Blake Paiement soars through the air near Kingsbury Grade on March 31. Photo Copyright 2016 Carolyn E. Wright

Swaying in the wind currents it’s like the paraglider is doing a dance in the air.

Blake Paiement, 21, with his green, yellow and white parachute-like contraption is a striking contrast against the blue sky. He soars toward the Carson Valley after having launched from the top of Kingsbury Grade.

Brad Paiment looks for a safe landing spot. Photo Copyright 2016 Carolyn E. Wright

“I was above Heavenly saying ‘hi’ to the skiers,” the Gardnerville resident told Lake Tahoe News March 31 after he landed a couple hundred yards from Foothill Road.

The views, thrills and freedom are what drive Paiement to strap on the harness and other gear a couple times a week. Then he propels himself into the air, catching the wind to get a bird’s-eye view of the local terrain.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report