A HopnPop, Trees, and Water

[Michele 1]

Well, the adventure continues!
I get to the dz, and meet up with Kimmer. Her mom is going to do a tandem this morning, and Kimmer is going to jump just before her. Her mom and Kimmer accomplish the goals, with Kimmer's mom absolutely loving the experience, despite the nerves and the fear she has. And another mom-whuffo (Muffo? Naw...) has been exposed to the sport, and has the beginnings of understanding.
Kimmer and I have agreed that we will do our hnp together, and have her follow me out the door. Kim has lost her glasses, and so is concerned about determining the wind direction and setting up for the landing. She has, for some reason, decided that I can lead her in accurately! Hahahahaha, and she even knows about the downwinder. But o.k., if that's what she wants. You first, she keeps insisting. I think it is more a matter of friendship, she doesn't need me to lead her in, but may need me to lead her out. Cool, I can do this.
Manifest tells us that they will only let us out at 5.5, because we will be exiting far to the west because of other jumpship traffic. I talk to Dennis about this, and he says, well, just pretend you're lower, and if you have the alti, find a pretend spot to land in, and then head back to the DZ. I don't think this is actually a hopnpop to practice emergency exits, but oh well, it will qualify for what we need to do. We climb onto the T/O, and while I have nerves, they are minimal. We are the only hnp-ers, and so have the door seats (I still don't like the door...I wonder if that will ever change?). We tell the RW team that we will need help with the door, because neither of us know the timing, and they promise to help. They are teasing and playing with us, but they are being very protective and reassuring of Kimmer because she is really having a hard time. I watch the guys watch her, and they are all concerned. I can't see her face, but I don't need to. I can see her legs and knees knocking, and her hands are shaking. Now it's time, we gear up, and the green light goes on. I check my alti, and we are now hovering at 6.
We are over the town now, and the DZ is far far to the east. I climb out, going for a floating exit because I am stable faster from that than from a diving exit. I know I need to work on the other exits, because floating sort of defeats the purpose of "fast exits". I slip, readjust my feet, and out I go....1...2... 3....4...and reach and pull. Easy, sweet, nice opening, and I am under canopy by 5K. I look over my shoulder, and see Kimmer opening, all's well with her, and then reach for my slider to collapse it. I can't get it, it is inches above my hand, and no amount of "jumping" in my rig is going to get to it. So I let it flap, and check the canopy out. All is well, so we then proceed to parade around, over the fields and trees in a big circle. I would have been fine landing there if the need has arisen, and Kimmer is following.
I turn and lead the parade of two back to the Dz, and we are still at 2.5, so we play. We dance, spin, and have the sky to ourselves in this bright early afternoon, and we exploit that to the nth degree. I practice flat turns at 1800, and again at 1000, and then flat turn into the wind, and set up for a nice landing on the grass strip. Kimmer follows me, and she lands nicely about 50 meters to the east, in the dirt.
And now it gets weird. The truck comes pulling up, stops quickly, and I wave him off, we're fine, we're close, no need. "Not you. Where are the other two hop n pops?" he asks, and I can see the concern on his face. There are no other hnps, just us, I tell him. "No, the other girls who got out after you, where are they?" We're it, we are the only hnps, there is another girl on the load but she is an instructor, what's wrong? And he gets this really weird look. "You sure?". I [italic]am[/italic] sure, but he's sure, too. So I ask Kimmer, and she confirms what I know - we were the only ones, and we are here. He tells me that the S&TA is getting calls that there are two jumpers stuck in the trees, west of the DZ, calls for the emergency medical guys. He says that the plane has descended from just prior to jumprun to 8.5 to help look for these missing jumpers, and that people on the plane saw them land in the trees. Donna's story flashes through my mind, and I shudder. Thank God we didn't land in the trees. But there is no-one else it could be.
Except, here we are, fine and dandy. We return to the dz, and I drop my stuff off and go into manifest to talk to Jack. Something is wrong, because the people on the plane who saw us land in the trees are all very experienced, and know what they see. The guys in the plane have even named "Michele and the redhead" (Kimmer) as the two stuck in the trees. The plane is taken back to altitude, and the rest of the load is dropped off, after being reassured that we are fine, have landed, and in my case, drinking a lot of water.
The load lands, and immediately people start coming over to me. Asking me how the ride was, how everything went, are we o.k.? I tell them that they were mistaken, must have seen something else, we're fine. We are still wondering about this. It is scary, even though it didn't happen, but it is also heartwarming, because they all knew we had a rotten spot, really bad, and so made it a point to watch us down. We figure out what happened is that they saw us travel west (away from the DZ) and then circle, as if finding a new spot (as instructed), but then misjudge the alti we were at, and the plane turns. When they are able to see the spot we had just been at, and aren't there anymore (with the wind, we are well on our way back to the dz), they get concerned, and then someone sees something in the trees (there is a missing CReW main), and decides that we have hit the trees. And, as one of the RW team said, "we knew it had to be true, Michele. It was you, after all. You get into and out of the most interesting adventures". All's well that ends well, everyone accounted for, and I now have a new and deep appreciation for the fellowship and genuine concern that my dz and fellow jumpers have for all the jumpers, and the measures they will go to to help in a bad situation.
