Monday, August 5, 2013

Soar Like an Eagle/Our World

On his way up at High Perspective Inc., North Pickering

My husband and I have passed this gliding school many times but on Saturday - a beautiful day - we decided to stop and investigate.  We felt very welcomed there even though I was obviously there to take photos and not fly. (If I ever get enough courage to try this sport, this is where I'd do it as everyone there was just so darn nice and obviously experienced.)

Apparently two of the instructors are terrified of heights (as I am) but are totally fine with hang gliding. Truth or fiction? I'm not ready to find out yet. Maybe you'd like to try it and then tell me.

Hang gliding but still attached to a tow line

A custom-built hydraulic winch pulled this hang glider into the air since southern Ontario is rather flat with no mountains to jump off. (Although a few people have glided off the CN Tower in Toronto!)

The line was now released

Experienced pilots can climb thousands of feet before the line is released. On Saturday, at least one glider found enough thermals to stay up for more than 20 minutes, but it apparently was not a good day for thermals.

Coming down for a soft landing

Wheels meant it was not necessary to walk or run when taking off or landing.


Walking back to park the glider

But it was necessary to walk the hang glider to it's parking spot under a tree.

Looks like it was a GOOD flight!

If you'd like to learn more, try clicking HERE.

More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.

43 comments:

A Colorful World said...

This would be fun, I think. The gliders look like dragonflies or butterflies! I know I couldn't skydive, but I think this might be something I would try. Give it a shot, some time! You might find that you love it!

Andy said...

Your photos made the drive to Pickering worthwhile.

Suburban Girl said...

Wow, brave souls. I would be petrified.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

i bet the views would be amazing! i'm not afraid of heights but i don't really love them either. ha. ha!! so it would be a little nerve racking at 1st. ha. ha!!! ( :

Jill said...

I wish I had the nerve to try! Years ago, while living in Alaska, I dated a guy that was a hang glider. I was just too scared.

Lovely shots!

Kate said...

Like you I think I'd rather watch and take photos, but, then again, it looks like lots of fun!

Maggid said...

I've listened to lots of people sing praises of hang gliding . . . . good stories all . . .

nope, not for me.

love & love,
-g-

MadSnapper said...

great photos, no thanks for trying it out, but i would love to be there and take photos of others doing this.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I think I will just stay on the ground and marvel at the brave ones! (and take photos!)

TexWisGirl said...

i'd hang glide before i parachuted, for sure. :) parasailing is about as daring as i've gotten.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I'm not brave enough to ever do it, but it does look like fun!

Penelope Notes said...

I thought of a moth when I saw these images and early attempts at making airplanes. This is one sport where you really have to go with the flow to have a good experience. It is a long way down if you don’t.

Lowell said...

Nice pics, for sure! But there is no way on G-d's green earth that I would do anything so foolish. What if the winds rose into a mighty force and you ended up in Paris.

Well, that wouldn't be bad but I'll bet it would be a rough trip!

And another thing: Often I read how "experienced" people end up dead. Like the skydiver last week whose chute failed to open. :)

Judy said...

These are great! I love to watch them but would never want to be one of them.

Sharon Wagner said...

A good flight it definitely one that lands safely.

Karen said...

Cool shots! I don't think I'd try it.

kayerj said...

wow! great shots! and great fun.

Small City Scenes said...

Glide like a Butterfly......It does look like fun and people who do that enjoy it so much. Not far from us is Blanchard mountain which is really a big hump and a good place to glide from. I have pictures---not as good as your though. MB

RedPat said...

Not for me!!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

H Great series of shots. I might have tried that years ago but not now. However it is lovely to watch others having fun.

Jack said...

What a great series! But, if you ever do choose to go up, I will stay back on terra firm. I am no fan of heights and I don't draw distinctions.

Sylvia K said...

Oh, it does look like such fun!! But at my age now -- and before I am and would have been to chicken to try it myself!! I do love your captures for the day though!! Hope you have a great week, EG!!

hamilton said...

I would love to try this!

Indrani said...

I feel like getting into one of those machines now.

Rose said...

Great shots...but I am with you oh heights. Though into my 30's height did not bother me at all..maybe even 40's. Not quite sure when it changed and I still wonder why that changed.

Karen Lakis said...

Great shots! This looks like so much fun, but I think I'm too chicken. I would really enjoy watching, though!

Randy said...

That would be fun.

Alexander said...

You need to be brave to fly one of this. Great captures here!

Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex

Stephanie said...

Great series of shots. It is not my cup of tea to try and I am afraid of heights too.

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

I love how it looks but I'll pass on actually doing it.

Unknown said...

Awesome pics! it must have made your day:)

Rune Eide said...

These are terrific photographic subjects - but I wouldn't dare to be in one!

Red Nomad OZ said...

As much as I admire those who soar like eagles, I'd have to add those pix to the 'Things that scare me rigid' file!!!

Cezar and Léia said...

Awesome pictures!
Léia

Unknown said...

At one time yes; now no!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Darla said...

Looks exciting. I like to keep both feet on the ground however.

Darla

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Super series of shots EG.. Its nice to see that I'm not the only one with a problem with heights :)

Jenn Jilks said...

Nope! Not me!!!!

Janet said...

What a great activity to photograph!

Anonymous said...

What great photos! I don't think I'd be brave enough to try doing that.

Pat Tillett said...

Nice photos, but I feel the way you do about trying it. Many years ago, I would have, but not now, no way!

sweetbriardreams said...

I often see people doing this and would love to be one of them - not good with heights though! Great shots! x

Carver said...

You got some great shots. I actually like heights but I've never been hang gliding and at my age don't feel adventurous enough (or light enough) to do it.

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East Gwillimbury is a rural town less than an hour north of Toronto, Canada's largest city. My family calls me CameraGirl because I take my camera with me wherever I go.