Torrey Pines Gliderport (https://www.flytorrey.com/the-gliderport/) is a city-owned glider airport on the coast of La Jolla. It is considered to be the “Kitty Hawk of the West.” It was established in 1930 and is listed on both the California and National Register of Historic Places. The gliderport is home to hang gliding and paragliding and is listed as a “National Landmark of Soaring.” Aviators launch off the sandstone cliffs and soar above the Pacific Ocean. The setting is spectacular, Mother Nature at her best.
Many famous aviators have flown on the strong ocean breezes blowing off the Torrey Pines cliffs, such as Charles A. Lindbergh (who made the first nonstop flight from New York to Paris) and his wife Anne Morrow Lindbergh (the first woman to receive a U.S. glider pilot license). During World War II, the gliderport was transformed into an anti-aircraft artillery training facility. But recreational glider operations resumed after the end of the war.
My husband and I took Ruby to the gliderport on a sunny afternoon. We sat on the wooden deck overlooking the ocean and watched the action. The conditions were optimal for gliding. The skies were clear, and the winds were steady. Rising thermal air currents lifted the gliders into the cumulus clouds. A rainbow of colorful canopies or arched wings dotted the horizon. It was a sight to behold.
When we were a young couple, B.C. or Before Children, my husband surprised me with a hang gliding lesson in the sand dunes of Mexico. He was experienced at hang gliding and wanted to introduce me to the sport. We drove south and crossed the border in eager anticipation of the adventure ahead. I was strapped into a solo hang glider and given basic instructions. I launched from a high sandy perch, the wind carrying me high in the sky. Unfortunately, I increased my altitude too fast and then stalled out and plummeted to earth, landing with a thump on the sandy seashore and breaking the control bar across my thighs (leaving huge welts and colorful bruises). It could have been worse, a few feet farther and I would have been floundering in the ocean. Needless to say, I’m not anxious for a repeat performance. I’m quite content to watch the aviators from the safety of the deck!
