Taking Off from Pinedale: Moose, Ducks, and a Blue Heron
Our adventures with Nathan keep getting better and better. This time, he took us to the skies. Months ago, we had cared for his dog, Coddy, and as a thank you, Nathan gave us a gift so grand I will carry it in my heart forever.
It was our second time flying with him. The first had been unforgettable—landing on Half Moon Lake and spinning above it. But this time? God was at work with His brush, painting valleys and mountains with bold strokes of autumn.
We lifted off from the Pinedale airport, right next to the New Fork River. Nathan told me that the last time he flew from here, he spotted moose along the riverbank—so of course, we went searching. And sure enough, we saw five moose scattered across the land. I captured a photo of one, and as a bonus, a school of ducks and a solitary blue heron slipped into the scene.
Flying Over Fremont Lake and Half Moon Mountain
From there, we headed toward Fremont Lake and Half Moon Mountain—the same peak we paraglided from last year. I can see that mountain from my house, and every time I do, I relive the memory.
The light became the quiet narrator of our journey. It first danced across Fremont Lake, where autumn colors were just beginning to show.
And then—Fremont Peak. To see it from above, as the eagles do, filled me with awe. Adrenaline surged through me. Fremont Peak is a true icon of Pinedale, and to be so near it felt beyond words.
Chasing God’s Light Through the Wind River Range
We soared toward Titcomb Basin and Squaretop, a view I had dreamed of since arriving in Wyoming. There it was, unfolding before me like a prayer answered.
Nathan pointed out the glacier behind Fremont Peak—massive, hidden, unexpected. As I marveled at its size, God’s light stretched across distant peaks, painting them in gold. I asked Nathan if we could chase that light—and so we did.
The terrain shifted as we flew deeper into the Wind River Range. Each ridge rugged, yet distinct. The light spoke its own quiet language of love. Everything it touched was transformed. To see the mountains bathed in that light felt like a gift straight from the hands of God.
The Magic of the Big Sandy
We arrived at the Big Sandy , a place so magical it stole my breath. Light and shadow wove together, and I felt His creation with every beat of my heart.
From there, we glided over Soda Lake, gazing back at the Wind River Range from afar, and soaking in every golden ridge and shadowed valley.
A Landing on Boulder Lake and Conor’s Adventure
Our final stop was Boulder Lake. Nathan landed us gently on the sandbar—a place we’ve fished countless times, but never seen from above. Canada geese scattered as we arrived. We stayed only briefly, but as we took off, the geese lifted with us, wings beating in perfect harmony. The hills glowed with golden light. God Himself seemed to be speaking through that moment.
Conor was waiting nearby, so we landed on a dirt road to switch. Nathan took him up for his own flight.
Conor’s adventure was full of sharp turns, bold dips, and playful spins. Nathan skimmed so close to the water that they even skipped across it. Conor soared right through the heart of Boulder Lake, above the dam and the creek he loves most.
Sunset Landing Back in Pinedale
At last, they returned, landing at sunset back at the Pinedale airport. The perfect closing note to a day that was nothing short of a hymn in the sky.
Flying over the Wind River Range reminded me that light isn’t just something we see—it’s something we feel. A quiet, transformative language of God, visible in every ridge, valley, and peak.
Watch the Journey in Motion
You don’t have to imagine it—come fly with us! Our new YouTube video captures every moment of this adventure: the moose along the river, the golden light on Fremont Peak, and Conor skimming across Boulder Lake.