pyke

I was going to say how long, but I think she pretty much summed up what I would have said anyway!!! Let's just say that with a "normal" King Air flying b-to-b loads without fueling...I can be down and packed before the next load lets the jumpers out

Ahh, how this thread brought back some (albeit painful!) memories of learning to pack! My best move so far.....getting Bill Scott (Skydive Monroe, GA) to show how it is he packs so DAMN!! fast! Now, I have it on the ground in one minute and in the container in about another 3-4..... My - how much more pleasurable my life of jumping is now!! If you would like to learn Bill's method - a trip to Monroe can be more of an experience than you think!!! Anyway, stick with it MM - billvon was right...it is a right of passage!!! my .02, Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Hi all, Anyone here jump at SDOrange?? Am heading up there for NY's and if possible, would love to meet some of you! Hopefully, I can get at least one jump day in (there for 6 days) but that would be it. Might be around the 2-3rd of Jan '02. Anyone think they will be around during that time?? Taking the rig, regardless. If you plan on being around the DZ during that time - look for a visitor wearing the "ugly" burgundy Racer with the silver pop top - That'll be me!! Give us a shout if you'll be around!

You also forgot to mention the DZ's in the North Island, like Martinsborough, just north of Wgtn - which is the same guy as Napier/Hastings (now closed) - one in Paihia, Bay of Islands - need a class B - Dannevirke's "Cloud 9" dz, just outside of Palmerston North - run by Andy and Kate, nice ppl...good dz - and finally, there is one dz in Palmerston North itself. Other S.I. dz's are Fox Glacier - ring ahead...he is a Tandem "mainly" operation, but will sell you a slot, Ashburton "Ash-vegas" - Awesome dz, big plane (relatively speaking for NZ) and a great group of ppl (say 'Hi' to Howard for me) - and every once in a while - you can catch the Otago Skydiving Club (out of Dunedin) jumping in Stewart Island. Doing a jump in Dunedin (or St. Island) guarantees you a jump at the "southern most dz in the world" (ex. any remote Chilean dz's - but I have done research into and yet to find one that is vocal about it). Anyway, as far as van trips - go to Maui.co.nz and check out their deals. You can't go anywhere in NZ without seeing one of their vans - so they must give pretty good deals on trips. Otherwise, the other thing to do (cause it is cheap enough!) is to show up in Auckland and buy a car from Turner's Auctions. Then drive it around the country for as long as you need - and then sell it through Turners when you leave. Has been done before and for little hassle too! (depending on when you plan on arriving - auctions are on Wednesday morning, but you can get cars 'checked' on Tuesday prior) Nobody is lying when they say that once you arrive, you won't want to leave. I was there for 5 1/2 years, and I miss it EVERY MORNING when I wake up in this "hellhole" they call "Hotlanta". I am DEFINATELY moving back there permanently in less than 6 years - just need to get rid of some debt - then it's Harere Ra America and Kia Ora Aotearoa!!!!! Have fun, safe travels, Blue Skies, and Long White Clouds!!! Cheers! (p.s. first visit to NZ - BEER!) Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Well, I don't know if this qualifies, but while visiting a mate in Japan this year...I was talking to his flatmate, Melissa, when she asked me what movies I liked....I replied, "Silence.." and left it at that - not realising I hadn't finished the title. She replies, "that's funny, you named the one movie my Dad was in." So, I sort of freaked and inquired who he was - "he was Buffalo Bill". Come to find out that my mate's flatmate (and now girlfriend) is Ted Levine's daughter. Later that night, we were watching "Friday" and he rings up - so we are in the living room quoting the movie and he is on the phone quoting the movie - kind of weird, but cool! Other than that, I got really drunk with Danyon Loader, double Gold Medallist in Swimming in '96, in New Zealand while I lived there. He and I found ourselves at the bar at the same time so I bought him a drink and he invites me to join he and his girlfriend (an American) at their table. 4 hours later, I stumbled home. Sorry I couldn't be more exciting, but there you go! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Sorry guys, but my family *made* me do this..... GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! GO HORNS!! and one for my cousin-in-law GO AGGIES!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Nathan, I don't have the degree of "inside" knowledge that some of the others have (claim to! ), but being a 'brat' of a Navy Capt. all my life, I can give you this much advise. I went through this "whole damn thing" as Dad wanted *any* of us to go in to the services (funny, how *none* of us did though).... Dad has ALWAYS said if he had to do it over again, he would have chosen the Marines...while he is NOT dissatisfied with his chosen path, he always said he never met a Marine who wasn't treated well by the Corps. Sometimes, the green-eyed monster would come through and he would get on a Marine kick, but all in all, he said that the Marines took 'better care' of their staff. With ALL branches you will get to FLY. You may not fly the hottest, the biggest, or the best, but you will fly - and if that is your dream, then follow it. As for the Air Force, they are more a 'career' oriented service. While you can make a career out of any branch duty, the Force seems to be more catered to bringing in line the bureaucracy of 'Corporate America' with 'service to your country'. From what I have gathered, the other main branches specialise more on the 'defense' portion and you will go where we say you will go. (don't get me wrong, ALL branches have the option of relocation, but the Force have more 'stateside' postings) [Again, I reiterate I am no "insider" and others may/will disagree, but I am only giving you my insights - so back off Clay!!] As for getting your private licence before you join....sure get it, but much like the military jumpers getting jump qualified in the service, it has little value outside the service, since private dz's recognise the USPA cert. (not sure if you get a USPA cert in the service or not (excluding the Golden Knights, Leap Frogs, and the like)). So, while getting your private ticket may allow YOU to better understand what you're facing at "military ground school", you will still have to qualify to military standards and that will mean NO SHORTCUTS. So, get your ticket, but then wrap up about unless asked. Regardless of what degree you get, you will be accepted as an officer in ALL branches. You will still have to go through OCS at the beginning of your career, but you will advance faster than an E'd man. True, getting a aeronautical related degree will help YOU, but EVERYONE starts at the same place, so it doesn't make 'that' much difference. Lastly, and I make this point fervently, CHOOSE WISELY!!!! Regardless of which branch you go into, make an EDUCATED decision. CHECK THEM ALL OUT!! Go in and talk to recruiters, but even further, scout out bases and check in a visitor - then ask to speak to persons in your "chosen" field. Get the inside scoop with ALL branches (I can't say this enough). Then, and ONLY THEN sign your name to the dotted line. Recruiters, while a starting point, are much like "career counsellors" at staffing agencies - they get a commission based on the number of ppl they sign up - NOT how many of the people they sign up are

