I've lived in Idaho my entire life and have never been to Hailey! Sad to say, that I have yet to see MOST of Idaho. But what can I say, I love Boise and I have had a great opportunity to do some traveling outside of Idaho, thanks to Chuck! Anyway, all that to say, Chuck and I spent a night in Hailey over the past weekend for a "Speedflying Boogie". There are some great hills for these parachutists to fly off of but it's just a matter of having access to private property! You would think there was enough free land around here but we're finding that most of the time, that is absolutely not the case. Between farmers, the state, and people who are just not very nice, keep these flying maniacs from flying! But maybe that's just it...
A guy name Will Burks, who is world famous as a pro-skier, lives in Hailey with his wife and two little boys. He has recently taken up speed flying, base jumping, and skydiving and it happens that he and his wife live in a little old home with a back yard consisting of the perfect speed flying hill. So for a small fee to help go towards meals, all we had to bring was a tent to pitch in the front yard. (It was a bit cold that night...39 degrees cold after having 70 degree nights/mornings in Boise days before!)
I got my hiking on, my camera taking on, and the "get the million dollar shot" on! There was a little bit of pressure because I was the only one willing to hike part of the way and take good pictures of everyone flying over and then hiking back down. That's when I wished I had a speed wing!
This particular hill was a 2 hour hike and the farmer owned property below that was the landing area. He was nice enough to let all of the guys play on his land.
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| That's Chuck coming in for landing! |
