Crestline

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to soar like an eagle, here’s the place to find out.

Securely strapped into a harness connected to a tandem paraglider, pilot Rob said GO! and we began running into the wind blowing over the ridge at Crestline. In seconds we were airborne, looking down at the 3,000 ft. drop into the valley below.

What a rush! The launch was smoother than I expected, but very quick. Unlike a parachute, the paraglider did not begin dropping right away, we actually began soaring back and forth along the ridge-line. In minutes, the pilot had us thermalling – rising with the air – until we were about 1,500 feet abouve the launch area. The view was stunning.

The afternooon sun cast just the right shadows to define the landscape beneath our feet. At one point, slightly below and off to the side, Rob pointed out a circling hawk. With a few deft pulls on the controls, he had us wheeling and soaring right along with it. That was an unforgettable few minutes … until the hawk got bored and spun away from us.

After about an hour flight, slowly decending from altitude, we landed gently at a grassy landing area at the base of the mountain.

Was I scared? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous before the flight, but Rob’s calm instructions and professional manner put me at ease. The moment we left the ground, all trepidation was replaced by exhilaration. This is one adventure I will definately do again.

I highly recommend this experience, and the FlyTandem company, San Bernadino, CA for their service.

www.flytandem.com

Cheers

TravelinFrank

Weather permitting, as part of our California adventure in early April, my wife and I are going to try some tandem hang-gliding with an old high school friend who left Canada to persue his dreams.

Crestline is a town in the San Bernardino Mountains, 15 miles north of San Bernardino. Elevation 5,000 feet. Beautiful forest. If you live in California, or are visiting southern California, you should visit Crestline, (and Lake Arrowhead, which is nearby).