About Me

My photo
We are known as PaWingers or just The Wingers by our Geocaching friends. When we found our first cache we had to come up with a name to log the find. We came up with this name simply because of residing in Pa. and because one of our many passions is cruising this beautiful country on our Honda Goldwing. Aside from geocaching we are passionate about most anything outdoors including hiking, kayaking, snowmobiling and biking. We are blessed beyond words with a wonderful son and daughter in law. We're also blessed with some terriffic family and friends. We consider ourselves very fortunate due to the fact that after being married over 40 years we still enjoy these things together.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

How does it feel to soar silently with the eagles?

Imagine the feeling to glide through the air and to be as free as the birds that share this space.  Imagine the feeling as you catch a thermal and gain elevation and now soar a couple thousand feet higher than from where your feet launched you off the mountain.  Imagine for a moment that the only thing between you and a very hard landing is some very thin fabric and a wildly constructed collection of cables and aluminum tubing.  Well, maybe it's best not to think about that, let's return to the more pleasant thoughts.  The feeling has to be exhilarating beyond words.  Few will ever get to experience this feeling.  I have to admit the thought has struck me more often than I have the courage to express to my wife.  I've looked into lessons and casually shopped around online for prices.  I suppose there are a couple reasons why I have yet to pursue this new sport.  The first reason is that even I realize that I can't afford the time nor the money for another interest.  The second reason is that even though my wife will disagree I still have just the slighted touch of common sense that occasionally rears it's ugly head.  This is one of those times!  But who knows, maybe I will be feeling this experience one day.

Several times a year hang gliding enthusiasts gather in number at Hyner Mountain and challenge the thermals as they glide through the sky much to the satisfaction of gobs of onlookers.  I will be adding several pictures of this activity and hope you enjoy them.  The first collage depicts what occurs in the first minute of flight starting from launching.  This was a tandem jump and involves a seasoned glider and victim.  Maybe victim isn't the right word.  I will also attach a large picture of the very first image and maybe you will understand why I say "victim".  This picture is deceiving but the fella in the back seems to be begging the seasoned jumper to not jump off this mountain.

I felt it was justified to make these entries in the Whoda' Thunk Blog because whoda thunk people would actually jump off the side of a mountain and actually live to do it time and time again.  Okay, maybe I can squeeze in one more hobby!



I don't wanna die!!!!!  Let's talk about this!!





 Don't be concerned, he is way high yet!







 And he's off and soaring!






 Fortunately you don't need to be soaring the skies to enjoy the splendor of Hyner Mountain!!

































1 comment:

Sparticus said...

Way too cool. Last time I was up there, no one was out. It was a bummer as I really wanted to see someone flying. Sure is pretty up there.