Page 27 of Jameson: Mayhem Makers

I closed my eyes when we started to take off, gripping Elise’s hand for dear life. The rhythmic thrum of rotor blades filled the air as the sleek white helicopter lifted off. My stomach dropped as we ascended, and I hoped I didn’t throw up during the ride.

“Are you afraid of heights?” Elise asked with a laugh.

I opened one eye to look at her. “I didn’t think I was, but I’ve never had an experience with heights before. Sheltered, remember?”

She laughed again. “I would say don’t look down, but then you’ll miss what we’re doing this for.”

Some of my nerves started to ease. I inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. “I’ll be fine.”

The guide described all the major landmarks we flew over, including Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam. Everything was so amazing to look at, but when we reached the Grand Canyon, my jaw dropped. “Wow.”

Beneath us, the landscape stretched out in a vast expanse of rusty reds, earthy browns, and sandy yellows. The horizon shimmered with the midday sun, and it was breathtaking.

I leaned forward, my face practically pressed against the large window. My eyes were wide, taking in every detail of the sight before me. “This is even better than I imagined,” my voice crackled over the intercom in our headsets.

“Holy shit,” Elise gasped, grinning from ear to ear. She adjusted her headset and glanced out her side of the helicopter. The jagged edges of the canyon walls came into view, revealinglayers upon layers of ancient rock, each one telling a story of time that stretched back millions of years.

“I can’t believe you get to do this for a living,” Elise said to the helicopter pilot, who laughed.

“Definitely a perk of the job,” he replied.

The helicopter banked gently to the right, offering us a sweeping view of the canyon’s vast interior. The Colorado River snaked through the bottom like a gleaming green ribbon. Tiny specks moved along the river’s edge—hikers and rafters, no doubt marveling at the grandeur of the canyon from below.

“You ever think about how small we are compared to all this?” I mused, my voice quiet. “I mean, look at it. Millions of years of history carved into the earth, and here we are, just flying over it in a tin can with blades.”

It made my problems seem insignificant.

Elise smiled. “Getting philosophical on me, huh? I get it, though. This place makes you think. It’s humbling.”

The helicopter descended slightly, bringing us closer to the canyon walls. The layers of sediment were more distinct now, each stripe of color representing a different era. Our pilot pointed out a prominent formation known as the Vishnu Schist—one of the oldest rock layers in the canyon, nearly two billion years old.

“Two billion years,” Elise repeated, almost in awe. “That’s hard to wrap your head around.”

“And it’s still changing,” I added. “Wind, water, time—it all keeps shaping this place. Nothing stays the same forever.”

The helicopter hovered near a cliff edge, then slowed, giving us a chance to take in the full scope of the canyon’s majesty. Shadows played across the landscape, adding depth to the already stunning view.

We descended farther, and soon, we were hovering just above a wide, sandy clearing near the banks of the ColoradoRiver. The pilot set the helicopter down, and the rotor blades slowed to a quiet whirr. “This is where you ladies will enjoy your picnic.”

Stepping out onto the ground, I was immediately struck by how different the canyon felt from that perspective. The towering walls loomed above us, and the river’s gentle rush provided a calming soundtrack to the scene.

There was a ramada with picnic tables on the banks of the river, and our champagne and two individual picnic baskets were set out.

“These are adorable,” I said as we sat at the table set for us.

“I have to take a picture,” Elise responded, taking out her phone.

I couldn’t stop myself from looking around as we ate. “Seeing it from above is one thing, but being down here? It’s a whole different experience. There’s something about being this close to the river, feeling the canyon walls around you. It’s like being a part of it instead of just looking at it.”

Elise nodded, glancing around at the scenery. “It really is something.”

We had thirty minutes to explore the area before we had to get back on the helicopter. I lost count of how many pictures we took, and I knew I’d never forget the experience.

The whole trip was the best decision I’d ever made in my life.

“I’m so glad we did this,” I commented as we ascended back in the air.

Elise grinned, bumping my shoulder with hers. “Me too. I’ll never forget it.”

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