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| I don't LOOK nervous |
Smart Guy took this picture as I waited to board the plane for my first jump of 2013. Since I was one week past the six-month limit for a D-licensed skydiver, the DZO (Drop Zone Owner) suggested a solo, opening high and playing around with the canopy. Smart Guy came to the DZ with me today, although he didn't bring any gear, but was intending to stick around until I got down from my first jump and then take off to explore Edmond, a nearby town. I asked him to take a few pictures, if he didn't mind (he didn't).
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| I'm pushing my helmet back |
He took this picture after I landed, a perfect touchdown, and I was so pleased to be current again. Once a skydiver gets to a certain time limit, depending on his/her license requirements, you need to jump through a few hoops before getting out of the airplane. I was very nervous, but it was easier knowing that I didn't need to concentrate on anything in freefall except my altitude and location over the ground. Trust me, when you are used to playing in the air with friends, a solo skydive lasts a LONG time. I opened without incident and landed filled with gratitude for the opportunity I have to continue to skydive, even after having reached my 70th birthday and being a septuagenarian!
I did ask Smart Guy if he would be willing to pack for me. (He had repacked my main parachute yesterday and deemed it ready for a jump.) Yes, he was, so I went on a second skydive with my friend Cindy, who also needed to make a jump for currency. I was nervous on the second jump, but now I had company. Everything went as planned and now I am home, happy to have gotten current, and looking forward to the summer season. It has now officially started!
:-)
Let's hear it for another good year at the Drop Zone!
ReplyDeleteyou are just amazing... i admire your tenacity, your bravery, your gumption!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, DJan. I hope you continue to have such success with it.
ReplyDeleteOne week past the limit? What a bummer. Great that you got back jumping today/ It keeps many more skills up other than what you need to jump.
ReplyDeleteAll right! and off you go!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos by Smart Guy!
ReplyDeleteI was nervous reading this, and I'm so happy for you, Jan. You amaze me, and I'm glad to say that I know a skydiver (you are the only one I know!)
And...my favorite phrase in this blog: "...opened without incident..."
Congratulations on your getting current, and for taking the second dive with Cindy. You are awesome.
Hugs and love,
Jackie
I'm glad you had fun and accomplished what you needed to get current. Yay, you! You amaze me. You're much younger that any other septuagenarian.
ReplyDeletewoot. glad you had fun, got current. i wonder do you always get nervous even after doing it for so long?
ReplyDeleteYou are my hero!
ReplyDeleteWow, you amaze me. I'm buoyed by your tenacity and endlessly adventurous spirit.
ReplyDeleteNo, you *don't* look nervous. You look happy... even happier in the second picture! Congrats on your first jump of 2013!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I hope you have many more great years doing what you love to do. You are a roll model for the rest of us retirees!
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I am very happy for you, but it is not something I have any desire to do. I do not like planes - particularly little ones.
ReplyDeleteI do so much admire your energy and drive though.
So glad you're in for another season. I also think it's nice you have Smart Guy to share this interest with.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad you lead such a cautious, staid, uneventful life. Hope things are more active this summer....:)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on getting current. I think when articles about active seniors, you're who they mean.
ReplyDeleteMe, I'd have to shoved out of the plane.
Ha ha, Troutbirder read my mind. You make me think septuagenarian is just another word and that I need to push my boundaries a bit once again.
ReplyDeleteI admire you and your courage - I could never do it. So I'll just enjoy it vicariously through your posts and pictures!
ReplyDeleteRiding currents to get current! Congrats. You're a marvel.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations D-Jan. You've jumped through the hoop! and you look so happy and vibrant.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to read that you get nervous before a jump. I'm sure that keeps you alert and focused and also helps generate the thrill you get once you're outside the plane.
ReplyDeleteI still think it's amazing anyone would jump out of an airplane on a regular basis, let alone at the age of 70, so BRAVO! It's great you can continue doing this this year! Your other post about how it felt helped me understand why you keep doing this! ;o)
ReplyDeleteAnd LOVE those photos of you! You look happy and great! :o)
Well done you. I really admire your bravery. Age is no barrier to adventure.
ReplyDeleteCongrats! No, you didn't look nervous. Happy leaping into the 70s!! :):)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, DJan! You are just absolutely, definitely, for sure amazing! You are the ultimate role model!
ReplyDeleteYou look great and happy in your riggin', as we say here. With all the jumps in your background, I didn't think you would be nervous. Smart guy is good with the lens. Great you "Opened without incident" and landed safely and the winds were with you. High jumps, high five, high happiness - may the winds always be with you - have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are still nervous DJan! That means you will be careful. I hope smart guy is a good folder and packer. Did he get the name "smart" because of his choice of life and flying partners? He probably calls you, "smart gal" for choosing him as well.
ReplyDeleteDJan, I love the photo of you pushing back your helmet. You look so cool and confident. It looks like you had perfect weather for your first jumps of the season.
ReplyDeleteI was more nervous having a 2nd child than my 1st...does that even compare to your 2nd jump?
ReplyDeleteI've said this before, not only do you look great in purple, but you are truly an inspiration to us all.
Yeah..you did it once again! I cannot imagine you being nervous:)
ReplyDeleteYou are one adventuresome lady! My heart flutters on a fast elevator. Seems my valve doesn't adjust well to sudden pressure changes. You must be super fit!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm happy for you too!!
Djan I don't understand whay happened to all my comments I left on your posts. I recall leaving one here but It's just gone.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were successful in your latest jump.