When most people think of retirement, they imagine quiet mornings and peaceful hobbies. Not my Auntie. At 70 years young, she’s embraced her inner thrill-seeker—and I’m lucky enough to be her adventure buddy. After skydiving over Chula Vista and zipping through the hills of Corona, our latest escapade took us to the skies once again—this time paragliding at the iconic Torrey Pines Gliderport.
“Exhilarating” doesn’t even begin to cover it. The moment we lifted off, the world below transformed into a breathtaking panorama. With the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly beneath us, we glided along the rugged cliffs of Torrey Pines, feeling the coastal breeze guide our flight. The views were crystal clear—Blacks Beach, the rolling greens of Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the stunning estates of La Jolla all unfolded beneath our feet. We even spotted the cliffside home of R&B legend Alicia Keys perched above the waves.
My pilot Giuseppe added an unexpected twist to the adventure—a flying history lesson. I learned that the very ground we soared above once served as a military base during World War II. It was later transformed into a racetrack raced by famous drivers in the 1950’s such as Carroll Shelby (featured in the movie Ford v Ferrari), Phil Hill, and Briggs Cunningham.
From the Scripps Pier to renowned research institutes, like the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and my alma mater Scripps Research, every glance offered a new discovery. It wasn’t just a thrill ride—it was a heavenly experience blending adrenaline, beauty, and a touch of local lore.
Next up? River rafting in Northern California. Auntie and I aren’t slowing down anytime soon—we’re chasing every adventure we can find. If you’re looking for a way to see San Diego from a whole new perspective, trust me— Torrey Pines Gliderport Paragliding will leave you flying high.
www.FlyTorrey.com
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