Oil Sands Heli-tour

It's been a good year for helicopter rides for the Sackett-Laings. Here's a few pics from a chopper flight we took a few weeks ago over the Oil Sands. The sheer size of the mines are unreal and pretty amazing to see from the air. Next time you're here, I would definitely recommend the tour. Kirt & Kyle "won" this flight at a silent auction last year, but there are tours almost every day and you can also go by float plane. Here's a few pics of the day for your viewing/educational pleasure. Not pictured: 5 black bears, 2 moose and 1 queasy stomach.

Pretty soon he'll want to be in the drivers seat

Approaching the first tailings pond. Looks like a nice sandy beach!

Suncor

Truck and shovel. Looks so small but keep in mind the truck is 400 ton

Suncor plant

Another mine site...it got confusing.

Pilot, get your hands back on the stick!

Old Bitumont Site. One of the first profitable mines in the area built from 1920-1948

Alan, Kyle, Krystal, Me & Kirt

Moving the chopper back into the hanger. Wow he's strong!

Learning how the engine works. (Please don't ask questions.)