Patyka Mountains from Above

It was hard to choose just a few photos from the dozens that I took from the helicopter on my flight to Khost. The mountains got more and more dramatic as we climbed through some passes, and seem to taunt those who would invade. It's easy to see how one force after another over the years has attempted to impose law and order on a region like this, and failed miserably. I'm glad we're here working with the Afghan people and goverment, rather than trying to rule them. And I've yet to find a helo crew who will accomodate some heli-skiing requests, but I'll keep trying.