Thursday, March 24, 2011

Who's joining me for a helicopter flip around Cape Point?



No, unfortunately I'm not the pilot...or maybe that's fortunate from your perspective?  I would have asked Carol from Facing 50 With Humour as she hold's a helicopter pilot's licence, but she's just got back to the UK from France and has caught her Hubby's cold, so I felt it would be too much of an imposition.  I have, however, ensured we have a really handsome young pilot to escort us.  He unfortunately declined to have his photograph taken, so you are free to imagine whoever you'd most like to have sitting at the controls, OK?  But please don't get so wrapped up in your little fantasy that you forget to look out of the windows to admire the spectacular views you're about to see and, I don't mind adding, for which I've had to dig deep into my pockets to fund.  So, please...hop on board and buckle up!  Put on your headphones.  I think it's best you sit back and enjoy the flight without my interjecting too often to point out sights.  That way, you can focus on what interests you.  Besides, it's too noisy trying to shout above the sound of the rotor and the pilot needs to have access to the radio to make his calls.  Sure you're comfortable enough?  Cameras at the ready?  Right...we're OFF!
Please click the Read more button below if you wish to continue this flight...
 




Flying over Camps Bay and Seapoint.

The Victoria and Alfred Basin and Waterfront Development.

Cape Town city in the centre.

Table Mountain, left.  Signal Hill, centre.

Cape Town's prime properties enjoy these views!  Some of the most expensive Real Estate in South Africa is to be found along this coastal stretch.











Noordhoek, foreground, Fishhoek, in the distance.

Hout Bay in the distance.

A section of Chapman's Peak Drive.



So sorry to have to rudely interrupt your flight, mid-air, but as I've selected just over 50 photographs from the 100 plus my husband took, and I can't upload all 50 in one go, I've of necessity had to save the balance to share with you next time...so, please, do continue to enjoy the rest of the flight and ensure you come back to see the rest of the pictures.

59 comments:

  1. Wow! What a nice look at your beautiful area! Isn't it nice to get high above, it puts things in perspective, also making me think that any problems I have at the moment seem small as well!
    Wow! That Chapman's Peak Drive looks like a scenic drive, comparable to our Highway 1 through Big Sur.
    Looking forward to the next bit...I'm assuming you did land.

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  2. You've done it again!

    Taking a helicopter flight is on my bucket list. Now at least I have a preview of what's to come (although I am sure that the view won't be near as beautiful!

    And, CAROL HAS A HELICOPTER LICENSE! i should be surprised....but I'm not. kt

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  3. Thank you for the free ride! Didn't even fasten my seat belt. Great photos!

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  4. I will be here with bells on! :) OH to be able to do that for real...but this is the next best thing. I LOVE flying...but have never done it like this. LOVELY...
    I shall...return.
    Hugs,
    Mona

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  5. You had me on board...wow.....what a vieuw.
    I've never been on a helicpter before.....thanks for sharing...
    Love and hugs Bianca

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  6. Amazing pictures, thank you for the insight!

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  7. Well, that was a nice smooth ride, so my compliments to the Pilot - not George Clooney by any chance, was it?! - I was tantalised by the view of that arm. Are you sure it wasn't Carol from Facing50with humour?! Wonderful shots, and I shall look forward to part 2!

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  8. A fabulous trip! Not noisy at all ;)
    The scenery is breathtaking too.
    Thank you!

    P.s. Love your new profile pic!

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  9. Breathtaking! What a beautiful place. And that Chapman's Peak Drive -- wow!

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  10. Wow what an awesome ride! Thanks you for sharing, it sure has changed since we sailed away from that shoreline on the Cape to Rio in 1979. I am looking forward to the next leg.

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  11. A friend has just returned from visiting her son in South Africa. I saw the photos from her last visit, including the V&A waterfront, Signal Hill and Chapman's Peak Drive. Lovely to see them again from your perspective!

    Regarding my garden, I will be posting more photos at some point, but meanwhile, you could click on the 'Garden' label at the bottom of the post to see photos from past posts.

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  12. Not even my infernal cough would stop me from enjoying this superb flight. Aahhhhh! I couldn't be happier. What a meaty machine too...looks much tastier than the little Robinson 22 I learnt to fly.
    I have thoroughly enjoyed this post...you should see my contented face.
    I think I'll go and shout out about this post...more people should come on this journey with you.
    XOXO
    ps Thank you once again for mentioning me...I feel very honoured.

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  13. Hi Desiree, Cape Town remains one of the most beautiful cities in my book. Thanks for this bird's eye view of the whole area. Thank you too, for always visiting my blog. I've been a bit caught up with household chores and admin and don't always comment. Have a wonderful weekend. Jo. PS have you had rain yet?

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  14. Yay Desiree...thankyou for the adventure!! Wow..how breathtaking..gorgeous and magical...stunning beauty!! You are so amazing my friend! Such inspiring sceneries!!

