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Arid Air Friendship

By: Jacob Glass

By KAVU

December 8^th, 2020

What I love most about paragliding is that it brings people together. These friendships, forged by common interests and shared (mis)adventures, feed my soul and enrich my life.

I feel incredibly grateful for the connections that this pursuit has granted. One of these dearest friends is Josh Alger. We met a few years ago at a competition in Oregon, where turbulent air and kombucha on tap bonded our spirits. He moved to the Salt Lake City area two years ago, and we have since prioritized getting together a few times a year for both flying escapades and terrestrial shenanigans. This past October, we convened for the Red Rocks Fly-In.

From the onset of the trip, the good times flowed. I left Montana early in the morning, fueled by coffee, a granola bar, and anticipation. As I zipped passed endless mile markers and a few herds of pronghorns, Josh arranged for a memorable adventure for my arrival. At 3 pm, we met up at a parking lot and put my gear in his car. At 4pm, we were jostling around in the back of a van on a meandering access road. At 5pm, we were sky surfing high above rugged Utah ridge lines. In addition to being one of the taller peaks of the Wasatch Range, Francis Peak is recognizable by two massive radar domes, one black and one white. We cruised around the impressive landscape until sunset, and then glided out to the valley floor in the fading light.

Not a bad way to start the trip!

The next few days were a whirlwind of visiting different flying sites together. The urban-wilderness interface of the Salt Lake Metroplex is unique and fascinating to view from above. Tall mountains tower along the eastern horizon. Human life (shopping centers, office buildings, suburban neighborhoods, schools, etc.) sprawl out from the base of mountains across the valley floor. To the west, several ranges break up the monotony of a seemingly unending expanse.

Before heading further south, we spent an afternoon climbing in Big Cottonwood Canyon. I am fairly green in this arena, so it was really great of Josh to lead me through my first multi-pitch ascent. Our route, Itchy & Scratchy, was 5 pitches of fun! The canyon was in full autumnal splendor, with reddening Gambles oaks and yellowing cottonwoods. The whole experience was exhilarating! (I also want to highlight how happy I was that we avoided the widespread plant in the area that gives the route its name: poison ivy.)

We caravan'd down to the Fly-In the next morning. Occasionally, one of us would radio to the other about a soaring Golden Eagle above the arid landscape

Arriving in the small town of Monroe, we reunited with flying friends from all over the West. We set up basecamp with the Missoula contingent in the middle of a dusty but suitable field. It was a great site because we could land there easily from either of the launches.

We spent a glorious few days flying above the textured terrain of central Utah. The goal was always to stay in the air together as long as possible. Team-flying is a skill we have been developing so that we can fly more XC flights together.

Though we try to work together, no proper friendship is without it’s gentle ribbing. Josh was gracious enough videocall me when I "dirted" (landed) early.... to ensure that I could appreciate the view he had from way above me. ;)

Our group of friends would gather around a campfire each night, taking turns to recount the day’s flying fun, to bump tunes, and cook on camp stoves. Some even twirled fire.

Overall, the trip was a great opportunity to connect with a good friend and experience nature exuberantly.

As cheesy as it may be....... friends of a feather really do flock together! ;)

Jacob Glass

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Footnotes

Jacob is a KAVU lifestyler to the core and a regular contributor to this #KAVUAdventure Blog. Give him a follow and a high five if you cross paths out there!!

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FootNotes

Jacob is a KAVU lifestyler to the core and a regular contributor to this #KAVUAdventure Blog. Give him a follow and a high five if you cross paths out there!!

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