Day 70 - Paragliders

Higher and higher...

Lift off !

.

A short run...

This morning I make a detour to Auchhalder Kopf where paragliders jump off the hill into the Enz valley praying that the thermals will lift them into the air. I arrive just as four intrepid pilots are preparing for lift-off. Clear blue skies and a light wind make it ideal for gliding and below us a Buzzard demonstrates this fine art of energy free flying. After many appraisals of wind strength and direction the brightly coloured fabric wing is laid out on the ground ready for launch. With one yank the chute fills with air, lifts off the grass and after a short run the paraglider is airborne. Dangling from the air filled wing the pilot climbs high above us criss-crossing the sky until eventually he disappears from view. It’s an impressive spectacle demonstrating much faith, courage and skill.