After I reassure Ed, who has heard some strange tale about tree landings and climbing down (?), I move on to the rest of my day. After packing several times with assistence, I pack for the first time with no help from anyone, even though they were all watching, but it's someone else's chute, so he jumps it and it opens fine. I do my first RW (the first of the mandatory three), and totally screw it up. We tumble for a while on exit. It was funny watching his face - he was bothered, but since that is my typical exit, I was not bothered in the least. We stablize, separate, and then it takes the rest of the jump to actually match fall rates and re-grip. Only regrip once. I turn and track, and then open, and it is great. The canopy ride was beautiful, but a tad short - we pulled a little lower than planned (although not too low; still around 4). I play up there, I have the sky to myself, I dance through the heat and the wind, looking at the 3/4 moon shining bright, and decide to not chase it this time. I turn, using it as a centerpoint, and then push myself to try a front riser turn. Whoops, that was a tad scary, so I stop, but I have tried it, at least.....and then for the landing. Two stage flare, I get it almost right, and take about 4 steps, then yank the still inflated canopy out of the sky - it can't have more air time than me. This is the most amazing sport! We do the most amazing thing, this jumping out of planes and dancing in the sky and landing on our toes. The most amazing thing!
It's about 3:30ish, and I hear my name called from manifest. "Michele, it's time to do your water training. Everyone else who wants it, it's starting now." I have talked to Jim Wallace about doing the water training this morning, and we decide to do it now rather than mid winter which is the time I expect to get my "B". My primary concern is that I am a low time jumper, to which Jim asks "can you swim?" and then laughs. This training is not about jumping, really, but about swimming. I say I don't have a bathing suit, and Jim laughs. Do you jump in a bathing suit? No, and I get his point. No more excuses. Besides, it's going to be over 105 today, so I should dry off rather quickly in any event. I decide to do it.
We take the "ground" class, and listen to the stories of people who have not done it right. We learn how to do it right in the air, to set it up, how/when it cut away (and when not to), how to determine wind direction (necessary for me, no doubt), etc. We learn about running and swift water, and then we trek over to the pool. Jim sets it up, and I watch the other three people go in, under the canopy, out the other side, and repeat it back to the side. Shrug out of the harness. Climb out of the pool. They all survived, and they all think it's no big deal.
And now it's my turn. I decide I will take off my shoes and socks, but other than that, I'm ready. There are three people in the shallow end, and four people standing around the edges. And there is a definite audience standing on the patio of the bar. There is no way I can get hurt, but I am still nervous. No big deal, I have dealt with this feeling before. I get into the harness, and slide into the pool. It's almost cold, and it feels really weird to be in the water in my clothes. My shirt floats up, my shorts float up, this is not how I am used to feeling when I am in the water. No matter. Deep breath, and down. Down, down, and then push off the side. Rotate onto my belly from my back, delve into the forest of lines. I feel the lines wrap around my ankles, legs, chest, and neck. They snake around me, clammy, creepy, clinging things - I am feeling trapped. Three strokes, and I am at the edge of the canopy, and I surface, happy I made it to this side. I am draped in lines - one has even caught my braid and wrapped around it. I have another one hanging over my face. I tread water and start untangling myself, kicking free of the lines on my legs, getting them from around my neck and hair, and I suppose I look frightened. Jim says "you don't have to swim back under, Michele. You can stop there", but I still have the harness on, I have only done about 1/3 of the training, I will not stop, I do not quit. I say "I don't do things by halves, Jim. I'll finish it". And although I dread it, I take another deep breath, surface dive, and swim back under it, this time avoiding most of the lines. I break the surface, shrug off the harness, and I have passed the water training!!!!!!!
Afterwards, I decide I am done jumping, that today, while it did not meet my goals, was full and complete. I had set the goals of completing all three rw, the hnp, and jump my own pack. Instead, I do the hnp, pack 4 times, 1 rw, and the water training. And of course, if you count the tree landing, this is a very full day. I am sore, but I can't figure out from what, so I take an Aleve and start gathering my gear. I see a guy with a name tag still affixed to his shirt, and he still has that "oh my god" look on his face. He is carrying a video, and the blue folder of information for AFF. I ask him how he feels, and caution him that he will be walking on air for the next several days. He and I start talking, me listening to his experience, sharing in his glee, and then I hear "and then, these girls landed in the trees, and then untangled themselves and got back to the dropzone and they were fine". I start to laugh. Even the first time tandems have a version of the story! I can't help but picture a 3,000 foot tree, evil limbs outstretched and grasping any stray canopies that just happen to float by. The battle royal ensues, and then the canopies free themselves, and these miracle girls fly calmly and sedately back to the dz, land on the grass, and walk away with nary a scratch......hmmmm, in the mind of a tandem, I suppose it could happen......
I hope you adventure continues, and that you all had the most excellent weekend yet.
Ciel bleu-
Michele
"What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky".
~e e cummings~

