THIS. This is my new obsession. Violet and I agree that when we get back to New York, we’re going to take up Paragliding lessons so that we can, eventually, solo. If we are to go around the world again, it will be to Paraglide off the highest mountains we’re allowed to jump off.

And here’s the thing. Elena AND Violet did the exact same thing. Unfortunately, the company we used charged separately for each video and pictures taken and we were unable to preview any of it before purchasing. I only share that because I went ahead and paid the $90 NZD for this lot, but skipped paying another $180 NZD as Elena, Violet and I had no way to be sure it was worth it. (This is on top of the $1,200 NZD we already paid for the experience.)

Besides, Violet and I are fully committed to learning how to solo Paraglide when we get back to New York. Since we own our own GoPro I’m confident we can share much more in the future as we learn how to Parasail. For now, enjoy these pictures taken from the sky …

It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed drifting ever so gently over Queenstown, New Zealand. Paragliding is different than skydiving (see related post). I know it’s not the same, but this video gives you a good feel for what it’s really like drifting over the mountains. We’re doing about 8 meters in length for every 1 meter we “fall”. Check it out:

What’s more to say here other than a truly different experience from the bungy jumping Violet and I did yesterday (see related post).

*Amazing experience. The START of something I’ll continue to do …*

And I’m so glad that Violet and Elena enjoyed it too. I know Violet will enjoy taking lessons with me as we learn how to navigate the geothermal air currents and do our best to stay in the air for as long as we can … flying like birds. That’s what it really felt like. And yes, the whipping around is fun, but I’d be just as happy floating in the sky.

*The “before” picture as we gather at 8:30am for our 9am flights*

Each of us loved our flight. They were about 15 minutes total and could have been 2 hours if we were high enough and had enough updrafts. At least, that’s what our guides told us who were encouraging us to learn how to do this solo in the future. Game on.

So what do we do with the rest of the day? By 10am we’re back “home” where we’re staying in Queenstown. We decide to take the gondola and check out the go cart luge track. And yes, we all rode down it.

*I know I’m biased, but I think Elena looks cute in this helmet.*

*Elena and I are ready to enjoy a go cart luge down the mountain.*

*Meanwhile, Violet kicks our butts in the games available while we wait*

So what is the luge I speak of? Think about it. You own a gondola and chair lift that work great during the snowy days. How do you get people active in the summer? For some, it’s downhill mountain biking, but that’s not for everyone. What about kids and families?

*Epic view as we race through the downhill track using go carts*

You get the idea. No engine required. In fact, these carts are so light, they hang them on the backs of the chair lifts and take both the riders and the carts up to the top safely and securely. We all agree it was a ton of fun and great way to spend more of our day together.

And the gondola was quite fun and unique to get us all to the top of the mountain. Each gondola hold 12 people (6 on each side). But on non-busy days like today, families can ride by themselves, so it was just Elena, Violet and me in a single car.