Dreamland

Hang Glider

I buy a second-hand hang glider that this guy has advertised in the paper. The frame is in good shape, but the nylon fabric is torn in a couple of places. I talk him down on the price, get it pretty cheap. I patch it up with pieces of blue tarp, and load it into the back of my old pickup.

I’m driving on the freeway headed out of town. A friend of mine told me there is a huge field next to a lake out this way that is great for hang gliding. There are tow planes that will take you up for a reasonable price. I spot a sign next to an off ramp: “Tow Planes: 35 Cents”. This must be the place.

I park my truck at the edge of the field and assemble the glider. I carry it out to where the planes are. I pay the pilot with change from my pocket, strap into my glider, and clip the towrope to the frame.

The plane starts taxiing. I run a few steps and I’m airborne. The tow plane takes me up; circling over the field, then leveling out at about 2,000 feet. I pull the release pin and I’m flying free.

I glide out over the lake, enjoying the view. I dive to gain some speed, then swoop back over the field, looking for a thermal. I catch one and spiral up slowly, gaining back lost altitude. The air is calm; it’s a bright sunny day, just perfect for gliding. I’m really enjoying this, just being in the moment, such a peaceful state of mind.