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.
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!
ReplyDeleteYour photos made the drive to Pickering worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteWow, brave souls. I would be petrified.
ReplyDeletei 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!!! ( :
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteLovely shots!
Like you I think I'd rather watch and take photos, but, then again, it looks like lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteI've listened to lots of people sing praises of hang gliding . . . . good stories all . . .
ReplyDeletenope, not for me.
love & love,
-g-
great photos, no thanks for trying it out, but i would love to be there and take photos of others doing this.
ReplyDeleteI think I will just stay on the ground and marvel at the brave ones! (and take photos!)
ReplyDeletei'd hang glide before i parachuted, for sure. :) parasailing is about as daring as i've gotten.
ReplyDeleteI'm not brave enough to ever do it, but it does look like fun!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteNice 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.
ReplyDeleteWell, 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. :)
These are great! I love to watch them but would never want to be one of them.
ReplyDeleteA good flight it definitely one that lands safely.
ReplyDeleteCool shots! I don't think I'd try it.
ReplyDeletewow! great shots! and great fun.
ReplyDeleteGlide 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
ReplyDeleteNot for me!!
ReplyDeleteH Great series of shots. I might have tried that years ago but not now. However it is lovely to watch others having fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteOh, 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!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this!
ReplyDeleteI feel like getting into one of those machines now.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! This looks like so much fun, but I think I'm too chicken. I would really enjoy watching, though!
ReplyDeleteThat would be fun.
ReplyDeleteYou need to be brave to fly one of this. Great captures here!
ReplyDeleteAlexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Great series of shots. It is not my cup of tea to try and I am afraid of heights too.
ReplyDeleteI love how it looks but I'll pass on actually doing it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome pics! it must have made your day:)
ReplyDeleteThese are terrific photographic subjects - but I wouldn't dare to be in one!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I admire those who soar like eagles, I'd have to add those pix to the 'Things that scare me rigid' file!!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome pictures!
ReplyDeleteLéia
At one time yes; now no!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteLooks exciting. I like to keep both feet on the ground however.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Super series of shots EG.. Its nice to see that I'm not the only one with a problem with heights :)
ReplyDeleteNope! Not me!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great activity to photograph!
ReplyDeleteWhat great photos! I don't think I'd be brave enough to try doing that.
ReplyDeleteNice photos, but I feel the way you do about trying it. Many years ago, I would have, but not now, no way!
ReplyDeleteI often see people doing this and would love to be one of them - not good with heights though! Great shots! x
ReplyDeleteYou 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.
ReplyDelete