Honza Rejmanek and Logan Walters chose a date and a mountain range, not the weather.
Halfway between Honza in California and Logan in Utah lies the most mountainous state in the lower 48, Nevada. Deemed Nevadastan by Nate Scales and Honza years ago this state is largely untapped by paraglider pilots but look at any topographical map and you will see knife edge mountain ranges over 150km stretching from the Sierra Nevada to the the Great Salt Lake.
- We chose a point on the map and a meet time, as the sun set over the diamonds the only headlights I had seen for hours approached, it was Honza. Hugs and hellos we slept in the cars in below freezing temperature for an early morning drive to Wells, NV.
The first day was a slow start, finding good access to the windward side of the Northern Ruby mountains. The wind and shade put a damper on flying and the terrain made for very slow progress. Eight hours of hiking our heavy kits through valleys and creeks and only Eight miles completed. Our goal of flying 130 South seemed like maybe we bit off a little too much.
Day two went a bit faster, Honza switched out of blister causing boots to his all terrain sandals. We snuck a single short flight in to escape the surrounding rain.
Day three.... Amazing! The wind aloft was nothing short of strong but the direction was ideal. We practically ridge soared our way under dark clouds over the mighty Ruby Mountains. After crossing a low point in the pass there was separation between Honza and I that could not be closed. With so many miles still to go and only 24 hours left we made it as far as we could before landing. That night we each hiked over 20 miles to meet up before sunset at the base of the Diamonds.
Day four we motivated for another early start. Every day had included constant movement and this would be no different. Our initial climb brought the biggest smiles and absolute hope for making goal. We flew tip to tip under beautiful clouds even getting a nice landing high on the Diamonds as we approached the car.
We shared great a great adventure in a remote and beautiful part of the American West. We ate steaks and shivered through the unforgettable flights and nights.
I would not exchange these adventures with a good friend for anything. What seemed impossible was completed in 75 hours of moving and countless great times.
We live for this.