16.7.13

Parapente

Prior to leaving France, we decided to join a group of students in one of the region's attractions:  Parapente, or in English, paragliding.  Apparently, this sport was invented in our alpine region of France, where the combination of the heights, and the lakes (which provide some kind of thermal updraft), make this sport possible.

We had often seen these parachutes while driving around, so we figured we'd give it a try.  Overall, to sum up the experience is a bit long and complicated.  The weather was a bit iffy, and there were a couple injuries in our group, as well as delay for everyone.  I won't give the whole story.  Needless to say that, for us, it was an incredible 10-minute ride from the side of the cliff down to the landing ground.  Here are a few pictures:

Our friend Hudson at the top of the take-off area.  Lake behind him.

Eric after lift-off.

Lac d'Annecy in the background.

The two of us after safe landings for both of us.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Duuuuuuuuuude! So great! Proud of you guys too! -Kim

Uttz Family said...

reminds me of Eric para sailing in the Bahamas in that picture. Did if feel anything the same?