Our Thursday morning on the outer banks began before 8 a.m., once again. This time, Cindy and I arose from our slumber to make the 45 minute drive to the Cotton Gin “Airport.” “Airport” is in quotation marks, because, although it technically is one, it consists only of a couple of grassy strips in which small planes may take-off and land. Why were we going to the airport? To hang-glide, of course! This was part two of my wild and crazy hang-gliding adventures. I had signed up for the 2000 ft. tandem hang-gliding experience in which I fly tandem with an experienced instructor.
Ready for Takeoff!
We were towed up to an altitude of over 2000 ft. by a light plane. Once we reached altitude, the tow line was dropped and we soared above the clouds with amazing views of the Outer Banks and Currituck Sound. It was absolutely exhilarating! To be attached to a kite, one-half mile above the surface of the earth, floating on the fresh breezes, peeking down through the clouds to see the landscape below is an indescribable experience. I’m once again thankful for the opportunity. (A video of the flight is at the end of the blog).
Accelerating down the runway.
Airborne!
Into the wild blue yonder…
Descending after breaking through the cloud layer.
Just before touch down.
On the way home, we stopped by the grocery store to buy the necessary ingredients for dinner. Cindy made her world-famous spaghetti, I made my world-famous rum cake, and the whole gang enjoyed a wonderful evening together. Before dinner, we splashed in the pool at our rental house. After dinner, we went over to the beach to fly kites. When we returned from the beach, we enjoyed a few hours of games, including Bananagrams and Jeopardy. (And, I finally won a game.)
Landon jumping off the “platform.” My kids all used to do this.
Landon and Layna with “Paw Paw” and “Maw Maw”
Set for dinner.
The beautiful beach of the Outer Banks.
Playing at water’s edge.
Let’s go fly a kite!
Jon flying a kite.
My turn to fly a kite!
Flying a kite, Cindy style!
And, finally, a short video production of my hang-gliding fun:
Wow!!! That was spectacular!! Whoever used that particular piece of music for that video! Exactly what I felt watching it! Heavenly! Crying and awed at the same time, your very best sermons EVER!!!!!! Do clouds have a tangible presence?
Glad you enjoyed it! (Almost as much as me, it seems.)
OMG! You lucky dog! Living out the dream, man. I have always wanted to hang-glide but felt I wasn’t strong enough. Never thought about the tandem option. That video brought tears to my eyes. I’ve done para-sailing and parachute from a plane (tandem) and my next adventure is to ride the zip line over the royal gorge (next summer). But hang-gliding is back on the list! Great video – thanks for the ride! Pat
Sky-diving is on my list somewhere. You should definitely hang glide. It a breeze! (pun intended)
Unbelievable !! And the music made it beautiful ! (Now, I’ve been hang gliding !)
Thanks!
That was awesome! I was just wondering what Mama and Daddy would say about all your adventures.
Thanks, Wanda! Me, too! Wish they were still here!
That was amazing Barry! I can only imagine how cool that must have felt! So glad you were able to experience it! Love the video ! It gave us a glimpse of what it would be like!
You are living life to the fullest. Great video. Congrats on your courage.
Thanks, Jack! I’m doing what I can to live it that way!