A few pictures from the september trip in Pakistan

I have been trying to find words to summarize my recent trip to Pakistan. I have not found the words.. Suffice it to say I cannot give enough thanks to all the Pakistani people who helped in a difficult situation, what a wonderful people and what a wonderful culture. I will try to find the words to tell an amazing story in the coming months, for now as you read this please hear me, this is no land of terrorists, this is a country of remarkable human beings who feel it is their duty and their honor to help foreigners in need. Believe in the Pakistani people, they are amazing.

Paul, in you I see strength and I see real courage. We shared a moment and I won’t forget, thank you.

As I write this I’m the Denver Airport (USA) on my way to Islamabad Pakistan. The airport announcement keeps telling us that the threat level has been raised to orange… man that sounds serious. What does it mean? Wait, wasn’t the same announcement broadcast when I arrived here 2 months ago? Does the threat level ever go down?… probably not, anyway its a good enough reason for me to get out of this country.

Over the next two months I have a pretty busy schedule. My dream is to to fly from Pakistan to Bhutan Luc style, light gear, living on the wing only worrying about the weather and topography. I haven’t figured out the best season and if this is even possible but the major problem is dealing with border crossings, for now it’s still a far off dream. However this Fall I’ll be flying in all those countries and for me that’s a dream in itself and very exciting- here’s my plan.

September 5th to 25th – Start from Booni (western Pakistan) and follow in the footsteps of Phillip and Julian by exploring the area near the Wakhan corridor with my new Addict 2 light and learning more about this amazing country about the people and weather of the area.

Travel to Katmandu by bus and airplane to meet up with Adam Hill and begin a flying trip in Bhutan.

September 28th to Oct 9th – A guided trip to the mythical Kingdom (woops democratic state now) of Bhutan with Frontiers Paragliding. My Mom and Ken (step-dad) will be coming along and experiencing their first tandem flights as well as their first trip to the Himalayas.

October 14-20th Paragliding competition in Bir India. This is exciting because it will be my first experience in a big comp, luckily I knew the organizers so was able to get in as a wild card. This is a learning experience and a taste of a different kind of flying.. I wonder how I’ll like it.

Then I’m on my Enfield (motorcyle) and off to Pokhara Nepal for the tandem season. This year I hope to do some work with vulture conservation. Did you know 3 species of asian vulture are facing extinction? Well if you keep reading my blog you’ll find out more and what we can do to save these amazing creatures. Learn more at www.vulturerescue.org

So stay tuned, I’m leaving the land of fast internet but I will do my best to keep you current on my experiences as I set off on what looks to be a dream trip, flying in 4 amazing countries along the length of the Himalayas!

On the 22nd of June a few events fell into place and the weather was right for me to make an amazing flight from the village of Booni in the Hindukush range to the Hunza valley in the Karakorum mountains. John Silvester was in Hunza and on the 24th we shared a little time together on Rakaposhi before I headed back to Booni, only the way back took 2 days so I found a nice place to sleep. Here’s the video…
The Way Back from Brad Sander on Vimeo.