April 3, 2010 - Paragliding

My first tandem with Arnel



Dingo and Dinguette


Me and Estelle
Estelle kiting...
...while Damien looks on
My turn kiting the small wing. I think Damien's being a monster or something behind me. Consider it a work of art, up for interpretation.
Andrew's first time under a paraglider wing in maybe four years? Getting some last minute reminders from Anne before the blast-off.
A little push....and he's off! Like he'd never skipped a day of paragliding in his life.

Now time for me to try kiting the big wing. After some careful blow-by-blow instructions from Anne, and several failed attempts, I finally got it!
Then at last! Time for the real deal. It was only a sled ride, but it was awesome! Can't wait to get back out.


Et enfin, a para-base to close out the day.

March 2010 - Yosemite with the Olsens

I finally talked my parents into coming out to Yosemite, and as expected, they loved it! We took them to El Cap Meadow, hiked to Lower Yosemite Falls, went to the Awahnee (a first for me and Andrew....my mom LOVED it there) and took them climbing for their very first time. It was awesome! Because of my dad's Fire Dept experience, he was a natural with all the gear, and belayed me on two different routes at Swan Slabs. He even got on one of them, and did a great job! And check out the anchor he built. What a guy! I'm so glad I finally got to share Yosemite with them!





Climbing gear 101:

All set up to belay me




Now this is what I call a simul-rap:



Perfectly equalized anchor!