Air and gravity. As long as both exist (which we can be thankful for), a sailplane can glide. The term "sailplane" refers to aircraft without an engine, with a glide ratio of greater than 20:1; that is, for every vertical foot plane descends, it travels 20 horizontal feet (gliders, on other hand, have a glide ratio of less than 20:1). The high performance model we rode in had a glide ratio of 35:1, which allows for more maneuverability. And although many people assume sailplanes are flimsy, lightweight vehicles, modern sailplanes are built to withstand higher G-forces than those experienced by commercial airlines (as Howie demonstrated to us with stomach-scrambling effectiveness).

Sailplanes have climbed to altitudes greater than 45,000 feet, flown distances farther than 1,400 miles and can fly at maximum speeds of more than 200 mph. Because of aerodynamic efficiency of modern sailplanes, pilots can remain in flight for 6 or 7 hours at a time if conditions are favorable. "In a sail plane, we're basically continuously descending. What really limits us, however, is our bladder," Howie informed us matter-of-factly, "We can stay up for 5, 6, 7 hours at a time if we want, but at a certain point, you need a break."

The sail plane is launched either slingshot style via ¾" bungy cord or, more commonly, under tow from a propeller plane. On our ascent behind our propeller plane, I was struck by how smooth and graceful flight is. The only sound is air rushing through vents in canopy to provide ventilation. We could feel air growing cooler as we rose higher (maybe it was just tranquility of flight). At around 2,000 to 3,000 feet, I released tow cable and our sailplane was at mercy of gravity, aerodynamics and Howie. We soared above rolling foothills of Palomar Mountains, brown with summer heat. Highway 79 below us was a ribbon of gray, with matchbox cars inching along. I felt bad for those stuck on terra firma, missing out on what we were experiencing above them. Neener neener neener. In distance I could see tge sea - Salton Sea Desert lapping up on foothills. A truly hypnotic moment. I could easily see how one could get hooked on this. I imagined myself after a long week in grind heading straight to airport, strapping myself into my sailplane, launching into sky and soaring above my worries until I forgot what they were.

When our 30 minutes of soaring smooth skies was over, after dives and banks and buzzed mountaintops and all possible Top Gun references, Howie began our descent to land. Landing is done in a fashion similar to that of powered aircraft: descent (during which our airspeed topped out at 200mph), an approach to runway, and touch down. "Sailplanes can land in a surprisingly short distance if need be," Howie informed as reassuringly. Right. Crashing. But touchdown was perfect- a perfectly smooth landing for a perfectly smooth ride.

Read this entire feature FREE with photos at http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/skydive/soarcal/soarcal.html

By Misha Troyan - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

At top of hill, you can see all of San Diego. Absolutely breathtaking! I want to stay there for another week or so. My thoughts drift over sights then straight to ocean!.Oh yeah, why did my daughter Candy disturb my trance and remind of bike riding adventure. Yeah that. Why couldn't I just stay there and paint and write and dream?

We take off on these awesome bikes (I wish I could take one home with me, but how to sneak a mountain bike into your suitcase!) and we ride through La Jolla. I am not used to riding in traffic just on trails so I stay at end. Eli keeps looking back to see if I am still hanging on.

I love California for its quaint little cafés and bistro's, unique restaurants and businesses; an elegant yet casual atmosphere that stirs up artist and writer in me. And of course, fitness and nature lover in me savors it all while cycling.

The ride along coast is even more scenic. The Pacific is a dark powdery blue. We continue to Boardwalk on Mission Beach to catch our breaths and to grab a nutrition bar and a drink. Then we take somewhat hilly trip back. With gorgeous flowers, palm trees, and never-ending scenery I stay entertained. It isn't hard to get into shape around here!

Lunch consists of a giant sub sandwich of your choice and snacks to go with it: pretzels, chips, fruit, energy bars, cookies, and a variety of drinks. Enough to satisfy any taste.

The next event is ocean kayaking. I've kayaked in Caribbean and other places with few waves. I am awed with surfer-challenging waves.

We don wet suits and vests then walk to nearby La Jolla Beach. After instructing us on what to do, Eli jumps into water, launching us out to sea.

The waves are not intimidating but exhilarating!

Read this entire feature with photos at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/kayak/calif/hbk/hbk.html

By Lena Hunt Mabra, Cozumel Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com