    And thankyou for such beautiful words and your visit ..it warms my heart and soul..thankyou!

    Have a happy wkd..and thanks for sharing your magical world..fabulous!!
    Victoria

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  15. Oh, you like to keep us in suspense, do you? I'm sure this will be a great journey, just like the previous one, with all the giraffes and wild doggies.

    How lucky, a helicopter flight! My parents went on one too, as part of a business conference. I'm very envious.

    The scenery is breathtaking. I love the cliffs that dive right into the sea. And the wide beach. The sea has a beautiful blue.

    I'm looking forward to the next part of the journey.

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  16. Hola Desiree, it´s so lovely to see the city from the air!! My husband has an helicopter, a little one, and we have flight here and there many times, it´s a great experience landing wherever we want to, spacially when we are in need to (like going to the toilet, jajaja!!!)
    hugs

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  17. Thanks for the cheap helicopter ride. I loved it. The views were sensational. It is a beautiful city. The beaches are beautiful and the mountains so close to the sea. That road winding around the mountain must be an exhilarating drive. The houses look like they are creeping up the mountain.

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  18. Thanks for the ride. I didn't know Cape Town was such a large city. Loved the pictures especially the one of Chapman's Peak Drive.
    Looking forward to continuing the journey!

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  19. The ride and views were beautiful and extremely appreciated. I felt so safe and comfortable while in the air with you... from afar Chapman's Peak Drive looked somewhat daring though.

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  20. HUH! I posted that song on 3/20 (last Sunday)....get a grip "ole gal" (I hear you have a birthday coming up)!

    The next one will post tomorrow (3/27).......
    Which will be the day before your ??th birthday.......

    As to your comment on What a Maroon (Moron) you are way too kind. Although I must admit it made me feel wonderful. You always say the nicest things on your comments (to me and others). Thank you...

    Almost makes me feel guilty for calling you "ole gal"....Naaaawh.......kt

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  21. OK....OK.... I just looked again and the C.R.A.P. bunch are definitely the blame (although you should know by now that I am full of IT...not the acronym). Lets see if I can explain...
    Last night I scheduled a Sunday's song for 4/10. It posted immediately despite the scheduling date. I caught it within a few minutes, but apparently you were Johnny on the spot and caught it before I removed it.

    But that is not the end of the story....When I was checking this out again I found the darned thing posted on 3/20????????? Mannnnnnn! So, I rescheduled it for 4/10.....AGAIN!!!! Now, I am trying to GET A GRIP (on my hair that is, because I am going to rip it out if this thing bolts again). kt

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  22. I've always wanted to go up in a helicopter. Thank you for the lovely ride, and for taking me to such a beautiful part of the world. Great photos!

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  23. Hey, "ole gal" check out my blog...It is dedicated to you!
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!.....kt

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  24. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and thanks for the tour. The last time I was in a helicopter was in 1969 riding a Huey in Viet Nam and the scenery was nowhere near as beautiful as this was. You certainly are blessed to live in such a beautiful area.
    Odie

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  25. Happy birthday, Desiree! Sending a lot of happy thoughts your way. Also, please do drop by and check the little post I put up for you.

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  26. Hello,

    We were just visiting Mona and see that you are a birthday girl.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    Hugs

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  27. Just come over from Helene (H) in Derby and delighted to discover your blog. I have relatives living in Capetown and have always wanted to visit : your helicopter trip was the next best thing.

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  28. Just popped over from southhams to wish you a Happy Birthday.
    What a bonus to have a helicopter ride in South Africa no less. Thanks for the ride.

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  29. Someone up UK way asked me to sing you Happy Birthday. I trust since you are a pilot you have good ear protection and won't hear my gosh awful singing voice....

    Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday Desiree,
    Happy Birthday to you !!!

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  30. Over from Mona's to wish you a happy birthday!

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  31. Happy Birthday!!! Visiting from Facing 50 with Humour .... I've read your comments and chuckled often.. so happy that I made my way over.. you have a great corner of BlogLand and I'm now your newest follower!!

    The pics of your daughter's furbaby Romeo ... adorable!!! HHL

    http://attitudeivlife.blogspot.com/

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  32. Happy Birthday, Desiree! You're on my blog as well!

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  33. I followed a link over from "Facing 50..." and boy am I glad I did! Just in time to take a helicopter flight! ^_^ Thanks!

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  34. Wow! I've never visited South Africa or seen photos like these of your area - thanks for the tour!
    ....and Happy Birthday!

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  35. Such a wonderful ride! The photos were amazing!

    Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  36. Happy birthday! And thank you so much for the beautiful bird's eye view of Capetown! Stunning photos!

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  37. Hi! Carol has you featured on her blog and i don't mind saying Im glad I stopped in. What breathtaking pictures. I will be following you now. Thanks for sharing.

