Thursday, October 28, 2010

Sky Transport

While hiking in Kennedy Meadows we observed a couple of helicopters trailing buckets.  Since the day was hot and hazy the first thought might be that they were fighting a fire.



 But no, no water in these buckets.
 It was concrete that they were hauling to upgrade a dam at the edge of the Emigrant Wilderness.
 I was struck by the stance of the guy on the right, hands clasped behind his back.  Hubby thought perhaps it was his job to signal when the bucket was ready to be lifted and didn't want to make any gesture that might be misinterpreted.
The orange stripe on the hard hat would make it possible for the guy in the chopper to distinguish him.  What ever the reason for the stance, it looks like a hazardous operation for both the men on the ground and those in the air.  It was a bit disconcerting for the hikers as well.  The Helicopter with its full bucket of concrete flew right over the trail!
You can find more sky views at SkyWatch Friday, hosted for us by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia.

12 comments:

Kim, USA said...

That's what I would think too if I see a helicopter with a bucket. Great shot you've got here. Thanks for sharing!
Sky Watch

Owlfarmer said...

What's the dam for? Are they building a fishing pond like the one up at Whitney Portal? I can't think that the 'copter's presence and the construction would make for a very peaceful walk! I do love Kennedy Meadows, though, and am once more wallowing in nostalgia.

Sylvia K said...

Interesting, but I think that would have made me a bit spooky, too! Beautiful blue skies though! Hope you have a great weekend, Martha!

Sylvia

eileeninmd said...

Interesting post for skywatch. I would be a little scared of the helicopters lifting the concrete oover the trail.

Anonymous said...

interesting that you stumbled upon this. great coverage.

Unknown said...

That is incredible, and what a great shot for Skywatch.

I would never have thought that it would be concrete, but I guess it's the quickest way to get the concrete to the dam.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh my gosh Martha, concrete? Yikes, that would disconcert me to have that flying above my head!

We've seen the firefighters with water buckets a couple of different times.

All of that helicopter work looks very dangerous and I'm sure it is.

This was a great photo essay. We always enjoy watching experts at work (but maybe not when we're underneath them!)

Linnea said...

What a busy and noisy day it was up there!

Anonymous said...

That must have been a sight to see w/ the chopper, but that sky sure is blue & pretty!!!

Arti said...

Thats so very dangerous...
You have captured it so well!!
Have a nice day.

My Yatra Diary...

Unknown said...

A lot of work goes into these things. Yikes. I hope you're well, Martha!

Ciao,
Gina

Diane AZ said...

Well, the helicopters transporting concrete in buckets sure makes an interesting skywatch post! I wonder why the concrete wasn't brought in by truck.