How I Spent My Summer Vacation

By Jim Sollecito

Like many folks hoping for a memorable trip, I plan for familiar favorites and add some brand-new activity.

Heading to San Diego to visit our daughter and son-in-law, I looked forward to restaurants and hiking trails we’d enjoyed before. I also scheduled flyfishing for shortfin mako sharks again.

For something new I would try paragliding off the nearby Torrey Pines Gliderport.

Imagine my delight when our daughter, Rachel, who’s prone to motion-sickness and doesn’t like heights, asked if she could paraglide with me. I was genuinely touched.

OK, so here’s how it went: I paid the fees. We completed a short educational video. We were issued student pilot licenses after we signed nearly 20 different types of waivers ranging from losing a limb to losing our mind. Required for the company’s liability, of course, but no stopping us now.

At first, it was hurry up and get set. And then we were told to wait. It was unusually windy and cloudy by San Diego standards, but we were prepared to take what the day gave us. The wind kicked up and was too strong; it needed to be an offshore breeze below 8 mph so we would be gently lifted above the Pacific Ocean instead of rammed into the cliffs. So we waited. For about four hours. Until we were summoned by a loudspeaker announcing “Temporary pilots under 170 pounds please report to the launching area.”

I seized the opportunity to visit the Last Chance Porta Potty while Rachel was scooped up by her instructor Jean-Claude. By the time I hustled over, she was helmeted, hooked and buckled, and receiving last minute instructions. Jean-Claude would ride the seat directly behind her. I was told to wait here, not there, as I watched her step off the 350’ shoreline precipice. Was I breathless for a second? Maybe. Up she went. Breathing commenced.

And then it was my turn. My pilot Giuseppe summoned me and strapped me in. There would be no escape. Riding the wind. The quiet rush of air as the wind whooshed over me was ethereal. One entire level cooler than cool.

The pilots, not new to this game, made sure we were partnered up for the earthbound photographer and we bonded in the sky. Talk about a moment.

For about 25 minutes we soared several miles, gliding over sea lions and surfers, Alicia Keyes’ home and other notable dwellings. As part of our one-day student training we were each invited to steer and command our crafts. Truly exhilarating. Doing a 180 will never be the same.

Then the softest of landings on a patch of grass. Unhook from the elliptical canopy. A grateful tip to our pilot for a smooth and thrilling flight. And a father and daughter already planning the next excursion.

Grinning so hard my face hurt.

Jim Sollecito is a member of the Horticulture Hall of Fame, and operates Sollecito Landscaping Nursery on Onondaga Hill. Contact him at 315-468-1142 or Jim@sollecito.com.