Very sad news this evening; Gordon died in a paragliding accident this weekend. I've only flown with Gordon 3 times, once in France and a couple of times last December in Scotland.I've lived outside Scotland for nearly thirty years and I seldom get homesick, but Gordon was the very type of guy to do that. Funny, enthusiastic, self-deprecating, instant camaraderie - quite different to the typical US personality.
The last time we flew together it was just the two of us. We started late and went to the wrong site before driving to the right site. Late afternoon in late December in Scotland and a long walk-in ahead of us - hardly promising stuff.
We rushed up the hill; I seldom get left behind on a hike up, but Gordon left me in the dust. Gordon was off first and I just managed to get off the hill as the first katabatic puffs were starting. We retired for hot, warming soup at the pub at Bridge of Orchy, delighted at having snatched a flight from such a late start.
Tonight I had intended to enter for the British Open, to be held in France this summer. I'd already seen Gordon's name on the list and was looking forward to seeing him again. Some more photos of my day out with Gordon are here -> http://picasaweb.google.com/DMMullin/BenToigHikeAndFly#
Thinking of you, your family and your friends.... Douglas
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