[mouth 0]

Another beautiful tale, Michele. I am so glad you Hop and Pop went well and you really didn't land in the trees. Thanks for sharing.
I can't wait until we can jump together....

[wingnut 0]

Michele,
when i become rich and famous will you write my biography??? nice story, it's always a pleasure to read something ya write!!!!

"up my noooossseee"- wingnut, at first euro dz.com boogie

[Monk 0]

So Michele will I be able to jump with you this Saturday? Have you completed all your training yet and faxed away for your license? How about Kimmer? Maybe we can still manifest on the same load and then....eh hem...jump "solo" together.
Monk
Ooops this was supposed to be a reply to Michele. Eh...I'm sure you all figured it out.

[Albatross 0]

Step by step girl. It sounds like the ledgend of you is taking on a life of its own. We might have to get a 4-way team called Michele's fault. I am glad that the H&P went well for the two of you. Good job on the pack jobs, did you jump any of them?
When is the magical A coming?
Love Ya
Flare Damn it!!!!!
Albatross

[Donna 0]

Quote

Flare Damn it!!!!!
Albatross

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH Albatross!! Don't say that!! That's what my husband has been saying to me for the past week ever since I fucked up and didn't flare good last weekend! Every time he walks by.... "Flare! Damn it!!" Guess I scared him.
Michele - Great job on your jumps and water training! Glad you got that tree jump over with! Skies,
D

[DZBone 0]

Quote

Some day I'll have to stow away in Carl's suitcase and come jump out in CA with you!

Hey, why not? With all the stuff I haul around with me, you and Bernie could fit in unnoticed!

