There are many passions, paths and pursuits in life. Some help shape character, while others simply define it. In my passionate pursuit to live, learn, and experience life to its fullest I find myself anchored into something that not only shapes me, but defines me. As I look towards the sky, see the clouds, and feel the wind on my face I realize, because of a paraglider, I am now metaphorically and literally anchored to the sky.
I have watched the yellow lines pass by outside my window for nearly 12 hours today. The landscapes have changed from oceans edge, thru desert heat, to the top of the snowy mountains I call home. While driving, I happened to find an audio book buried in my iPhone, and trying to pass the hours I turned it on. As I tried to keep my eyes open as the hours passed, one quote caught my attention. In the story an old wise man said the following: “I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man....life is the moment we’re living now.” As I thought on that statement for several hours, my mind not only reflected on the moments of the last 10 days, but also those important moments that encompass my life.
The last 10 days have been packed with a harness full of memorable moments, treasures in my life. Soaring coastal cliffs over deep blue waters, thermal flying many thousands of feet over various desert mountains and valleys; camp fires, great friends, burned chicken, orange brownies, flying kites, and playing 'brain quest' with my kids through endless hours in the car. It is true that every day is a blessing, a miracle really. A miracle that deserves our utmost energy to truly live, to take advantage of these fleeting moments of time. It has been a wonderful week spending time with Clark and his awesome family; getting a glimpse of what a 14 year old can actually eat in any given day. It is great traveling with people who share the same values, ideals and enthusiasm for life....so much so that I am always exhausted at the end of the day (the way it should be). Great to spend time with Gary and his wonderful family. Although his hair is silver, his passion for paragliding, surfing, and life burns brighter than most. As I reflect on the moments of my life, I realize despite challenges and hardships I am truly a lucky human being. Thankful for the miracle of flight that has sunk its talons deep into my soul. It continues to make my heart race, make me smile, and remind me of what is important in life; The smile of my kids, the touch of my wife, faith in a power bigger than myself, and the endless wind in my extended arms. Yes, this is my life and it continues to be an amazing journey.
I stare down from 37,000 feet into the darkness below. The lights of the city are fading away as I fly out of Long Beach, California eastward across the desert. As I stare out the window, eyes heavy, I ponder on the activities of today. I guess it all started last night when Mark called and said "Hey, want to go to Southern California and do some paragliding tomorrow?" My knee -jerk reaction, as always..."Absolutely!" Therefore, at 4:45 a.m. I roll from my bed, hop into the car and head to Salt Lake International to catch my flight.
Torrey Pines, a cliff launch over the ocean in butter smooth air. Green grass to launch from, a snack bar, and miles of sandy beach to fly over...what could be better? How about some altitude for starters, and I could actually do without all the old naked guys standing on the beach below playing volleyball...now that is just 'bad naked.' Although beautiful, so far as you are looking up, the site becomes quite boring to fly after just a short time. No real altitude here, but pure brainless flying...it was great.
Near lunch time I find myself an hour away from Torrey Pines in a small place called Blossom Valley. You could not find a place more different than Torrey. Dry, dry desert with just prickly plants and barren mountains. However, the thermals are quite strong, and I decide to launch in the heat of the day against my better judgement. Thirty minutes into the flight, I am tired of getting thrown around in the washing machine air, and call it quits. Mark follows suit, glad to be back on the ground.
One more quick flight at Torrey Pines, over the cliff, and down to naked beach. Pack up the glider, get something to eat, then we are outta here.
Now here I sit at 37,000 feet staring into the darkness. What a great day flying different sites here in southern California, with a great friend. I am already looking forward to coming back to here soon, perhaps under better flying conditions.
