Tom's flight and season ending
Brad Sander
Dear Friends,
What an epic amazing year! I have just spoken with Tom DeDoroldot who has just done something incredible. We are entering a new realm of Paragliding In Pakistan, the fusion of flying and mountaineering. Tom and Ramon crossed the Hispar and Biafo glaciers by glider and on foot with Spainish mountaineer Simon as Ramon's tandem passenger. Then they flew from Askole but went different ways, Ramon flew to Skardu and Tom up the Baltoro Glacier where he soared 20 meters over Trango Tower, close enough to wave at climbers there! During the flight he got very close to K2 and his highest point was 7200m over Concordia. He landed at Ali camp where he was greeted by local climbers from Hushe. Tom's spent several years going to Hushe and working with a Spanish NGO so he knew the locals working at Ali camp personally. With their help he then climbed to Gondogorola pass and flew down to Hushe. . I cannot say how excited I was to hear this news from Tom. It is a dream to fly this route, and yes it has been to some extent by pilots in the past, but I feel his style and preparedness really have my respect.
This is not to undermine what anyone else has done this year. Basically I feel we didn't have that good of a season in terms of flying conditions. But we have had more pilots visit than any other year, and we have seen more bivy flights done than before. To see that so many pilots coming who are traveling with SPOTS, camping gear, and doing their research before coming has been great.
For me the highlight of this season is the resource sharing and team mentality shown by all pilots. We have really worked together to improve the travel experience, route selection and overall safety. There's really too many examples to list and people to thank but in the future I hope to try. For now you know who you are, thank you.
For myself I have decided to extend my trip till, I fly out of Islamabad on August 31rst for Thailand. But it's not actually to fly, it's to go trekking in Shimshal Valley. To be honest I've had enough of pushing, I'm worn out of flying. But I'm not tired of being in Pakistan, I'm am still totally enamored by the culture, the people, the mountains. I'm already planning my return journey. And if in the future that means less flying and more time helping other people to achieve their dreams here then that's my reward.
I'll be back in the US the first week of September to team up with Oriol and Eric Reed to do a month long flying trip in the Sierras before working on my Uncles Farm.
To all the pilots in Chitral and Booni. I apologize for not being able to spend more time with you. I fully intend to spend more time over in your area next year.
It's been great to see all the positive changes here this year,
Brad
Brad Sander
Brad you an absolute inspiration mate. I was due to visit pakistan at the beginning of July but due to family issues had to postpone unfortunately. However, God willing I aim to attend next year and experience the Karakorum mountain flying with the likes of yourself and other senior pilots. Like you have mentioned it is important to fully research before attending so that one is fully prepared so was wondering if you (if/when have the time) could put together a list of important equipment that is a must if flying in Pakistan. I wish all the best for your other adventures and hope to see you next year Inshallah. Take care and keep in touch.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Paraglide Pakistan" group.
To post to this group, send email to paraglide...@googlegroups.com
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
paraglide-pakis...@googlegroups.com
To switch off emails and read only via the web please login to http://groups.google.com/group/paraglide-pakistan?hl=en
and click "edit my membership" on the right hand sidebar
http://bradsander.blogspot.com/