[Donna 0]

You must have a BIG suitcase!!! Loved meeting your wife and dog, Rupert! (sorry... I forget her name. I know that's awful but I'm an animal person.) Hope they had a good time. Tell her I said Hi!
Skies,
D

[Michele 1]

Hey, Monk
Well, Saturday looks like it will be the big day....I should complete my RW and jump my own pack job, all hopefully by 11:00 a.m. Then off to take the written test, pass it and fax it off, and then, well, perhaps I can convince the S&TA to let me jump with you guys in the afternoon.....
I do hope I can jump with you all. That would just be the best, most excellent thing. I know! If they let me, could we let me out, and then you all kinda just join me in the air? I guess I am envisioning me jumping first, then all of you linking up with me, as I just fly there, doing nothing, no turns, or anything,. because I sure don't know how to regrip, and I don't know that two more RW will teach me all that.....or maybe some freeflying in a big circle or something. I dunno, might be boring to you, though. I'd even be willing to pull at 3.5 for this, but pulling that low does scare me (don't laugh - remember I only have a few jumps...and I am still a newbie...and I get scared easily.). Maybe I can convince one of the camera people to video this, and then we can get stills, and post them, or something. Kinda like a party in the air. (Steve? Paul Quade? Either of you available?)
And yes, I am thrilled I didn't land in the trees. !!!!ciels-
Michele
"What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky".
~e e cummings~

[Albatross 0]

Michele that is exactly what I was thinking. Maybe a small base of say 6 with 3 experienced and 3 newbies. Say YOU, KIMMER, and GMAN or CLubber. Then the rest of us could fly in and make it a formation and maybe end with some kiss passes for the big day.
Flare Damn it!!!!!
Albatross

[wingnut 0]

dudes and dudetts,
i'll be there both sat. abd sun. but i'll be doing to 20 way skills camp. please try and wait till it's over (maybe arund 4 or 5pm) to make this jump.... i'd love to be one of the people diving down to the base on our dz.com formation!!!!!! to bad we couldn't talk them into letting us do this on the sunset load!!!! you guys can find me pretty easy. i have an old green racer and i'll be wearing a sleavless airforce shirt.

"up my noooossseee"- wingnut, at first euro dz.com boogie

[RemiAndKaren 0]

Quote

some kiss passes

Not to remove any of the wholesome reasons behind that jump, but.... NOW WE HAVE THE REAL REASONS FOR THIS LOAD!!!!! lol
Have fun guys and gals....
Remi
Muff 914

[Michele 1]

Hey, Wingi

Quote

to bad we couldn't talk them into letting us do this on the sunset load!!!!

I believe that Albatross is doing the skills camp, too, so yeah, it will have to be later in the day (which would also give me the time to get the final requirements out of the way....).
As for the exact sunset load, well, I dunno, but I *might* be able to "convince" manifest into letting us do it then (I've done it before). Depends on the winds, I guess, and who I can beg and plead with to allow that. At the very least, we should be able to get a large group off the ground between 6-7 p.m. As sunset is about 7:25 on Saturday, that would put us close to the gloaming twilight, with a full moon as our backdrop (Oh my god, that sounds so intense!!!! - mental picture: golden sun rays rimming the mountaintops, shadows stretching out on the grey brown mountains and desert floor, dark blue melting into light blue, orange, purple, and pink, with the full moon shining silver bright over in the east....). So someone is going to have to make sure I know the wind directions, please......hahahahaha!!!
If I have this figured right, we may have the following in the group:
Michele
Clubber
Albatross
Gman
Monk
Wingi
DZBone
Shark
Mark Brown
(I know I am forgetting at least two people. and hmmmm, I just reread the list, and it seems as if I am the only girl....maybe Kimmer will get her requirements out of the way, too....) This should make for a 9 way, at least.
But, really, guys, I am only good at falling. You can't put me where I could do any damage, o.k.? I don't want to screw this up.
Ciels-
Michele
"What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky".
~e e cummings~