Paragliding with the “Mountain Women of Jackson Hole”

Ever notice how there are some people who seem born to be referred to as ‘thrill seekers’?

After spending some time with Connie Kemmerer and the Mountain Women of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, you understand that these ladies are thrill seekers extraordinaire. In a way, however, it may be more accurate to simply call them ‘women who love to live their lives.’  Most people would consider climbing a mountain a pretty full week.  Imagine climbing it, then paragliding off…

For the uninitiated, tandum paragliding is where you and a pilot are strapped together and run off the top of a mountain with a sail that is essentially a parachute, and you glide to the ground in a ride lasting fifteen to twenty minutes.  According to the Mountain Women, the feeling is akin to ‘being a bird.’

On this sail, Connie, Kay and Annie were joined by Co-Executive Producer Tom Rau, who was flying with a GoPro as they embarked upon a memorable ride. Throughout all their adventures together, Annie had never before experienced the joy and freedom that comes with paragliding.

After many years in Jackson Hole, she and her husband Cuper are leaving to pursue his dream of boating through Europe via the Mediterranean Sea.  Annie leaves behind a group of close friends whose daily phone calls would determine that days activities, ranging from something as quiet as quilting to something as invigorating as extreme skiing.  This adventure for Annie, Tom and the ladies of Jackson Hole will remain special forever.

 The ride was captured with pictures and video, taken both by our team and by the pilots guiding Connie, Kay, Annie and Tom.  It was hard not to share their excitement as we watched from the ground as they made their slow and graceful descent.  They performed barrel rolls and spins while flying in a close formation; their smiles served as a reminder that life is short, but very special, and even in our advancing years, the kid inside us is always ready to be awoken.  By embracing that side of ourselves, everything can be that much more enjoyable.  For Connie and her friends, this ride was but another special day amongst many, and be rest assured that there will be many more to follow.

We are anxiously anticipating our next visit to Jackson Hole to catch up with the Mountain Women, and we anticipate that they will have many more stories to tell of adventures that they have had between our visits.