Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Back home in Bellingham

Waiting for the planes
Well, the Jumpers Over Seventy event is behind us now, without having captured the record for the largest number of JOS together. However, we did set a few records anyway. But first, my trip home.

I'm sitting in my very own bed, early in the morning after having traveled home uneventfully yesterday. Frankie and I left the hotel at 6:30 and drove to the Ontario airport, dropped off the car, and lo and behold, the plane took off on time! We got to Portland and met her husband Jim, who drove me to the place where I would catch the bus to Bellingham, all without any mishaps at all. Quite the comparison to our trip down with broken planes and destination changes, you name it. This was perfect. When I got off the bus at 8:00pm, Smart Guy met me with a big smile. Once we got home, I gave him a quick rundown of some of the highlights, and then I collapsed into my nice familiar bed.
We are practicing for our jump, waving to the camera man
Although we didn't get the largest formation record, we did set a couple of others. Frankie and I made a jump, just the two of us, and we were able to set the record for the most women skydivers over seventy. Although there are a few others still active, they weren't there so the two of us were able to go out and have fun with no pressure to do anything much at all, just set the record!
Waving to the camera in freefall
It was the most fun of any of the skydives we attempted. In the larger group, we just didn't seem to be able to get the record; something happened every single time to prevent it, so we broke the group into two, and tried for what is called a sequential record: making two separate formations in the air, and one of the two groups was successful!
The second formation
Although I wasn't on it, I am so happy that all but 10 of the JOS who showed up walked away with a record, and I'm one of them. Frankie was on both. All in all, it was a really very special time, and I'm glad I don't have to land in those squirrelly Elsinore winds for quite awhile. However, the friendships I made this past week will last for the rest of my life. I might even be going back next year, who knows?
:-)

26 comments:

  1. Well, it looks like you had great fun... and that's what's important... friendship and fun! It's a commodity that gets less and less as we age... so enjoy! Love the pics!

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  2. Sounds like you had a lot of fun. That's wonderful! Now, back down to earth, for a while.

    Blessings and Bear hugs!

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  3. Glad you grabbed a record, along with having fun and making still more new friends. Also glad your homecoming went smoothly. (I heard there was some excitement in your town Saturday night...guess it can happen anywhere.)

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  4. Congratulations on your record. It sounds like a wonderful experience and look forward to next year's escapades!

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  5. Dear DJan, I always read your Sunday "Eye" blog first and then come to this, your second blog. So I read your Sunday posting and was hoping for the best for you and all the JOS. But now I'm here and I've read your Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday postings and discovered what happened this past Sunday. I'm glad you were part of setting a new record and glad for your friend Frankie that she was part of two records.

    I'm sure it was a little disappointing next to do that JOS formation that all of you worked on for three days, but as you say, maybe next year.

    I bet that the bond between all of you who dare the skies is strong and lasting. Peace.

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  6. I am always happy to read your blogs...and happy to see that you and your friend set a new record.
    Happiness is contagious...and I thank you for spreading it to me.
    Welcome home....
    Love,
    Jackie

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  7. so glad you had a great time - great jumps - even if you couldn't get the formations you wanted - and great contacts and friends. :)

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  8. Congrats on setting at least one record, DJan. I am glad you got home safe and sound. Some of the stuff you do simply amazes me. Where do you go from here?

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  9. I love those photos. Hope you have an album for your special record breaking jump photos. Doubt you will have much rest before your next challenge.

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  10. Look at you in the air gal! Beautiful shot..you and Frankie in freefall!!! Amazing. You gave it your best and I am glad you are home safely:)

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  11. I can tell you had a terrific time. Yes, sometimes we just come home and crash.

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  12. How wonderful. And, with reference to Red's comment - how much better it is to come home before crashing.
    And of course you will be back next year.

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  13. House boat residency to skydiving all in one day! Glad you made some great friends who share your passion.
    Smart Guy sure has one very Smart Gal!!!

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  14. Those pictures look like so much fun!!

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  15. Loved the pictures of you just thumbing your nose at gravity. Really cool shots. I can't even imagine the sensation you feel.
    Congrats on the record you secured and go for the other one next year.

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  16. Oh how cool! Love the pictures! Congrats on your record - as for the other one; well, there is always next year!

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  17. Welcome back to WA. I'm glad to hear your return trip was uneventful. Congrats on the record. There is always next year for the big one.

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  18. Well, out of the skies and finally landing a nice cozy spot in your very familiar bed to catch a nap. It sounds really exciting, especially coming home with a record. I'll be your over the moon with that. Congratulations DJan and good to hear you experienced a nice "coming Home". Have a wonderful day :)

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  19. Just one word DJan....EXTRAORDINARY!!

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  20. Flying, almost like a bird D-Jan. Terrific pics, but I'm glad you're home safely now.

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  21. The whole trip is ... just ... so ... impressive. Will you get in the Guinness book of records? (If so, I'm gonna tell my grandkids that I knew you!)

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  22. That's all good news - easy travel, fun with fellow jumpers, records set, and back home safely. Good for you!

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  23. All in all its sounded like a great outing. Those jumping pics looking down are unreal!!!

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  24. I read all about your adventure, even if I was too sick to comment. Glad you're home safe and the trip back was less eventful. Sorry you guys didn't break the big group record, but it was a thrilling time. :)

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  25. Wow.. my insides go a little squishy seeing those pics. You sure know how to have fun wherever you are though. Congrats on the records!

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