopter with my bad knee without any embarrassment and get buckled in. When the helicopter took off a Big GRIN settled onto my face and pretty stayed there the rest of the day.

Charles has a grin on his face as well. We looked at each other with delighted smiles and an unspoken "Life is good" which is the mantra of our relationship.

I was in heaven and the site of Manhattan from the air is an experience that everyone should do.

The first thing that hit me as we raised into the air from the tip of the Island was just awe. Every time the pilot banked and turned my tummy would flutter but it was so much fun. I just took a deep breath and relaxed and let my eyes drink in the wonderful sight.