Albatross

I don't know why you feel the need to put down some of the best people I know for expressing themselves but I really don't think that this is the venue for it. The "Cheesy Creative Writing" as you put it has helped many people get over their fears and re-live their first few jumps. Michele for instance has summoned more courage thatn anyone I have ever seen, overcome all her fears and felt safe enough to tell us all about it in a way taht allows us to all share in it. If this is just your way of causing controversy choose a different topic like abortion or gun control. I understand that you have the right to say whatever but I would hope that you and others would respect the comunity that we have developed and keep the tone positive. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I am glad that you are home and I hope that mom is being nice to you. So what is the final outcome on the leg. When you left sat. we were unsure about the treatment. I am glad that I could be there to give you a little support. Let me know where you are and what is up. We could bring the DZ to you. Heal quickly so we can jump again. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

According to Nelson's own recount he just mis-timed the flare and flared at like 1' and had his leg out infront and a little stiff. Nothing "got him" it was just a mistake and a lesson learned. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Jusk like Shark and Carl said it was a true misfire at 4000'. Carl had the visual on the Alti III and Shark had the Pro -Track which showed him under canopy by 2000' and Nick was 1000' above him. My dytter had not gone off at 2000 when I first saw him under canopy. I will keep everyone updated as the information comes in. Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Yeah the handle was still there and the riggers tag was still on the pin and the loop still there. We also saw the fired cutting apperatus. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

My friend is fine. He was tracking when it happened and said that it was a slightly hard opening. As for his shorts, although I didn't check (guy friend) he said that he was under a perfect blue reserve by the time he had any idea what was going on. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

O.K. has anyone ever heard of thiscypress malfunction before. After a problimatic 4 way we went to break off and Shark sees a piolot chute coming out of my friends container. When I dump I see Shark and DZbone but not my friend. Finally I see him 1000' above me riding his reserve. We get down and confirm that his cypress fired at between 3500-4000'. He made 3 other jumps so we know that it wasn't set incorrectly and we ahve both visual and Pro-Track confirmation of the altitude. Anyone else know abou this. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

You have all heard that our planned record attempt didn't gather all the steam that we had hoped. But for me the first jump of the day (my 100th) is one that I will never forget. Craig, Nelson, Mark and 2 others decided to get the base for the attempt some practice while we were waiting on everyone to show up. We launched a 4 way base with the 2 most experienced jumpers flying into their slots. The base was launched perfectly and the slots filled. We turned a 2 points but lost level when we turned two small rounds but all in all a great begining to the day. After break off soaring in the cool moring air and a great ride. Lining up for approach and landing Nelson come in and I am pushed into my first pond swoop (beer). I look back to see him lying down and think that he had a slip or butt slide on landing but thought nothing of it nad finished gathering my main. I look back and se him in the same position and call out. He screamed and I dropped my gear and sprinted over to see if he was OK. Nelson is lyign there moaning about his leg. I start to do the inspection and see his foot pointing the wrong way and the bulge just above his ankle. This was not good. He had no back problems or hip injuries. When the paramedics arived we had cleared his rig but he made them take the jump suit (Mark's) off without cutting it I can't even imagine the pain that caused him. 2 sots of morphine, 4 of other stuff and 5 hours later Nelson was out of it as they took him to the other hospital. Our prayers are with him. I'll be waiting to make that next jump with you man. God bless and we'll be there to make sure he does. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Welcome to the party. Save the first dance for me even if it is on a wednesday afternoon. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Josh Listen to Michele. We all have our doubts at some time but this is about just what you said... being the person you want to be. We are all scared to jump from time to time. Now is the time to be brave and face your fear and jump. You can leave the sport but don't be driven out. Blue skys are waiting and somewhere in them is the person that you want to be. Search for the courage to find him. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I know that some others have said that this is up to you and I agree. Look life is dangerous and we all know that and accept it on some levels. We cross the street knowing that a car could kill us, we drive knowing that we could crash and we skydive knowing that we could die. This is a fact of life, each of us has to decide which risks are important enough or small enough to take. I don't envy the thoughts that you are dealing with but I hope that you don't let a fear make you stop doing something that you love. If you want to stop great, if you stop for your family or friends that is up to you but for yourself don't leave because you are afraid because then you are not in charge and not running your life your frear is. I have had the deamons and know what they are like good luck in your stuggles with your deamons. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I know that some others have said that this is up to you and I agree. Look life is dangerous and we all know that and accept it on some levels. We cross the street knowing that a car could kill us, we drive knowing that we could crash and we skydive knowing that we could die. This is a fact of life, each of us has to decide which risks are important enough or small enough to take. I don't envy the thoughts that you are dealing with but I hope that you don't let a fear make you stop doing something that you love. If you want to stop great, if you stop for your family or friends that is up to you but for yourself don't leave because you are afraid because then you are not in charge and not running your life your frear is. I have had the deamons and know what they are like good luck in your stuggles with your deamons. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Guys don't let Michele fool you, I kidnapped her as she walked on the DZ and she didn't even hesitate to come sit with and help Nelson all day. She didn't even blink at the possibility of missing her graduation jump or the DZ.com boggie or that she had tons of beer for the day and had done all this work. I can say that Nelson has one great friend in Michele and I count myself lucky to know her. Any of you should be as lucky as to have even one friend like her. Michele not only are you a great woman, friend and person you are fast becoming a greaat skydiver. Much love. Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Be safe man. Have fun. Jump hard. Drink till you can't stand up then sleep at the DZ. The life of RILEY! Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Maybe it is just my karma but it seems that I can never be in top shape for the big dance. Just before my prom I got the chicken pocs and now this. SO everyone know that Sat is the big DZ.com west coast boggie and all the truely hot women will be there. So I am training last night and my friend busts up my face. I am now sporting 5 stiches in my lip and a nasty fat lip. I guess that I am going to have to rely on my personality (sleeping alone again). Anyone ever jump with facial sutures? Any thing I should know? Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

