EXTREME!

As I mentioned in the last post, the Alps attract a variety of people from all over the world. Among them are base jumpers looking to conquer the mountains. Douges was one such character that happened to be staying at our chalet. For those of you who don’t know, "base" is an acronym standing for Building, Antenna, Span, and Earth. Jumpers will start with an unopened parachute and launch themselves off any stationary object high enough, in this case the mountain of course. Around the kitchen Douges had everyone laughing with his stories and viewpoints on such topics as American politics. But on the mountain it's business (can you really call it that?), and he is supposedly at the top of his sport. A former world champion, numerous gold medals, world record holder, and the list goes on.

He lives an adrenaline filled life and would have it no other way. His success in the sport has allowed him to jump, perform stunts, make documentaries, and even write books, almost year round. He doesn’t work to collect material possessions, but to travel around the world and advance in the sport he loves.

“In the end, life is all about the experiences you create. Why have a 42” TV and watch someone’s else’s experiences; get a 20” and create your own memories.” - Douges

Here's Douges with his newest recruits, all sporting the Base Dreams (Douges company) bumper stickers.

Suited up and ready for flight!
These photos are borrowed from Douges of course, and you can almost see our hotel in the valley below.