Falling from 13,500 feet

For the last four years, I have experienced the exhilarating thrill of leaving a tiny airplane to fall to the ground at 120 mph. I say "leave" instead of "jump" on purpose. These legs cannot take that step. A strong man strapped behind me will take that step and that's just how it is and how it will always be.

On Sunday, August 10, eight adventurers drove to Snohomish to get on the Thrill Train. This was the first year I did not jump in Wisconsin (though Skydive Midwest gave me many good memories)! 

This year, I got to see mountains! All of them! The views from the plane were incredible! The sky was clear, the weather was great, and the company was enthusiastic. Logistically speaking, the only differences were a) I had to pay more for an extra 30 seconds of free fall, b) I had to wear a funny looking helmet during the jump and c) we left the plane seated, with my feet on the underbelly of the plane, instead of standing. That freaked me out but when you're jumping out of a plane, one more worry really doesn't matter.

All lovely planes. None of which were ours.

Group #1! Katie, Brian, Angela, Craig

Group #2! Hexar, Kristina, Moi, Nick

Hexar got the photo package, so lucky me gets to have some photos too!

Me: NERVOUS. I don't enjoy the plane rides. The views were spectacular, though!

Love this shot of Kristina; it was her second jump!

Scooting towards the door... closer...closer... and oop! I'm gone! Falling through the sky!

Though this is Angela's picture (Group 1), this was the view I had while leaving. My awesome instructor, Kory, took us out with a spin so we were falling backwards and I could see the plane!

She's coming in for a landing! Kory let me take control of the chute for awhile which was fun. We did a lot of spinning and turns... A LOT of spinning.

Stunning shot of Kristina's landing!

SURVIVORS!  Now, onto the bar for food and stout floats!  
The End.