Swiss Air Taxi

During our first day of orienteering in the mountains we looked up in the sky and saw several people paragliding (see photo above) through the air above the valley. Starr immediately said, "I am going to do that!"
Well, today she took her birthday money her Mom had given her (sorry mom) and hopped on the Swiss Air Taxi (that's what they call it here). First, we took an incline train up to Sunnega then took a gondola up to Blauherd where we walked down to a lovely alpine meadow on the side of the mountain to set up the equipment. After hooking up the individual harnesses, Starr was then clipped together with the instructor (you must fly tandem). When the wind was just right, a few quick running steps and - airborne! It was the most incredible feeling and amazing experience. Mike and Emma stayed on the ground and found a great viewing spot on a nearby ridge and waved everytime Starr flew overhead. The gliding lasted almost half an hour before heading down over the town of Zermatt (see photo below) where they spiralled down, down, down then headed in for a smooth landing. She may be 40, but she's still young at heart!