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Where Birds could Fly

KAVU athletes, Marshall Miller, Hartman Rector and their friend, Josh Anderson search for a perfect perch in the mountains of Wyoming

By KAVU

October 24^th, 2017

Jump in the Tesla - we’re going to Jackson!

Disclaimer: KAVU doesn't condone breaking the law but we do fully stand behind anyone that is following their heart, chasing a dream, living to the fullest and as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, pushing the limits of what humans are capable of;-) Work hard, play hard, love and laugh as much as possible....that's the KAVU way!

Marshall: Earlier this year, I was thinking about what I wanted to accomplish and (more importantly) how I wanted to feel this year (kind of like new years resolutions). On an early season paragliding trip to Jackson Hole, WY, I immediately saw one of these ambitions right in front of me - The Grand Teton! I wanted to fly my wingsuit off the top of the "Grand"!

I’ve climbed in the Tetons many times, starting at a young age while adventuring with my father, Kim Miller, who introduced me to this epic place. I love this mountain range! The Tetons feel like proving grounds - training for other beautiful ranges in the world while still carrying a reputation all on their own.

An iconic American Peak reaching heights of 13,775 feet - 7,000 feet above the valley floor, the "Grand" is a proud sentinel standing tall above the mountain town of Jackson, Wyoming. This Fall, we were three friends with an optimistic plan.... on a mission to find the perfect perch - where birds could fly.

"never know till you go"

After a nice drive from SLC, we arrived in camp promptly at 10pm, ready for our 2am wake up call.

Packs filled with climbing gear, ropes, parachutes, wingsuits and other life saving provisions, we arrived at the upper section of the Grand Teton at first light.

"lets have a look"

When we arrived on top, I had a quick FaceTime with Dad before heading towards the North Face. The beta we had, images we studied, and Google Earth all seemed to point to our best bet of finding an exit point most likely being on the north face.

realities

Properly equipped with all necessary tools, we traversed/climbed/rappelled all aspects of the mountain where we thought we’d find our perfect perch. On a 1,000 face, you’d think there would be vertical relief large enough to meet our minimums; to be able to jump off in a wingsuit and fly away? With precise and accurate laser measure calculators and experienced eyes, nothing stood out as a suitable, reasonable exit point. We found a couple spots that ‘might work’ in ‘optimal conditions’ but still... fully class 5 in the wingsuit world - where there’s zero margin for error and deadly consequences for imperfect decisions and skill.

conclusions

As we searched for vantage points, we found spots where the vertical drops were close to our minimums but, each spot had very large, intimidating, stepped ledges below. The thin air, short drops, various obstacles, and overall.... big mtn mystique asked us to be honest with ourselves and truly decide if today was the day.

After using our allotted 4 hours of scouting time to be off the mountain, we took a little extra time to factor our options. The Grand Teton was not meant to be flown today in a wingsuit.

The mountains aren’t going anywhere

In the end we had a great time exploring the lesser known aspects of the mountain and we arrived home with hearts full of respect for a beautiful planet and the adventurers who push whats possible. Its a beautiful thing to be alive.

Success or Failure?

Success! Success is living. Success is being the mountains, building relationships, and making memories. Success is being present and able to say yes to more KAVU days ahead.

Until the next adventure!

Footnotes

Marshall Miller is an OG KAVU family member and always brings a huge smile to the adventure! Follow him as he chases his passions and bliss around the Globe, KAVU style!!

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FootNotes

Marshall Miller is an OG KAVU family member and always brings a huge smile to the adventure! Follow him as he chases his passions and bliss around the Globe, KAVU style!!

Havasupai 2025

Where Birds could Fly

KAVU athletes, Marshall Miller, Hartman Rector and their friend, Josh Anderson search for a perfect perch in the mountains of Wyoming

FootNotes

By: Julia Botelho Morgan

Hartman Rector

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