This opening page has remained essentially unchanged over the more than 20 years since this website came to be.
I had long been questioning how long I would be able to safely continue hang gliding. I was realizing that my infrequent flights were not enough to keep me safely current, and there were too many other desirable things competing for attention to spend more time seeking flight.
At a fall Fly-In in 2022, at the age of 75, amongst a group of other pilots, I had a beautiful soaring flight in the magic evening lifting air that is a favorite. I had made the decision that was how and when I would cease flying. I could imagine no greater tragedy than to be forced out of the sport by an injury or mishap because I had waited too long. I have over 40 years of flying memories to treasure. And now I am assured there will be no bad ending to tarnish their memory. A good friend remarked: "How pilot like - a controlled descent". That was a nice affirmation of my decision.
This opening page has been a familiar friend, so I will keep it. I may no longer actively fly, but a part of my heart will always be with the clouds.