Chris Crosse - East Kaweka Helicopters
This might belong in "Outdoor Transport", but more about the man than the machine.
Without a doubt, what an absolute Good Bastard.
Me and me old mate set off from sunny Blenheim to once again go and shoot some Sika. The forecast wasn't flash but we figured what the hell, we're not made of sugar and it can't rain all week in the NI (can it???)
So we arrived at Chris's base after a four and a half hour drive from Welly with rain all the way, and just pissing down on arrival. Chris ushered us in, sat us down, introduced himself, and proceeded to cut up a bloody great chocolate cake, with a pot of tea to wash it down.
Then off we all went to another mates(of his) place to watch a bit of TV and more coffee. Still no sign of the rain easing so back at the hangar he pointed us to some mattresses, the loo, the shower, the jug, toaster, and said help yourself.
Next morning the rain had eased a bit so after some discussion he explained that we wouldn't get to our original spot cos of the low cloud, so instead he'd take us to an alternative where we were more certain to get in and out in poor weather, and where deer numbers were a bit healthier.
So thats what we did. My mate shot his first Sika, the sun did come out for most of last monday, we closed the bolt on a few more, and Chris was there to pick us up in some pretty poor weather conditions as we'd agreed.
In 45 years of flying in and out of the back country, Chris's service and attention to detail was the best I've ever experienced, and second-to none. He's got a good reputation and now I can see why. Like I said, he really is a good bugger.!!