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  38. There's something on my blog for you today also!!

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  39. Oh and happy Birthday!

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  40. I heard from Carol that it's your birthday. Happy Birthday. I enjoyed the flight. The pictures are fantastic. I'm now a new follower.

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  41. The novel I'm working on has several helicopter scenes and I really enjoyed your post for giving me an inside look. Thanks.

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  42. What a cool activity. Thanks so much for the pictures. BTW Happy Birthday.

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  43. Visiting from Deb to say "Happy Birthday!" Also that Chapman's Peak Drive looks quite scenic but would be very scary to drive! Loved the aerial shots. I've always admired men who wear driving gloves when piloting helicopters...

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  44. Hope you are having a great birthday :D

    By the way, have you thought of linking an email address to your blog? At first, I didn't, because I was worried about privacy, but once I did, it became so easy to respond to people and I have had no problems at all.

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  45. Happy Birthday Desiree!! I hope you have a lovely extra special day!

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  46. Sweetie, please post an email address so we can write you personal messages... :)..you have thanked all of us more than enough... :) and we are just pleased that you loved it. Hope your day is fantastic!!
    Love and HUGE hugs,
    Mona

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  47. HI EVERYONE!

    I have been away for most of today and, when I logged on this evening to check my blog, I was literally knocked over by the huge pile of comments that had built up inside my cyberspace mailbox. Remember how, in the 'olden days' you would have returned home from a long absence and not been able to step inside due to all the mail Postman Pat had been shoving through the letterbox? Well, I had the same experience, exceot that this was of the 'virtual' kind.

    Normally, I'll find a couple of comments awaiting my loving attention...2, 3, at most 5 or 6 on a really good day. Tonight? 22!!! Yes, TWENTY-TWO! At first, I was certain I was suffering a bout of latent dyslexia, but I read it both backwards and forwards...and it stayed 22. I then manually counted all the comments...as we all know computers can make mistakes. Again, my manual count reached the selfsame tally.

    Anyway, so to ALL 22 OF YOU WONDERFUL FOLK OUT THERE (I'm 56 for goodness' sake...you can't expect me to remember every single one of you by name at this time of night and after a day of celebrating), I want to thank each of you for making/taking the time to pop on over here and wish me a Happy Birthday...you have no idea how much this has delighted me. However, I'm determined not to let it go to my head. Carol (@ Facing 50 with Humour) has started complaining today that her head has already outgrown the rest of her and I don't intend joining her as a Blog Land freak...all huge head and tiny legs and feet struggling to carry her around!

    I will make every effort to scrimp and save on time that should be spent on chores, so I'm able to visit each of you, in person, within the next few days. Please have the kettle on, as I do enjoy a cup of Earl Gray tea.

    Hugs,

    Des xoxoxo

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  48. Let me tell ya girl, you've given this Ozark Farm Chick one heck of a ride!!! Woohoo!!! Thanks for takin' me up with ya. I felt like I was right there next to ya!

    I just popped in from Mona's to wish you a very happy birthday girl!

    God bless ya and have a great day filled with celebration, laughter and cake baby...heaps of cake!!! :o)

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  49. Again, many happy returns of the day, Desiree! Let's wish you that 30 years from now too!

    I'm laughing silly at the image of people with huge heads and little hands and feet. Maybe we bloggers should learn to hop on our heads.

    Tea is ready, steaming in the cups. You're welcome any time.

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  50. Hi Desiree,
    I'm very late (usual!), but saw on Lavi's blog that it was your birthday. I'd like to send my very good wishes for much happiness and to thank you for the joy you bring to everyone who crosses your path xx

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  51. Came over from Deb's blog to say Happy Birthday! You have a wonderful blog here and I'll just have to return for more adventures!

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  52. Loved the helicopter tour!! What gorgeous views of the ocean. I can see why that area would be prime real estate.
    And I see by all the comments that it is your birthday. Happy Birthday! I've enjoyed getting to know you. And your new avatar picture is so cute :)

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  53. Desiree - I can't grab your blog button, as you haven't got the little box included, just Carol's lovely picture. Katherine made the grab it bit, so have a word with Carol if you're not sure. I certainly want to proudly display it on my Blog!!

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  54. I am back again as I have decided to follow you, to learn more about the beautiful place you live in :)

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  55. I was right at the back. Amazing pictures i thought i would be afraid of heights but that was great so much so i want to do it again :)

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  56. Beautiful. My tenth anniversary is coming up. I'd love to go do something like this with my husband ;) Sooo fun!

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  57. Desiree!! just came BACK after flying through part 2...and saw that my comment wasn't here from the first part of our ride!
    oh well...go figure!!

    so here i am...white-knuckling again...over Cape Town...wide-eyed...in awe at the beautiful scenery below! what a trip!
    when do we land?
    oh, we did already...

    HEY! and a belated Happy Birthday too! :] have a great weekend!

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