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Day Dreaming About Hang Gliding
Trying to keep my eyes on the road
by Heather Atwell
Though I have never gone, I used to day dream about soaring through the air - hang gliding. Bungee jumping, nah. Skydiving, no thanks. But hang gliding? Sign me up.
I contemplated adding a hang glider to my Christmas list one year, until my mom squashed the idea by explaining that, "Hang gliders are very expensive." Translation: "No chance of you getting one from Santa."
Since the days when I asked Santa for presents, I lost some of the desire to hang glide, perhaps because I have matured or perhaps because I am older and wimpier. But I still catch myself momentarily day dreaming about trying it.
If you've ever driven on Route 4 in Vermont between Castleton and Rutland, which I've done more times than I could count, you may have noticed hang gliders circling above. They launch from West Rutland, soar above the highway and most of the time land in a field on the other side.
This past Sunday, I noticed two high above and started thinking about my childhood quest to hang glide. I was driving, so it probably was not the greatest idea to watch them, but they mesmerized me just as a soaring eagle does.
I was quickly snapped back to reality with a thud. Well, reality came before the thud when I was startled by a small bird flying low and across the road. I closed my eyes (yes, still driving), heard the thud, opened my eyes, and saw feathers in my rear view mirror.
Poor little birdie.
Now, whenever I see the hang gliders floating above and start to become mesmerized by them, I will most likely be snapped back to reality by what I am taking as an omen to not go hang gliding.
Reader Comments
Comment from Dagny McKinley on July 21, 2008
Hang gliders launch off the ski mountain in Steamboat Springs all summer. There is something graceful, maybe it's the wings that let you think you're free for a moment. Just another perspective, another way to view life for a few moments. If you get a chance you should definitely try.
PowderLover
Comment from Heather Atwell on July 21, 2008
PowderLover - Despite the bird incident, if the opportunity to hang glide came up, I would definitely go. - Heather
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