Operation : Cloud Nine . . .

Fall trip with perfect temps and good winds. Made a nice flight at the 9 Point mesa tract the morning I arrived. Spotted some young bucks back at the cabin tract.  I have some decisions to make for the long term future. Since my hand injury, I knew my best option was to have an electric bionic device made with moving fingers. The wheels are in motion now. The problem is this device is sensitive to harsh environments, like dusty deserts or wet, humid sandy beaches. I need to find a nice grassy, rolling pasture spot in rural Texas with plenty of room to breath. I'll keep a couple of tracts in Terlingua for short visits but the search is on for a new playground.  

9 POINT MESA

BLANKET  FOG

SKY  ON  FIRE

An Altitude Adjustment . . .

Finally had some good weather & a day off so I got up early Sunday morning & went to a nearby baseball park. This was my second flight since my freak accident in my garage, lost three fingers from the paramotor propeller. It's a belt drive with pull start, not the one in these pics. Been flying this park for a while even though it's kind of a tight take off area surrounded by trees & light poles. Because..nothing will keep me out of the sky, while I'm physically able.  

Chasing the Sun . . .

After a cold, wet winter in the city, it was time to catch some sun & ride the desert wind for this first trip of 2017. I made a couple of nice paramotor flights, visited John at The Field Lab and relocated my firepit & gazebo into the new area cleared by my dozer guy. Eventually this spot will be for a large stone cabin..since I have an abundant supply of natural building blocks all around me. For now, it'll just be one of my wide open relaxation spaces.

     

Creek Hawk

Beer braised stuffed steak on rocket stove.

Desert Zen

Horizons in the mist.

The Mesa's Edge . . .

With calm morning winds, I took off from my new tract & flew the west face of 9 point mesa, with the new Air Conception titanium 130cc paramotor. It was truly another dream flight out here. The second day I headed over to the Agua Fria side & flew low thru Agua Fria creek. Back at Neptune valley, got to see the usual..beautiful sunsets, a million campfire stars, javelina's & finally saw some mule deer on a ridge bordering my tract. Winter time also means the campfire gets lit earlier in the evening..but the fire inside never goes out.       

Black hill & 9 pt. mesa

Neptune valley morning

Agua Fria creek





 

On the Wild Side . . .

Some wild flights & lots of wildlife on this epic trip. I was able to fly over Packsaddle mountain, just across from Panther mountain, I flew in April. Trying to explore something new every time. These trips are not about a vacation, it's to realign the mind & feed the soul.  

Waking up giants

   



Swimmin' hole?







Another horizon symphony

The Earth's Canvas . . .

Some defining moments happened in this 'off the chart' crazy spring adventure. With virtually zero winds blowing, I finally soared over Panther mountain in the early morning glow. Then spotting some deep dry creeks, I was able to do some low canyon carving like only birds can fathom. On top of that, everything was in bloom and in hi-def colors..a circus of the senses. Then on the last evening, nature put on an encore show as a lightning storm danced in the distance.           
 







Desert raven

Canyon carving

Caught in flight

Top of Panther Mt.






Horizon fire at dusk

When stars align...

There are times in life when things fall into place. This trip was one of them. After months of preparation, I met up with off grid blogger and PPG enthusiast John Wells of www.thefieldlab.blogspot.com who created an airfield in front of his place. John has made some flights and is looking to get back in the air. After catching some sky time, I took a tour of his place and met longhorns Ben & Bud. When I wasn't flying, the rest of the trip was spent at Neptune valley, capturing photos of creepy creatures, wicked horizons and reflections by campfire. Special thanks to my Dad, who helped build a cabin for shelter from the elements, Andy McAvin for teaching me to fly like a bird and John Wells for his inspiration and that awesome airfield. Next trip is in November..for whatever adventure awaits.

Sunrise in the mist







9 point mesa in the distance







Giant millipede

Night predator.. Mr. mantis

The stuff of nightmares

 Desert toad