Driving down the road along a bluff overlooking the beach, the side mirror mounting suddenly squeaked raucously and violently spun off after fouling the string of a kite flown above the bluff from the beach below.
At least that’s the story my wife told me after bringing my Jeep home without a side mirror.
Okay, okay. I believe he, but you must admit, it’s a story to raise an eyebrow over.
Springtime is the season for kite flying, and I look forward to this time each year because I never want to lose sight of the simple joys of flying a kite.
The variety of kites pays tribute to the engineering genius of kite lovers. On the other hand, as with early planes, not all kites fly well or fly for long. The most impressive ones are the stunt kites capable of aerial acrobatics that would make dueling hummingbirds envious.
Fess up — how long has it been since you flew a kite? There should be no excuse for such lack of important adventures.
We’ve got stores and online sites that sell a variety of kites and string. You will have a blast just shopping for a kite rig. I am a little partial to the skull and crossbones artwork design myself, but then, I am a sea captain.
There are great areas nearby to go fly a kite and enjoy some outdoors time. One is along the windward edge of a ridge, such as spots along Camino Cielo. This is a wonderful option because of the gorgeous views below of the town, the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands (when the marine layer allows it).
Another favored option is at a beach, especially on a bluff overlooking a beach. Both terrains share a commonality … updraft. That is precisely what is needed for a perfect kite flight. Look for a spot that pushes wind upward.
Yet another good spot is from a pier, because you are starting the flight from an already elevated position which makes the launch easier. Any breezy spot will do, but an updraft is ideal because it puts the kite nearly straight up where you can best control it.
Pulling a kite behind a boat works. In fact, that is the basic concept of parasailing which is periodically offered at our regional harbors.
Flying a kite attracts onlookers and makes it easy to chat with passersby. Flying a kite is such a socially accepted and appreciated activity that it tends to make people friendly enough to say more than, “Howdy.” I like that.
Kids (of all ages) are particularly fascinated with someone holding a string attached to a kite in the sky. I would like to see some kite flying competitions, or just organized events, sponsored by our local communities.
