Kevin sharing some 2023/2024 updates and plans (sabbatical without the pay)
Kevin Lee
Hello local and far-flung paragliding family,
I’ve got some exciting news and I wanted to take a moment to share.
After much consideration and planning, Heidi, Kai, and I have decided to embark on a year-long sabbatical adventure!
We've been talking about it for a few years, and we’ve finally decided to take a break from our daily routines and go adventuring together. Family is the cornerstone of our lives and our sabbatical will allow us to spend quality time together, recharge our batteries, and reconnect.
In over 28 years of teaching, I’ve driven two Chevy vans over half a million miles. While standing beside many of you, I've mentored countless amazing students who’ve all become like family to me (as well as many of you becoming active members of this incredible community). I've flown the most amazing tandems with complete strangers. I’ve experienced life-changing flights and stood in awe of many sunrises and sunsets. And of course, scooped up endless van loads of garbage on those winding back roads. I’ve so enjoyed being fully immersed and expressive in a career of passion, and yet now we’re so looking forward to this time we are planning together.
Between now and August, we plan to slow down and focus on important milestones such as graduating our son Kai from the 8th grade and completing long overdue projects here on our house and property (I've got a couple of big projects if anyone wants to help!).
Then, in August, we'll be traveling to Indonesia, primarily Bali, and doing all the things that light up our souls there. It's our chance to step away from work and our familiar lives for a while and rediscover ourselves and the world around us (check out the school Kai will be attending for two semesters! https://www.greenschool.org/bali/
Local logistics:
During our sabbatical, Tim Hunter and I will be in continuous contact, Tim and the Hunter family will have my contact information should any matters arise. After August, If I’m not available and anything urgent comes up that needs someone on the ground, Paul Murdock and Michael Jahn are secondary contacts who will assist Tim if needed. And as always Sam Crocker and Rick Ray are reliable conduits for communication, ensuring that we can all reach each other when necessary.
In terms of new students coming to me interested in learning to fly and joining our club, I’ll be working closely with Sam and Brian Kerr and referring students to their capable hands.
Brian Kerr will continue to teach at Emigrant Lake and in the Shasta Valley, with the possibility of collaborating with Sam for “Introduction to Woodrat” clinics for students that are currently P2 rated. These clinics will be done through the WMIC just as any other clinic. This arrangement is as per Tim Hunter’s blessing.
Even though I'll be away, please know that I am always here to assist any of you with ANY paragliding-related inquiries as well as gear needs. I will do my best to provide guidance and support remotely. You can reach me through my local number and email, which will remain my direct contact. I may also be popping in a couple of times during the school year, so maybe you'll see my face out there.
That’s it! Keep doing what you’re doing out there. Be safe! And maybe come visit! We should have a spare room!
Kevin
... and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock
Thermal Tracker Paragliding
6370 Highway 65
Ashland, OR 97520
541-890-7142
ke...@thermaltracker.com