Paragliding in Chamonix France

Travelled:78km
Visited: paragliding Chamonix, Beaufort
Stay: Beaufort- aire free parking and services GPS N45°43.192' E6°34.026'

We started out the day at the market in Chamonix and enjoyed a galette for breakfast (a crepe made from buckwheat). Traditionally a dish from Brittany. Mark had his with ham, cheese and egg. 

We then made our way to the paragliding company, who then drove us to the cable car that brought us to the take off point. Bob, Mark and I were harnessed up and then we waited for the wind to be just right.

 Then it was 'run, run, run' until my feet no longer touched the ground and before I knew it we were soring through the air close to the mountain. I saw a forest deer and Mark had birds fly past. It was an amazing feeling floating above the valley. I was then instructed on how to steer myself by pulling the cords left or right and then together to slow down and up to go faster. Fantastic. Mark did the loopy loops which he found exhilarating. I was taken through a cloud. Then after 20 or so minutes we all had a safe and soft landing in the field next to Bluey.  

After having a lunch of roast chicken bought from the market, we said goodbye to Chamonix and drove over  the Col des Saisies 1690m and back down into the next valley to Beaufort. 

Bob and Robyn in their motorhome.

We found our spots in the aire. Mark changed a blown globe in the back light of Bluey and Bob changed over his gas bottle, then we all went for a walk into town which is well known for its cheese. 

You can visit the cheese factory in the mornings and of course there is a shop, but if it is closed, never fear as there is an automatic cheese dispenser.

 So of course we bought some cheese on our way back from having a few beers in the bar. We enjoyed the cheese with the left over chicken and salad for dinner, along with some yummy olive dip bought at the market earlier today.