This guy sounds like a statistic WAITING to happen... guess the clue here is track very far away from this guy!!!!!

Yup, you're right Remi....all we can really do is analyse it - even though we don't have ALL the facts. Point being....DO your SAFETY CHECKS and look out for others!!! I know that when I am at the dz, I can be influenced by other thoughts, and forget simple ones that are more "present". TAKE CARE ALL!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

This I do know Wildblue... He is ~200 out the door, on a 180 Raven - so even though he was "over loading" his reserve...I don't think it was serious enough to do 'that' kind of damage, but apparently - it WAS!!! ....didn't have a 'lock' of any kind....just a delay long enough to make him chop 'cause he was too low. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

I am no rigger either, but I believe that a stuck closing loop can cause a TOTAL malfunction, much the same as a bag lock - nothing comes out. Closing loops should be tight, but not TOO tight. Anyway, I *don't* know the full story, but that is what I was told. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

With the impending holiday season about us.... EVERYONE CHECK YOUR RIGS!!!! We had a very serious accident in Monroe this past weekend, involving a very experienced jumper. Initial consults with the DZ Rigger suggest that his closing loop may have been too tight leading to a delay in deployment. He was lower than "normal" so the delay cut his decision time short, leading to a terminal reserve opening. Such an opening *broke* several lines on his reserve and caused him to spiral in. He is in critical condition, but expected to make a full recovery in time. He was flying a Raven reserve - so Raven owners....have your riggers check your line groups at your next repack!!! (not slamming Raven's - one saved my ass a while back - just have them checked!) EVERYONE - Holidays are crazy times.....so don't forget to do the ONE, SIMPLEST thing that could make everyone's holiday a SAFE and HAPPY one!!!! CHECK YOUR FRIENDS, CHECK YOUR FRIENDS' FRIENDS, AND CHECK YOURSELVES!!!!!!!! Pyke signing off - wishing all the very best in this SAFE holiday season.

Monterey Bay?? All, I am heading to San Jose to visit the rellies for this upcoming holiday weekend and was wondering who all jumps at SDMB. I am DEFINATELY going to check them out on Friday, after T-giving, and would like to meet any W. Coast peeps who are online here. Give us a shout if you're planning on ditching the rellies also for bit of a play. I would love to hook up and do some 'work' while I am out there! Am taking the M.U. up for a ride along, so if you spot an outsider standing next to "his mother" than shout out "Kiwi" and see which one of us answers first!!!! See you Friday! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

I also know that Carolina Freefly is based out of Chester, NC....I know they do heaps of individual coahcing and most of their instructors form the Carolina Freefly team, but I don't know if they do other stuff. I can't speak for what they are like, as 1) I am a belly flyer, and 2) I have only met them at distant boogies, but you can check them out. They always have multiple "large" turbines and a very friendly demeanor. Thought I would throw that out there. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Thanx Remi! I don't know what the numbers were that were involved in this - but it BLOODY HURTS!!!!!LOL!! anyway, I guess I should have paid more attn in my h.s. physics classes - OH WAIT - I DIDN'T take ANY!!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

