https://www.si.com/vault/1975/11/24/613 ... lying-high
I'll repost this because it sturuck home with me.
In the early 70's Hang Gliding in Telluride, we saw the "cream of the crop" come to fly the "high" mountain , rarified air.
One day, Hal Brock came to town and asked about flying sites, the next day he hitched a ride up tomboy road, and got off at Imogene Pass (13,500') . He then traversed a 4 mile ridge line back to Ajax mtn. (12 years old , 45 lb. glider, 13,000', wow, and double wow) Overlooking town. We watched him set up his glider (not sure what kind) then watched him wait for 1/2 hour. The wind had changed and gotten "squirly" which it ALWAYS did, Hal , a pilot beyond his years, broke down his glider, and walked back to the pass and "hitched" to town. In the bar that night, there was much "banter" about this "kid" who was a "monster", but it also fit right in with "where we were". "To Hell You Ride"......The town without a "bellyache".
Hal went to Aspen the next day, and the rest is history.
I think he's still "playfully jumping and tumbling" .
Craig