Homan Walsh Challenge Fly over the Niagara River and Falls
On Friday, October 7, 2005 I took part in the Niagara International Kite Festival's "Homan Walsh Challenge Flight". I was a member of the Niagara Windriders Kitefliers Association's team.
The challenge was to fly across the Niagara River's gorge as young Homan Walsh had done in 1848. His flight led to the pulling across of heavier and heavier lines and eventually a steel cable that started the construction of the first suspension bridge over the Niagara River.
The organizers of the Niagara International Kite Festival, Meg and Bill Albers of Buffalo NY, worked hard to secure permission to fly kites over the international boundary for this special challenge event.
The Niagara Windriders were just one of a total of ten teams participating in this very challenging event. Our team was the only team to fly across the gorge on this occasion. Special thanks to: Vaino Raun (for amazing piloting of a mylar fighter kite on 2500+ feet of line) and the support team of: Bob Luft; Tyrone Hobbs; Terri Stayzer; Mary, Kristen and Michael Kort ; Fred and Lisa Taylor for their help with the team effort!
A complete account of the event, complete with photos, can be found on the Niagara Windriders Newsletter Blog. I hope you enjoy reading about this amazing day.
Hifliercanada
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