If we could all be a little like Bob….

Before starting work for Hope for Himalayan Kids two weeks ago I did my one “touristy” activity I had been waiting 5 years to experience (since the last time I was in Pokhara). It was worth the wait…

(My new friend Bob- the egyptian vulture.)

Not only is the horizon in Pokhara one of the best panoramic views in the world with the Annapurnna ranges on my doorstep, but the skies are also graced with the presence of many birds of prey. Eagles, hawks, kites and vultures with their giant wingspans, hover and glide above in the trade winds of the valley.

“ParaHawking” combines paragliding and falconry which created an experience that I will never forget. Bob is the Egyptian Vulture that I had the privilege of flying with. (His friend Kevin-the white vulture in the photos was flying with my friend.)

(Kevin, Bob's mate)

Once in the air with my tandem pilot, Bob is released from the land to show off his skills. Two whistles from my pilot lets Bob know that he can come and perch. With my leather gloved hand I stretch my arm out and Bob comes and receives some buffalo meat I have place in the glove from a fanny pack I have at my waist.

The first time I could hear Bob coming I almost wet myself with excitement. He gently landed his set of two inch talons on my wrist, sitting at least a foot and a half tall. He pecks away at his delicious Buffalo goodness and takes off with confident independence and an assertiveness that shows he belongs in the wind. So we follow Bob as he is the expert of the sky. Bob knows where the good trade winds are, Bob knows how to hover effortlessly for hours. He is inquisitive though, checking out the dozens of other paragliders in the air that morning to see if they had a snatch pack of buffalo too. But I, queen of the sky, was the one with the meaty bum bag so I was his best friend that day. He hears our wistle again from 1 or 2 hundred metres away and he begins his U-turn to swoop in from behind our chute. Bob and I had a connection that morning. We had an understanding where we both knew who was the liberated being. We both knew who was jealous of the other, who was the kindred spirit and who’s acrobatics and regal presence in the sky was to be admired. But Bob let me pretend I was a little bit like him that morning. He was very humble about it too. Only showing off a little. He allowed me to share the sky for the small price of a few chunks of manky meat.

(Bob and I sharing the sky.)

Bob and I may meet again before I leave and if we do I may ask him to marry me as I have never met a bloke quite like him. Generous, humble, adventurous, secure, knows what he wants in life, never stressed, doesn’t sweat the small stuff (like when he got stuck for a few seconds in the lines of my chute). Doesn’t mind that his hair-do is business at the back, party on the top. He enjoys the journey and cares little, if at all, about his destination. All these qualities far outweigh the minuscule concern I have that Bob may get impatient and scratch my face off if I run out of steak. Not that different to an Aussie bloke.

(I Love Bob)

Until next time…Be a little like Bob.