Hang Gliding Kilted

[Riverkilt]

Well, not quite. Drove down the the Prescott Games this weekend. Saturday morning drove up over the Black Mountains from Jerome, AZ to Prescott Valley AZ. Stopped at this viewpoint above Jerome to defy the signmakers of the world.



That's the Verde Valley in the background. Kilt is Firefighter's Memorial tartan from USA kilts.

On the way home today came back over the Black Mountains and drove up to the top of Mt. Mingus where the hang gliders launch.



I was confronted by a guy with a security vest on - and a rainbow wig and a clown nose. He wanted to see my Immigration papers since I was kilted - but he said no need when I started to raise the kilt to show him my papers.... Turned out to be John Quinn Olson who has written a number of books on flying ultralights. After chatting with him, and his dog Pedro, I bought one of his books.



He took the clown gear off for the pic....if there are any kilted ultralight flyers out there you can learn more about him and his teaching folks to fly down in Mexico at www.talesfromthewildblueyonder.com (hope that's okay to say).

Here's a pic of the official launch pad where the hang gliders leap into nothingness above the Verde Valley.



Altitude is over 7,800 feet

Since I was doing so well with windy mountain roads decided to drive on up Oak Creek Canyon too. Stopped at the viewpoint at the top and found this little group of spring flowers. Just looked pretty among the trees.



Kilt today was the Texas Bluebonnet in semi-trad from USA Kilts.

A long drive down and back, particularly going over the mountains and up the canyon - but Mt. Mingus is a very spiritual place for me. Been going up there for over 23 years for spiritual retreats and recovery. Recent medical challenges have kept me away the last couple years. it felt really good to get back up there kilted and healthy.