O.K. this is not mine directly but a few weeks ago I was jumping with a low time friend and looking at him floating above me on the hill (He left a little late) and I saw one of the big two tone canopies open just below the plane. I was shocked but finished the jump and got down. After running to the school after the student landed I found out that just like our friend here he thought that he was in the red zone and pulled at just under 13,000, which he thought was under 1000. I guess that was one one the longest student rides ever. I like the stupid us stories so here is mine. I was doing my Aff-2 I think and I was gearing up: checked my ripcord, checked my handles, my chest strap, put on my helmet and couldn't for the life of me get my goggles on. My instructors and the rest of the plane were in histerics but you know how hard it is to put your goggles on over a pro-tec. Oops Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

As a man with a brain or two I resent being treated like a piece of meat. I do have thoughts and feelings you know. SO if you are going to look come feel me and tell me what you are thinking. I want to have some fun too. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Sorry not there on Sunday but I would love to come jump with you soon at Elsinor. Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I think that it will work with a larger canopy that doesn't swoop that well. I have see a few people do it on purpose I did it once on accident then flared all the way to stand it up. Stay longer next time Snowflake we need mor efriends to jump with. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

How come I think that there is going to be a group of people holding WILL Work for SKYDIVE outside the DZ this weekend. Sorry to hear about the job but another one will come along and maybe it will be better. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

The landing was a thing to see especially after the less than graceful ones that you have described. Everyone here would have been smiling ear to ear like I was to see her settle like a butterfly and then being to jump and dance and scream. It is that type of passion and excitment that makes me want to teach and why I love to jump with low timers (even if I have only 100 jumps). Michele I have been there every step since your incident and I want you to know that if you can overcome all that you have delt with from door deamons to self doubt then you can walk on water in my book. I would bet cash that you could do anything because that is the type of person that you are. Le all love you and I know that we will all take the time to be there in the plane if at all possible for that grauation jump. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I am camping there Friday night and will be there in the afternoon. How can I find you? Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

I am there. I am excited to jump with you all. I got to jump with Nelson today for the first time and it was a blast. I think that it will be a wild day. In front of manifest at 9am is good. Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Michele Love don't even sweat it. Ed is willing to jump to make you feel better, togive you the opportunity not to stress about the pack job, to let you pack a smaller chute, and help you. However, he is also a smart guy who know the value of a propperly packed chute, I am sure that he watched you carefully and KNOWS that the pack job is good. HE WOULD NEVER JUMP A PACK JOB THAT HE DIDN'T BELEIVE WOULD BE FINE. Maybe I will see you tommmorow. Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross

Sorry to hear about the loss of job Nelson. I guess that it is like my parents always said, Another one will come along and be even better. For the mean time I will be happy to pitch in for your beer money if you come next week. Chris Ready, Set, GOOOOOOO Albatross