Catching an epic day at the Crawfords in Randolph, UT. Photo by Kristjan Morgan
On the topic of hang gliding... I've begun a new project and business venture! I have been pursuing becoming a harness maker- specifically Cocoon hang gliding harnesses. Things are still in the early stages, but I have a new heavy-duty machine and have been plugging away at some prototype harnesses. I do NOT have any for sale at this time, so don't ask... you can be sure I'll be vocal when we're ready for orders!
Testing a cocoon prototype on the beach in Kitty Hawk, NC. Photo by Paul Voight
In other flying news... I'm bi. Bi-wingual, that is. This summer I finally found (made) the time to take paragliding lessons, and SuperFly Paragliding has been outstanding in getting me going and keeping me alive. I was even able to meet my goal of doing a sweet hike-and-fly before the end of the season. On Halloween day a group headed up to hike-and-fly Mahogany Ridge (the ridge in front of Mt Timponogos). It was about an hour hike, launching a little above 9k ft if I remember correctly. Conditions were light and mellow, and it was an awesome experience. We all landed in the big park just a few blocks from my house, and I packed up and walked home, wing and all. That part of paragliding is way cool, I won't lie!
Jackson the Dog and Instructor Chris Granthom watch as I fly away from Mahogany Ridge. Photo by Wendy Stein
As much as I'd like to, I can't be in the air ALL the time... and for
those situations, why not ride in style?! Starting mid-November I begin
working at Deer Valley, which means commuting to and from Park City
5-days/week. I LOVE my truck, but at 16 mpg those miles really begin to
add up. This year we thought a more fuel efficient commuter car might
be a wise investment, even if I only drive it on non-snow days. If
you've known me for a while, you might know I have an obsession with
second-generation Toyota MR2's... I think they are some of the coolest,
sexiest, most fun to drive cars ever made (for less than six-figures).
Well, after much looking, we found one at a very reasonable price right
here in SLC. We checked it out, and it was a gem! So, I present to
you, my "commuter car"! Or, our "date car", depending on circumstance.
I had one of these when Des and I met... and it's true, the guy with
the fast car does get the girl... at least it worked for me :-)
Beautiful... and I'm quite fond of the car, too
Lastly, as winter is rolling in, we've stayed true to our season kick-off tradition of going to Alta and hiking up before they're open. This year there was enough snow on November 6! Des and I were accompanied by Karl Yates and Nile Williamson... and much fun was had by all! Here's a quick peek at our first day on skis for the 2011-2012 ski season...