Clancy jumps off Takaka Hill

In New Zealand, Garth and Clancy and I went climbing for a day at Payne's Ford. I say climbing, but in reality we wandered over there in a casual fashion, climbed three routes, went to the famed Mussel Inn for lunch, saw Pu Pu springs, and bouldered our way into a fast-flowing river in the sun. It was a great day, and it was fantastic to be in summer weather and climb on rock again.

On the way over, Clancy was overcome by the urge to jump off Takaka Hill, which is a well-known paragliding and hang-gliding launch. Here are some photos of him making the leap with a speed wing, for a roughly six-minute flight to the valley floor.

Clancy and Garth surveying the landscape from the Takaka Hill launch.

Beware of stags if you land in deer paddocks.

Pre-flight helmet.

Clancy getting ready.

Taking a run...

And he's off!