Travel Tips & Adventures

Since we feature favorites on Fridays, we’re returning to a favorite activity that is quite terrific in the Phoenix area: powered paragliding (PPG). (And also available elsewhere, but the weather is very favorable for this in Arizona.)

Getting up in the air is a great way to put life in perspective, clear your head and find an exhilaration that is hard to match.  I’ve had the opportunity to try powered paragliding twice with Mo Sheldon, a certified instructor, and one of only two in Arizona.  He takes it easy on you, but gives you an unparalleled experience.

Admittedly, on my first experience I was a little nervous, but the nerves gave way to wonder.  Following the air currents and tuning out the rest of the world, PPG combines a motor to provide control and just letting nature take you where it will.

Paragliding and "M" Mountain near Maricopa, AZ

My second experience of PPG was even more amazing than the first.  I was able to fly over forbidden territory – Gila River Indian land that no one is supposed to travel on.  We came very close to a local landmark where I live – we call it “M” Mountain, but its real name is Pima Butte.  Flying over, we spooked some wild horses, but we were able to see them as they trotted off.

Unlike my first experience where my husband’s dry sense of humor had him asking whether I had a will made out, in my second experience, I was confident in what was to happen.

If you’ve never been able to fly, PPG is a great way to see the world.  The reason it is part of my logo – (Hey, take a look at my shop for my logo items) – is because I found the experience irresistible.  If I had the money, I’d get my own rig and go up regularly!

If you’d like to try this out when you’re in Arizona, check out Mo’s Web site:

http://www.airparamo.com

Tags: Adventure, Arizona, Powered Paragliding, Southwest, Travel

This entry was posted on Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 6:00 am and is filed under Adventure, Arizona, Family Fun, Scenery, Southwest. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.