Pro Pixelographer: Paragliding in Upper Park

I know it's been a while since a new post. I really thought no one cared. And in reality, only a little care. But those who have spoke up about me not updated this blog, Thank You. I do enjoy it, but don't find a lot of time to do it on top of work.

So, I am getting in the trenches once again. Hopefully I can find a rhythm. I just got back from a week in Las Vegas on vacation and already came across a beautiful sight in Upper Bidwell Park. I was taking images of wildflowers in the canyon, when I turned around to spot these three guys flying in the thermal pockets of Upper Bidwell Park. It was really neat to see them fly so peacefully. I learned a little about paragliding and wind conditions. They even told me there are trying to learn how to navigate through the ridges in the area in hopes to create a path all the way to Red Bluff! Pretty incredible how they are able to do that.

Shad Preston comes in for a landing with his paraglide through Upper Bidwell Park canyon on Thursday, March 4, 2010 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Wil Brown (left) watches Shad Preston (right) paraglide on thermal air lifts through Upper Bidwell Park canyon. The sun heats the ground and creates a warm thermal air that lifts the paraglider around. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Shad Preston takes off the cliffside to paraglide Thursday. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Jon Stallman looks up the canyon wall to see Jack Brown follow him paragliding on thermal air lifts through Upper Bidwell Park canyon Thursday. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Wil Brown carries his paraglide along a trail after landing in Upper Bidwell Park Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Jon Stallman soars amongst the clouds on thermal air lifts through Upper Bidwell Park canyon Thursday. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Jon Stallman paraglides in his pod harness from North Rim in Upper Bidwell Park Thursday. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)

Wil Brown (left) and Jon Stallman (right) paraglide on thermal air lifts through Upper Bidwell Park canyon on Thursday, March 4, 2010 in Chico, Calif. The sun heats the ground and creates a warm thermal air that lifts the paraglider around. (Jason Halley/Chico Enterprise-Record)