A silent glider overhead lured me to a hidden airstrip, where twenty dollars bought my first, thrilling step into soaring. With Ed, a pilot as calm as a school teacher, we danced above a quilted landscape, turning me from a curious bystander into a soaring devotee.
Read MoreIn my final New England autumn, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Hunger Mountain, known only from the skies. Climbing through humid woods, I lost my shirt to a dust devil on the summit, an unexpected twist in my adventure.
Read MoreOn that remarkable Memorial Day, as I groomed the cat on the porch, fur wads defied gravity, hinting at something extraordinary. It turned out to be our region's greatest soaring day, with towering cumulus clouds. Yet, I was confined to short flights and lessons, watching as others seized the skies, making history.
Read More"Until then, this one goes into my book as the GRANDEST THERMAL EVER. And the magic ingredient was, it found us exactly when we needed it least, painting the sky with a brush of unforgettable wonder."
Read MoreCrystal Squadron celebrates two diamond victories, with pilots mastering Mojave's thermals and tackling Owens Valley heat. Mike Koerner's 456-mile journey to Elko showcases strategic prowess amidst shifting lift and cirrus challenges.
Read More"After running alongside, catching a wingtip, and proudly helping the pilot push off, I was anxious to know how in the world he got this far on such a weak day, but first extended a smiling hand, 'Hi, I’m Dale.' That’s when he chose to remove his parachute, staring beyond my ear for signs of human activity at our little terminal building. Crickets, as they say."
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