3 years on and wouldn't change a thing

[gary stenhouse]

Well it’s been 3 hard years to the day since I qualified in paragliding, what a sport.
I have flown in four countries and experienced things that most will only dream of, met some of the best people and enjoyed the best social any sport can deliver. Yet I still feel like I have only touched the surface of one of the most memorable sports.
Year one had to be the easiest year, while ignorance was bliss and danger didn’t exist.
Year 2 was starting to show signs of danger and awareness, and yes fear! Why I don’t know but something clicked and I started thinking more and even walked down hills if things weren’t right something I wouldn’t have done in year 1. I learned to spiral wingover and even sat yet my thirst was not getting quenched. I needed more performance to satisfy my needs and moved up to 2-3 class after 18 months to soon for most peoples likening but for me it felt progression, now with 160 hours in the bag. The next few months went from strength to strength flying high and longer and flying the flights of my life in France.
On April the 21st 2007 the world stopped still and a new adventure began starting with helicopter rides hospitals and private jets that only the rich and famous have the privilege.
Though within 12 weeks in 1 day I was back, but not where I left off, my passion was there but my soul was broken, but not for long in the first week back I had flown xc to staithes xc at jenkin.
Though it was now real scary not knowing when I was going to be dumped out of the sky.
Year 3 has seen me back to where I was, but now a hanglider pilot and the awareness that can only make me a safer pilot. (Though not to everyone’s likening)
Would I change my choices that I had taken even knowing the outcome, well no as everything I ever do is planned well thought out and fully committed, and any consequence is my own choice.
Well 3 years on I have over 280 hours in pg and 20 in hangliding so let’s hope the next 3 years brings as much fun friendship and bickering that is when the flying is shite.( and mad dog keeps out the Velcro)

Cheers Gary