Local Ramblings of the DEAF Crew

Winter continues to be kept at bay, which is bad for snow, water, and life in the valley, but it continues to be oh so good for flying.  As the weeks pass we continue to find ourselves rambling around our Wasatch Mountains, enjoying the calm winter skies, and believe it or not, cashing in a few light thermal and short cross country days as well.  We continue to frequent our local sites from Bountiful down to Lone Peak.  We hike, fly, and smile as we feel a hint of warm air returning.  However, with the returning of warmer air, I will miss the calm, cold air flights of winter.  Some of the most memorable, and inspiring flights of the year are found in the icy skies of winter.  Gliding off the upper plateaus of Lone Peak in knee deep snow and out into the orange sunset; or flying off The V, above the polluted inversion layer as the valley darkens below.  These are the memories that last, and ones that never seem to fade.

The DEAF Crew continues to solidify as we add a new member to the group.  Clark, a new pilot who has been flying with us the last few months, and one whose enthusiasm earns him the right to be a part of this unique crew.  It is great to be a part of a group of highly dedicated pilots that do not fit the...well....typical paraglider pilot mold.  I am proud to be a member of such a group, and one who collectively, and individually emulates a pure passion for flying.

Christmas Paragliding

As the Christmas holiday descends upon us like vultures, with all its commercialism, food, family time, presents, money, and everything else that just adds pressure to the soul, its time to look upwards.  Paul and I invite a few others to join us the day before Christmas on an evening flight off Grandeur.  Jonathan (JJ) and a new pilot Clark join Paul, Roman, and I.  There is a light dusting of snow up high, but quite pleasant and warm (relatively speaking) in the valley.

The following day, Christmas Eve, Paul and I hike up high in the mountains to a perfect plateau launch that was pointed out to us by one of the old masters.  There is more snow here, but the flight is as beautiful as they come.  Plenty of altitude and smooth air over the valley below.  Now this is makes Christmas complete!

Late November Flying

I love paragliding in late Autumn / early Winter!  The air is cold, snow occasionally falls, most all pilots are now in hibernation for the winter, and what is left is pure paragliding serenity.  Sure with the cold air, flights now become much shorter, and every foot of altitude gained is required to be earned through burning legs and lungs.  Perhaps this difficulty, makes it all the more special.

Paul, Mark and I continue to hike...regardless of snow, or sun.  It is a great opportunity for us to hike and fly, not only the standard launches, but offers a great excuse to explore new launches along the Wasatch we have been eyeing now for some time.  I am thankful for great friends who are just as passionate about flying as I am.  Thankful they are always willing and excited to get out and hike, no matter if the ground is white or brown.  

On a standard routine flight off Grandeur, we all three swoop into the landing zone, all smiles.  My eight year old daughter walks up to me and says "Dad, I think you guys should be called the DEAF Crew."  Not sure what she meant, so she proceeded to explain it to me, and what it meant.  It is often said that from the mouth of babes comes wisdom, and my daughter is very creative.  What does it mean?  Well, that may just have to be saved for a later date :o)   

Final Days of Autumn

As Autumn officially comes to a close as the first real winter storm approaches, I have to step back and take a look over the last few weeks.  It continues to be some great flying, and we seem to have transitioned from the thermal days of summer, to the hike-n-fly conditions of winter.  Paul, Matt and I have been spending a lot of time on Granduer, Roman and I ended up flying Cherry Canyon one more time, and Matt and I got a great flight off the North Side at The Point.  It is a very rare occurrence to get the entire Point to yourself, but Matt and I received that privilege...rewards to those who are not afraid to hike.  Beautiful glass of conditions and flying in the smooth cold air.


With Autumn ending, I look excitedly towards the joys of winter flying.  It seems most pilots have holed up for the winter, but for us, flying is ALWAYS good, and every season has its rewards.