For your viewing pleasure

I really enjoyed the paragliding. Although I have to admit, I would've been quite, quite nervous if it hadn't been a tandem trip. 

This is me walking up to my guide. You can see someone else just getting ready to catch some wind and run off the cliff.

My guide was a real pro. He walked me through the whole running off the cliff process and gave me specific instructions on what to do with all limbs that were hanging loosely. He told me to put my knees together, tuck my feet in,  and hang onto the cords at the sides. His instructions were spot on. As soon as we ran off the side of the cliff, I followed his instructions exactly and didn't feel nervous at all. 

Until we caught sight of a helicopter taking off nearby and the following conversation ensued way above the ground...

Guide: Oh look over there...a helicopter taking off. Cool ay?

Ayu: Hrm...I don't quite like helicopters.

Guide: Yeah?

Ayu: Yeah. They're really unpredictable...

And this is what was going on in Ayu's head...

"Unpredictable's right...*random aerodynamic equations on helicopter flight mechanics and dynamics start flashing wildly through Ayu's head*...helicopter aerodynamics is a pain of a subject...wildly unpredictable. I mean, aerodynamics in itself is an unpredictable subject of study, we still can't accurately predict where a ball's going to land once you throw it...hrmph...with all our latest technology...helicopters are defo unpredictable. Hang on...what in the world am I talking about? Helicopters? I'm barely hanging from a chute for goodness sake! Just some measly material and rope and my legs and arms dangling about in the air and I'm thinking helicopters are unsafe?!? What am I, nuts? What in the world am I doing?!?"

Ayu: Er...you're controlling this thing, right?

Guide: Don't worry. That I am...100%.

Ayu: OK..

Guide: Well...99% anyway. 1%'s God taking us wherever He wants us to go.

And at that point, I was seriously fighting to not let the sudden realisation that I was hanging from a parachute overtake me and leave me whimpering senselessly in the air. 

Which is the challenge of doing all these activities in the first place *grinning mischievously*. No worries folks, I came, and I conquered. The nervousness went away after I convinced myself that the worst thing that could happen was not really the worst thing that could happen and to just trust...and then I was sailing happily in the air and really enjoying myself.

My guide even let me steer after a while...look, look who's in control!

Was easier than I thought :o). 

Was quite the happy bunny by the time we were back on the ground, and I was cheerily recounting all the crazy thoughts that were going through my head in mid-air. Chattered the ears off poor Kyle. Aw, thanks a bunch, Kyle-ness! :o)

*****

There were some gorgeous roses near the spot we parked at today. I couldn't resist a sniff...and as usual the trigger-happy Kyle caught me in the act. 

Toodles for now!