Hiking, Flying, New Wings

It was a spur-of-the-moment trip. Our new paragliding wings were going to arrive in Invermere (FlyingMax) and we hoped we'd get a chance to fly with them before winter set in.

It's questionable as to whether we actually needed new wings (we don't!) but the reviews of the new Phi Symphonia have been very good. They have a higher safety rating than our present wings but are higher performance. Both of which, for the amount of flying we do, is a good thing. Plus, Andrew was buying so who am I to argue?!?!?  ;-)

The wings definitely have a different feel to them so it was great to be able to get out to the training hill in Invermere to do some ground handling and get in a few launches and landings there before moving on to something bigger.

It's not as pretty as my purple and blue wing but Search and Rescue orange was a suitable alternative . . .
 because everyone knows colour is most important, right!?!?!   :-) 

One thing I'm super happy about with this wing is that it fits into my reversible harness backpack. It's so small and light!  :-)

The weather didn't cooperate fully and none of the locals were flying but Andrew and I drove up to the Swansea launch late one afternoon. Conditions were flyable (but very cloudy so no thermals) and Andrew got in a short flight to better test the wing. I tend to be more conservative (aka chickenshit) and it would have meant a long evening hike back up to get the car so I didn't fly. But took the big camera and got some good photos!

While still checking conditions, a sailplane buzzed us and took a few passes. Humorously, it was "007." Both pilot and passenger smiled for the camera.

Just seconds later, a juvenile bald eagle flew past. He wasn't quite as cooperative as a photographic subject. 

Then it was Andrew's turn. Consistent 10 mph winds and great launch. Enough ridge lift for a couple passes and then cruise around the flatland for a bit before landing.

So many deer! 

Prior to this we managed to get in a bit of hiking. Banff's Tunnel Mountain, in the snow, to break up the drive; to the top of Mt. Swansea, in the rain, to check out the launch; and Dry Gulch near Invermere while waiting for weather to cooperate for flying. 

And I had to add this food photo just because it looked so pretty!