Can’t drive in to see the oil sands operations? Let’s rent a plane to fly over them! (Part 1)

These images were all taken in Fort McMurray, where we decided to charter a plane to fly over the oil sands operations (they don’t let you just drive in to see them: I tried). This was an amazing experience, and after we split the cost, it ended up being pretty cheap! This is the plane we flew:

One man, one dream, one day.

My friends Matt and Marc are aboard and ready to go!

The pilot had everything under control, or so it appeared.

But no fear, for I was there to co-pilot the plane in case something went wrong! See that? That’s my hand holding the… steering wheel.

We launched right over Fort McMurray:

As we approached the project sites, we could see some oily water (I think) and stuff.

This is where everything happens. I think.

What they’re doing there, if I understand correctly, is cutting up some trenches to dry up the marshes so they can work on the ground underneath.

These trucks are BIG. I’ve been told each of those tires cost about 40 000$, if that gives you any indication on the size of these monsters.

I have many more pictures coming, so stay tuned for the rest of the flight!