Lemmings!
Posted from: Merida, VenezuelaWent on a Paragliding trip yesterday, which was absolutely incredible. From Merida we drove for just over an hour up into the Andes.
The jump off point was around 3000m asl, way up in the clouds. I say jump off point because I was a little suprised by the take off area. I've seen quite a few Paragliders back in the uk, they frequently fly around Holmemoss (a local site in the UK) and typically they have a decent run along a mild descent to get air borne. However we were approximately 4m from a cliff edge - a LONG way up! The guides advice was "Just run over the edge, don't jump, just keep running DO NOT stop! "
Well fortunately it seemed to work ok and we were soon airborne. An amazing feeling which I won't even try to put into words. Soared around the peakes of The Andes for just over half an hour before landing some 1500m below - Landed safely and with a HUGE smile which keeps coming back every time I think about the experience.
Comments
Doog work Russ!! I knew you'd love the paragliding.
Excellent blog btw. Keep the updates coming.
Posted by: Dave | November 1, 2006 6:17 PM
Glad to see hear still doing what you love best TRAVELLING!
Keep up the weblog, nice to hear where you are in the world.
Posted by: Andy Paton | November 1, 2006 10:30 PM
Sounds amazing. You are much braver than me :0)
Posted by: Suzanne | November 2, 2006 9:58 AM
GOSH! guess your Palafru days seem dull in comparison! Should have practised off the terrace. I'd have been thrilled!
Ax
Posted by: Angela Lloyd | November 2, 2006 12:58 PM
Someone told me to check out Russ's website as he has had a JUMP in South America....strange how words have different meanings in different parts of the world! Better warn Russ.
Posted by: Rick B (not from Oldham) | November 2, 2006 7:25 PM
Hey Russ !! Nice 2 see you enjoying life to the fullest.
Keep it going !!!
Posted by: Sachin | November 3, 2006 8:53 AM
What you need is some kids to keep you stuck at home and stop making people like myself so jealous of your experiences!!!
Really great to hear of your adventures. Keep doing it! DO NOT STOP.
H
Posted by: Huw McKee | November 5, 2006 11:32 AM
come sta russ?
sounds mad, not sure the parachute would have carried my frame. glad everything is going good. keep us in touch with what is happening anhd make us all feel jealous
neal
Posted by: neal | November 8, 2006 6:39 PM