In search of Malawian Gold
(More Stories..)
It's hard to believe it that it's finally happening. Tomorrow marks the day that our great Malawian Paragliding Expedition begins.
Godfrey and I have been doing Hike 'n Flys at Mount Mulanje all week, testing our camping gear and connecting as a team. Come dawn, we will head out into the beautiful unknown to discover all of what this magical country has to offer the world of free flight.
This time, we will be travelling in a jeep Godfrey and his father have lovingly restored, enabling us to travel to Malawi's furthest reaches and most rural parts.
Ultimately, our goal is to find dozens of great flying spots and the perfect location for the School of Dreams, Malawi's first paragliding school and Community Development Center.
Please join us on this incredible journey by returning to this web site and "liking" our new Facebook page: http://facebook.com/SchoolOfDreams
<3 Ben
I couldn't believe my eyes. There were hundreds. Three, four, maybe even five hundred children flowing down the street like a flooded riverbed. As I set up my landing approach, I marvelled at the distances that some of these children must have run to celebrate my first Malawian free flight. The energy that was circulating below my feet was intense. All the children scurried out from under my feet as I came in to land. Concerned that I would be swarmed with tiny bodies and a bazillion questions, I frantically balled up my glider and turned to head home, only to realize that I had been completely enclosed with five hundred silent, confused faces. It is becoming very clear to me that, as much as Malawi is a great flying mystery to me, I am just as much a mystery to it.
Last week, we set out to fly from the east lookout of the Zomba Plateau. It's a unique spot in the south of Malawi with a paved way to the top. Upon arrival, the weather changed for the worse. The clouds and wind consumed us. For a white, we felt defeated and, just as we were about to leave, MacDonald, the man we met selling precious stones at the lookout asked us to stay longer. 'We have to go because we have run out of food' we reasoned while packing up our gear. 'Don't worry, I will feed you as long as you stay to fly' he pleaded with us. Because of his hospitality, we ended up staying three more days. Every day, he walked six hours to and from his village to get food for us. MacDonald's support made us feel right at home. On the third day, the sun came out for 15 minutes and Ben managed to fly down to Zomba town. Seeing him fly made him jump with excitement. He wanted to run all the way down to shake his hand. The search for great Paragliding sites continues and I feel insecure about where we will find them. Regardless, it's heartwarming to discover the love and support people and communities are offering, as they resonate with our passion for free flight. Godfrey
Adventure Bags & Pouches
