Fw: [Idyllchat] Switzerland Questions

Mon Feb 4 21:41:24 EST 2008

I thought this message would go out to the entire Idylchat group, but since I didn't get a copy, I decided to specifically send it.

Bob Miller
----- Original Message ----- 
From: robert w. miller 
To: Joan Herriges ; Walt Slazyk ; idyllchat at lists.untours.com ; pandjking at sbcglobal.net ; Harold Mcleod 
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 7:15 PM
Subject: Re: [Idyllchat] Switzerland Questions

Let me speak from the standpoint of one who has taken two paraglide flights in Switzerland.  The first was in the Kandersteg area in 1996.  Arrangements were made through Freddy Krahenbuhl who at that time had an office on the main street in Kandersteg.  That flight which lasted about 30 minutes cost 120Sf.  You don't jump off of a cliff but rather run down a moderately steep meadow.  I was astonished that we were airborne in about 10 steps and then soared out over the valley,  My pilot, a Frenchman by the name of Bruno Freund, told me this would be his 983 flight, and I felt much more comfortable.  Toward the end of the flight Bruno made several wide swings to lose altitude, we sailed in over the landing spot and with two steps were on the ground.  Wonderful!!

Again in 2003 I made another paraglide flight from the Meiringen area.  At this time I was 86.  Arrangements were made
through Birdwing Paragliding School in Meiringen.  My pilot was Hans Nageli, owner of Birdwing.  We got the equipment and went up to Planplatten where the launch was to take place.  Hans first launched four of his students on solo flights and then got me ready.  He spread out the paraglider on the ground in the rear, straightened all of the lines and then strapped me in.  He then strapped himself in behind me.  He had a small windsock just down the slope and said we would have to wait for a good breeze to take off.  After a few minutes there was a good breeze.  Hans snapped the lines and the chute immediately rose and tried to pull us backwards.  With some effort, we started to run and within 10-15 feet were airborne.  There was an instrument strapped to my leg that beeped when we got into an updraft.  By following these signals, Hans maneuvered out over the valley and across to soar above Reichenbach Falls.  After about 30 minutes, we came in for a gentle landing in a field just east of Meiringen. My grandson made a videotape of this flight.   I believe the cost of this flight was 150Sf.  If you have any specific questions, send me an e-mail.

Bob Miller

PS  I know paraglide flights are also available around Interlaken and at Murren.  I don't think they take off from the Jungfrau. It's all ice and snow there, even in summer.

Bob Miller
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Joan Herriges 
  To: Walt Slazyk ; idyllchat at lists.untours.com ; pandjking at sbcglobal.net ; Harold Mcleod 
  Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 5:46 PM
  Subject: Re: [Idyllchat] Switzerland Questions

  Paragliders have been increasing each year in Switzerland.  Many Idyllchat seniors are taking the leap from various locations--in tandem.  Think it must be the "Bucket List" syndrome!  

  We particularly enjoy watching them take off from Engelberg, landing among the wildflowers in the meadows below.  And you are eye level with them as you hike up to the Brunihutte from Ristis (Bruni lift from Engelberg).  Watching them, listening to the cuckoos in the forest make a fine Swiss experience.  Takes on a whole new meaning when someone tells you to take a "flying leap".  Cheers.  Joan.  
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Walt Slazyk 
    To: idyllchat at lists.untours.com ; pandjking at sbcglobal.net ; Harold Mcleod 
    Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 1:58 PM
    Subject: RE: [Idyllchat] Switzerland Questions

    This past July we also saw paragliders taking off from Murren and gliding down into the valley with spectacular views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.  Landing in the park in front of the Grand Hotel in Interlochen is cool but Murren looked super-cool!  Next time, for sure!

    Walt Slazyk
    Downers Grove, IL

    >>> "Harold Mcleod" <ohs54 at triad.rr.com> 2/4/2008 3:49 PM >>>

    I think a lot of the paragliders take off from the Alpine Tower, above Meiringen.  Harold

    From: idyllchat-bounces at lists.untours.com [mailto:idyllchat-bounces at lists.untours.com] On Behalf Of pandjking at sbcglobal.net
    Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 3:44 PM
    To: idyllchat at lists.untours.com
    Subject: [Idyllchat] Switzerland Questions

    Has anyone done the trip to the top of the Jungfrau and/or paragliding in Interlochen?  If so, please send me your comments about the cost and what you thought of the experience.

        This summer be our 5th trip to the Heartland and we are taking our children, their spouses, and our 4 grandsons, ages 15, 10, 9, and 7, with us.  We have never done the Jungfrau trip because we heard it is quite expensive.  However, some of our kids are hoping to do the Jungfrau or paragliding, or even both.

        We welcome your input.

        Thanks.

        Phil and Jane King, Spring Lake, MI

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