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tigra

Summerfest 2003 (or how I spent my summer vacation)

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Hi all,

I just got back home after spending the week at Skydive Chicago's Summerfest, and I thought I would share some of the highlights. OK, it wasn't Rantoul. It WAS a nice, safe, low key boogie, and I think its safe to say a good time was had by all who attended.

There wasn't a big turnout, but there were 3 Twin Otters to jump from, and the wait for a load was rarely more than 15 minutes (usually less). Team Alchemy and the Sugar Gliders were doing free coach dives for the freeflyers, and the belly flyers had Max Meijer organizing the more experienced group (2 plane shots on Saturday) and Billy Webber and Sandy Grillet coaching and organizing as well. Because of the smaller crowd, most of us were able to take advantage of one on one coaching with some of the best in the sport.

The weather had its moments, but every day saw plenty of "jumpable" hours.

Missy and Rook did a great job making sure we were entertained when we weren't jumping. There was a climbing wall, a big inflatable slide, a dunk tank and a few other "toys" that kids of ALL ages enjoyed. At night, there were bands and DJs, and last night was the film festival. (The local entries definitely enjoyed a "home field advantage" in the competition.)

Throughout the boogie, you could walk through the campground or the hangar and see lots of friendly faces and people having a good time.

We ate like royalty, with dinner prices ranging from $5.00 all you can eat pizza and pasta to $9.00 for a steak dinner. (Not to mention some of the lunch specials at the Ali Bear Cafe.)

The week saw some die hard belly flyers crossing over and sitflying and freeflying, and some freeflyers belly flying as well. Saturday's Hybrid challenge was a big success as well.

All in all, I have to say, it was a well run event and the vibe at SDC was just amazing all week. As far as I know, the most serious injury was a broken finger.

Great job, Missy and Rook! I had a fabulous week, and I don't want to go back to work tomorrow! WAAAHHHH!

STL!

maura

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SDC Rocked!

I was there sunday to sunday.

The start of the week I was in on one of several Billy Weber organized skydives (a mixed group of rw skills) where (to quote him days later) "we did a 6 point 15-way where 9 people turned out on the 2nd point." I did a smoking 4-way, mono-pod--mono-pod block for one point, w/ Chris (diver driver) which he cogged perfectly, there is video proof. :)
Max Meijer organized 2-plane big ways that were awesome.

There was free free-fly coaching from the Sugar Gliderz and Alchemy all week (yes that means you got jump w/ Rook, Mike, Jon, Jen, Amy, or Missy; 1 on 1 w/ video for free!)

Sunset Tracking dives lead by Jon, Rook or Mike.

The free fly group worked up a big way(FF) and did a hybrid dive that built to 20 or 21, I'm not sure but they have the photos.

My most memorable (non-skydiving) moment all week was Missy putting a blindfold on me during fiesta night by the docks and smacking the bu-jesus out of the 'sponge bob-square pants' pinata. There were 5 or 6 pinatas w/ the 'prize' of a free day of jumping on Saturday.

Thank-You to SDC, Missy, Rook, organizers, and staff for an excellent boogie w/ an awesome vibe!

Thanks To Roger for paving the way!

Ken
"Buttons aren't toys." - Trillian
Ken

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Quote

I did a smoking 4-way, mono-pod--mono-pod block for one point, w/ Chris (diver driver) which he cogged perfectly, there is video proof. :)



That was a fun 4 way! I learned a lot on that dive. It was fun to crank some points with you guys.

Quote


Thanks To Roger for paving the way!



I'll second that. STL.
Chris Schindler
www.diverdriver.com
ATP/D-19012
FB #4125

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Yes, it rocked all right! I forgot to mention the awesome fireworks Thursday night. I think they topped to 4th of July show! (which was also awesome!)

John's 3rd place entry at the film festival was a great collection of funnels (mostly exits, some 10 way) edited to "Another One Bites the Dust"-- Very reminiscent of the videos Roger would throw together and lots of fun to watch!

I've got to say it again- Free Coaching for all disciplines!

I think one of the funniest things I heard all week was from a visiting jumper from ASC. He was standing in line for his dinner- leg of lamb, au gratin potatoes, grilled asparagus, roasted veggies, and he said....... "Scotty Carbone is going to have to kick it up a notch!"

Yes, indeed, thanks to Tim and Ramon's cooking and Nicole's bar tending (possibly the 3 hardest working people at SDC) we were always very well fed!

Roger paved the way. Missy, Rook and their very hard working staff made it happen!

Thanks again!

maura

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