Winter Expo at SDC, a record year....

[GrumpySmurf 0]

For everyone at the expo being able to attend every seminar and still make every load - in other other words - 0 loads/0 jumps. Old man winter came back with a vengence (and then some), ensuring a large attendance by expo-goers at each seminar. Sadly, the weather (and winter ills) seemed to hinder attendance by some presenters and vendors - but Mirage, Sun Path, Relative Workshop, PD, Bev Suits, Bonehead, and Alti-2 all made good showings (not to mention great donations for the raffle drawing at the end of Sunday).
One of the high points for me was a packing demo by 'Bushman' from PD on a brand spanking new ZP canopy (a Sabre 2) - his pointers and techniques with a PRO pack resulted in the canopy going into the bag with next to no effort and looking picture perfect - there were more than few jaws on the floor after that (and a few jealous packers, I'm willing to bet).
The weather certainly didn't hinder the desire to party at the end of Saturday resulting in some rather entertaining pictures by yours truly - you would be amazed what drunk people will do in front you if you have a camera - especially one (digicam) that lets them see the result immediatly. Requests were made the following morn to not distribute said pics - so sorry, guys - if they don't 'sign' the release waiver - I can't post 'em.
All in all, a great weekend was had. One piece of advice if you do show up next year - buy lots of raffle tickets, it seems they pay for themselves with prizes.
The attached pic was my home for the weekend - 2 thumbs up for Sierra Designs for a tent that could take the snow storm, high winters and near 0F temps and shrug it off like it was nothing.

[GrumpySmurf 0]

Opps, here was home:

[GrumpySmurf 0]

Calibrating and replacing the face plate of my Altimaster by Alti-2.

[GrumpySmurf 0]

The Alti-2 Booth

[diverdriver 7]

Dude, I can't believe you stayed out there. I saw the tent but didn't believe anyone was out there! Didn't you hear the announcement Saturday that arrangements would be made for anyone staying that hadn't planned on it? Man that weather was nasty Saturday. Nice to party in a warm, cozy, comfy couched, 12 foot video screen playin', full bar serving, free food serving VIP Lounge. All while watching the icicles form at a slant because of the wind blowing outside. Sweet. Nice seeing you all out there.
Oh, and I got to wring out Kirk's new wireless internet access there. He hung two knew antenaes inside the hangar for good coverage inside the building! Even on an ISDN the speed is greater than dial up and can't wait for the T1. Kirk said the repeater would be going up on the pavillion this week so next weekend the campground should have good coverage. Right now it's a bit sporadic with just the two antenaes on top of the hangar. Very nice improvements. Let's me pull up weather from wherever I'm standing in the building on my laptop. Even could go online to look at the vendors websites while I was standing in front of their booth.
Really liked John Kallend's presentation on freefall drift. Very informative and graphical. All that while many of the regulars were out in the hangar making margaritas and raising money for Jump For the Cause. Thanks Jenny Martin of Zute Suit.
Chris

[GrumpySmurf 0]

And...the PD seminar on canopy maintenance and packing. The Javelin rep was also there to discuss container maintenace and gear checking.
One thing I found of note, the PD reps mentioned a slider stop is in the works for use with thier SLinks (if you prefer SLinks but do not wish to pull your slider down over the risers).
Oh and one thing to add to this, Missy Nelson gave a talk on her high-speed spinning mal in Arizona with lines twists that went down through the risers and finger trapped the cut-away cables. After this, each of the container manufactures discussed changes in the works or present in thier container systems that should help prevent this in the future (not being able to cutaway) - it was nice to see the manufuctures addressing this problem and discussing it in an open forum (unlike other industries outside skydiving that go, "Problem, what problem? Our product is perfect.").

[GrumpySmurf 0]

I came prepared for the bad weather - so it wasn't bad at all (the only downside was with the weather hitting 30+ Saturday, I had to bring my synthetic bag (instead of the goose down one) which was rated for only +15F - synthetics continue to insulate when wet, goose down doesn't - and with temp rising above 30F, moisture became a concern). Appearantly some of the folk in trailers were not so lucky and discovered how un-insulated thier shelters really were. Might pick up a better ground pad for next winter and maybe try out a mylar blanket underneath to see how much better it does. Live and learn. My biggest concern was would the tent hold up to the winds - the manufacturer claimed the regular production 4 season mountainering tents could take up to 50mph easily and the newer AST series 4 season, up to 70mph. It appears they were right - the gusts and snow accumulation on the tent didn't phase it one bit, and that was after the wind shifted from the SW to the WNW and broad-sided the tent all night long.
The weather has never been a big issue for me, it's when the guys can't decide where they want to set up the bloody fireworks at 3AM that does - that way I can pitch the tent on the opposite end of the DZ and not have to worry about WWIII openning up overhead . The joys of DZ camping *heh*
Oh well, was fun and good to see alot of faces around that haven't been around since the Fall.

[skymedic 0]

Glad to meet you again mark....
marc
BSBD

[tigra 0]

I didn't see Bev suits, but Zute Sute WAS there.

[skymedic 0]

and where were you tigra??
marc
BSBD

[AndyMan 7]

I think she was hiding.
_Am
ICQ: 5578907
MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com
Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

[GrumpySmurf 0]

Opps, my bad. *heh*

[GrumpySmurf 0]

The pleasure was all mine. Too bad the weather did not co-operate, thought

[skymedic 0]

Yes we will get the DZ.com mark/c/us way up one of these days!!!
marc
BSBD

[tigra 0]

I got in Saturday afternoon, visited with friends, etc. I spent a lot of time hanging out at the Zute Sute booth, then Sunday I did catch a few of the seminars. Opted against staying in my trailer Saturday night and got a room at the Holiday Inn instead. I missed the festivites in the upstairs lounge, but I heard there were some "interesting" moments.....
Sorry I missed you Marc!
Andy, why would I hide????
Blues,
maura

[skymedic 0]

oh yes....from a male perspective there is nothing like seeing a chic suck on another chic's boobie!!!.......you know who you are.......
marc
BSBD

[diverdriver 7]

I'll introduce you guys next time.
Chris

[skymedic 0]

sounds like a plan...
marc
BSBD

[diverdriver 7]

Whoooooaa!!! I missed what!!!???? I suport the boobies! As long as I have a face, they have a place to rest.

[AndyMan 7]

Yup, t'was a wild night in the lounge. Kinda bummed I had to leave so early.
Maura: Good question!
_Am
ICQ: 5578907
MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com
Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

[skymedic 0]

Mark from RWS and the Bonehead dude...were right there...they saw it allllll.....a BEEUUUTTTTIFFULLL thing....ask grumpysmurg for a shot of it....
marc
BSBD

[flyhi 24]

Dude, don't take this the wrong way, but those were the worst pictures I've ever seen taken of a gathering of skydivers. No alcohol, no nudity, no bodyshots?
I've seen more action at the Christian Science Reading Room on Saturday night.
Just take it one day at a time, like the drunks do.
flyhi

[AndyMan 7]

I know as a fact that better pictures were taken.
You guys just gotta figure out hot to get GrumpySmurf to post 'em!
_Am
ICQ: 5578907
MSN Messenger: andrewdmetcalfe at hotmail dot com
Yahoo IM: ametcalf_1999

[GrumpySmurf 0]

All (well, I didn't see any body shots) occured, and pictures were taken - the parties involved wish them to stay off the board. So we will have to live with boring pics - next time I will get the shots of people who don't know me, and are so drunk they forget what I look like .