If you are travelling at 174 fps and you impact an object travelling at the same speed, isn't the impact of that collision only relative to the velocity of the trajectory, and not the speed of travel?? i.e. I was in a simple four way this weekend, and we were spinning pairs - my pair got a little away from the other one, and I was trying with all my ability to get to the second pair, with my "newbie" on my side body...anyway, just as I am about to take a grip - they break off (at break off point) and one of them tracks right under me. With the speed he was going, and the speed I was going, I managed to only take the bottom of his shoe to my face (nose!!!). No blood, and all landed uneventfully...BUT.... It feels as though I took a right hook straight to my nose!!! So, i am just curious as I sit here at work, at what speed did the collision take place, so I might compare it to, say, a punch! anyway, random thoughts for a Monday! And something to distract from the "apparent" tragedy that just took place! Cheers, Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

......since I have done anything skydiving related!! First things first.... Yeah me...I have wheels!!

Hey all, can anyone tell me where that page was for those desktop themes that were skydiving related? I have looked in a few places, but haven't had any luck with what I could remember. Either posting it, or PMing me would be great. Thanks Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Don't forget your toys!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

I don't know Clay... they always say those dark, brooding types are all closeted. So, something you want to share with us?? I didn't see you "getting amongst it" at the DZ, so are you the type to prefer to sit in the corner and watch...or rent some gay porn on a Friday night..."just to check it out"? C'mon Clay- give us the goss!! I am sure there are some queers lurking this site that would love to get their hooks into you. I for one...will stick to the ladies....IF I COULD EVER GET ONE!!!!!! It is one thing to be labeled a queer...it is entirely different to be a-sexual (a.k.a. NOT GETTIN" ANY!!) Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Yup, TMI!!!!! But, thanks for sharing...I am sure between your P.A. and the Sis' clit...we could all have some fun. And I am a lesbian...so stop laughing. There is nothing wrong with having a weakness for women....esp. if you are one trapped in a man's body!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Wow, I don't know a faster way to have INS knocking on your door the minute you sign those papers!!! This chick is LOONEY!!! I considered marrying an american while in NZ just so she could stay in the country...but let's get real folks...she was a good friend and I was looking to help her out after knowing her over a year....to just advertise you're in it for the money....shit, she might as well hang a sign on her neck..."GOLDDIGGER" And what a worse place to go looking too..."I only want the money"...on a skydiving forum....YEAH RIGHT!!!!!! Like I would sacrifice a couple hundred jump tickets just for a bloomin' passport....I'd settle for a blow job and call it a day!!!! ROTFLMAO!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Skymama - I don't know if I qualify as a "piercing pro" (although at one time I had over 13 of the buggers over my body), but take these hints from me... 1) NEVER EVER use Neosporin on a piercing. While it may lead you to believe it is helping the healing process...every piercer I have ever asked about it says it also traps what bacteria is "in" there already, and can "speed up" the body's rejection process. 2) As far as soreness and redness...that is to be expected...and don't expect it to go away TOO quickly...belly's take the LONGEST of any other body piercing due to the lack of nerve endings at the umb. cord. They should have told you to expect anywhere between 6-9 months...but I have seen longer and shorter - depending on the person - so results will vary (note: 6-9 months is NOT gospel) 3) As far as what you can use to help the "pain" go away...I have always, and continued to use simple Bactine (that sunburn stuff - but I use the squeeze bottle and not the spray - I guess it wouldn't matter though). Do you know the stuff? Comes in a white and green "container". I put some of that on..and then just rotate the jewelry a few times to get it "in" there. If you have any questions...or want some other advice on piercing care...feel free to PM me, or go here for more info. Hope this helps! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Pammi, That is too f*^*ing funny!!!LOL That is SOO Freaksis....touch her kitty and she purrs!!!!!LOL!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- 31879

Well, colour me nutty, but I would think it would take a lot less time than this to realise that the quote should be none other than Sangiro's FAVOURITE expression.... "It ain't no damn democracy!" I would be up for that...since after all it isn't!! And, Aviatrr...do me a favour...TRAVEL!!! Broader horizons might allow you to appreciate other nuances of the English language common to different parts of the world!!!!TTHHHPTHPTTTHTPHTHTPTHPTHT!!!! But if gay is what you want....then come 'ere honey! I'll show you just what "love thy neighbour" can really feel like!! [/pyke falls off the chair laughing his ass off!!!] Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke NZPF A - 2584 USPA C- 31879