One of the goals I’d hoped to achieve on this trip was to improve my parapente skills. I’d even given some thought to the idea of logging enough hours and experience to possibly teach the sport someday. As most of you know, I’m still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I enjoy teaching and being outdoors so the thought had come to mind.
Since arriving in Crucita, I’d completed nearly 40 flights with more than 30 hours of flight time and was loving life but the enjoyment suddenly came to an end. During my 3rd flight on Wednesday 12/23, the winds suddenly increased and changed direction and I was unable to guide myself to a safe landing. The wind carried me backwards over the city and, as much as I tried to steer away from obstacles, I simply couldn’t. As I approached a home, the kite deflated and dropped me nearly 45′ into a drained pool. The PG harness (and a water bottle inside that broke) took the brunt of the backwards hit and, although my back was bruised and is still sore 2 weeks later, I’m considering it a miracle that I’m alive with no evidence of spinal injury. My mom always used to pray that the Angels would protect me. She must still be praying as I believe they did the other day!