I had a very interesting weekend. For years, I have asked Hoby repeatedly to send me skydiving. I have REALLY wanted to go for just about ever. Even more so for the last 10 years, after I discovered that you could do it tandem with an instructor (much less scary that way). This year I made my plea again, since I am fixin’ to turn 50 (who da’ thunk?). I told Hoby that my time was nearly up for being able or allowed to do something like that. So… He finally gave in!

Unbeknownst to me, he scheduled a jump reservation. He brought a cake into work and we celebrated my impending jump with my co-workers. Wow, was I surprised!

Anyway, yesterday was the “J” day. We went just outside of Cañon City, CO to the Freemont County Airport. They show you a video and have you sign a lot of things, mostly about not suing if you die or are hurt. It is a dangerous sport, after all. Then, once you sign everything, they snatch that paper away and start the process of putting you in a harness (black is not really my color). So, then you are hooked up and given about 3 minutes of training. Really, there is a bit of do this and that; but, it is mostly about what NOT to do.

The plane is very little. It can only take two tandem jumper teams at a time. There are no seats in it, so you sit between the legs of your instructor. The flight up to 8000 feet takes about 20 or so minutes. Less time if it’s cool, but longer as it gets warmer. The instructor talks to you and there is a lot of scenery in the form of mountains and desert sand. They also took us near the Royal Gorge.

At the five minute warning, you sit on the instructors lap and then he tightens up your harness and connects it to his. He goes over the instructions again. At the one minute warning, you get your goggles on and he tightens them to the point of just about popping your brain out of the top of your head.

Then the big moment! The door opened and the first team departed. He then scooted us back to the door. He yells (because the wind is very loud and intense) to put my foot on the step outside the door. “Left foot, okay, now, the right one”. The next thing you know, we are most of the way out of the plane. He grabs me and out the door we go! The rush is intense, as is the wind. After just a minute he tapped my shoulder to raise my hands and relax.

It was great! It seemed to last quite a while and I almost forgot that the chute had to be opened! He then shakes my hands so I will put them back on the harness for the shoot opening. Up we go and then we are falling at a much slower pace. It is still so cool!

Matt, my instructor, then loosened the harness a bit so it was more comfortable. Although, the next day I discovered that they still left bruises on my armpits and the top of my arms. We talked as we descended and he showed me the sights, as we glided towards the ground.

As soon as I could make out Hoby on the ground, I was waving at him. It was too high for him to be able to see it. But, I did it anyhow.

I told Matt that I wanted a soft landing! Which, he thankfully accomplished for me. It was just like sitting down in a chair, only a bit dustier.

Hoby got some pictures and he had purchased a video, so Matt was shooting all the way down. The video seems to look up my nose quite a bit, but who cares at 8000 feet?

I had a great time and it was all I hoped it would be! Thanks to Hoby for making it happen. Thanks to Matt for keeping me safe and that soft landing.

So, if you ever get the urge to come to CO and skydive, I know a good place and instructor; Matt, at High Sky Adventures Parachute Club!

Jo’s Skydive Video

Hoby… FYI… I didn’t add the background music. The skydiving staff did. 🙂

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