Ramble On: Fly high over Anderson in a $20 helicopter tour

Since the dawn of time, man has longed to fly with the birds and soar with the eagles. We have looked into the heavens and wondered, "Why not us?"

Then we have looked at our arms, our legs and our featherless, wingless bodies and figured opposable thumbs might not be such a bad trade off.

But what solace do those thumbs provide when we gaze skyward wondering where the birds and bugs and butterflies will go that day? Well, the idea that our brains and thumbs together can build flying apparatuses is a pretty good start.

Planes are fine for getting from point A to point C by way of a ridiculous layover at point B. These days, we use planes almost as frequently as automobiles to get from one end of the country to the other, and we think nothing of the majesty of flight while a part of it. Instead, we think about how many CBS shows we will watch through cheap headphones or which Pauly Shore movie they might show mid flight. And try not to think about the snacks, the overpriced beverages or the fact that your bags no longer fly free. It will just depress you.

There is always the hang glider. This marvel of old-school technology gets us as close as we will ever get to actually touching the skies and allows us to imagine what it must have been like for Orville and Wilbur Wright during those many painstaking flights in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

The only thing about hang gliding is you have to go through a training seminar for hours on end, and even then you are only allowed to fly with someone else guiding the thing.

Parachuting is more falling than flying. Roller coasters are mechanical beasts hurling you through the air even if you are on one that allows your feet to dangle. And parasailing seems like it would be cool for about the first five minutes and then you realize you're just hovering over the ocean for 30 minutes with the same view, hoping to see a dolphin and spending $75 for the experience.

All the flying possibilities have their place, but one that has recently entered the Anderson entertainment spectrum might be the best of all worlds — and it only costs $20 per person.

It's the helicopter rides being offered just outside the Anderson city limits on U.S. 76 North going toward Clemson. Once right on Clemson Boulevard across from Target, the helicopter rides offered each weekend provide tours of Anderson over Hartwell Lake and beyond as a pilot takes customers on the ride of their lives.

Imagine, hovering lightly over Anderson as seen from the cabin of a "whirly-bird" and looking down on the town you have grown up in or recently moved to. Think of the freedom as you fly over the lake and discover the largesse of things you see on a daily basis. It's more than just an informational tour. It's seeing things from a whole new perspective.

These rides take place right off U.S. 76 North and can be taken by anyone. We might not have much hot air ballooning in Anderson anymore, but this summer can be filled with high-flying fun. You just have to follow the flying machinations.