skylord

Sunday is my birthday Bob. . .so if you make it out you have to have a cold one for me. . .I don't think I will be out this weekend. . .but if you are in town on the 20th, I will DEFINITELY be in the sky that day. . . Anytime dude. . . First off, happy birthday you A Licensed goddess, you! Sorry you can't be there while I kick Rich's ass for his smart aleck comments!! From the 18th until the 30th, I'm in Hong Kong. I'm jumping before then to get off student status. I have time after that, and here I come! All kidding aside, the support I've gotten is incredible. Thanks to all, go get 'em Darcy! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

If you're scared say you're scared. Since you missed 'em *** That's it! Ass whooping on the way! I guess some people just have to be "taught" respect... Are they still handing out the unlimited AFF repeat coupons at Elsinore?? Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Hi Judith, Thanks for your interest and concern. More stories on the way. Yes, it was all due to the vertigo problems. I had the initial, and EXTREMELY severe reaction in Kauai, and then developed a kick ass head cold with an associated inner ear infection. I had two more very minor bouts over the next three weeks, but they went away with the cold. I am much better now, and I'm glad I took the time to make sure I'm 100%. I think that was a wise decision. Glad to hear of your progress! Keep in touch! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Javier, Probably a less severe type of the same thing I had. I'm all better now! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Rich, Great to be back. I miss your smart ass comments Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Darcy, You got it! I loved this last jump. I want to get done as fast as time and pocketbook permit!! Save a jump for me! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Shark, I was hoping to come out Thursday or Friday, but I'm stuck in Reno then at the "Women in Aviation" conference. I'm in Seattle right now. I may be able to peel away from that and show up. If not, I may not be able to make it out until Sunday or Monday. Looking forward to it! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

All, It looks like I'm all clear to jump once again. Did a tandem this past week just to make sure, doc says I'm good to go on my own. Look for more AFF adventures from skylord this week! AFF-6 here I come! Thanks to Lob, Shark, Javier, Darcy, Michelle, Doug, Yo yo, Rosa, Marie, Greg the Jello Shooter man, the rest of the Elsinore gang, and the dz.commers for your support. Lob took me on my test tandem, and let me do a front flip exit, and fly the freefall on my own. 360s left and right. Lock on, wave, pull. A fun jump, very fun, but jumping on your own is better. Made an ass landing since the winds were zero, and once down I told Lob it felt so romantic on the grass there that we should just order up a picnic basket of wine, cheese, and crackers right there. He laughed, and signed my logbook. It was such a release just to get back in the air again. The skills returned second nature thanks to the great initial training. I look forward to updating all of you on my progress, and look out, I'll be on my own very soon!!!! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Oh, stop that! I turn 46 in a few days, and am on AFF-6. Never too old! Great video! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I heard they found evidence of ancient dropzones and fossilized canopies. There was apparently a weathered sign that said, "Skydive Mars". NASA has no explanation as to why the sign was in English. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

It was the Skylord. I should know, I'm him Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Cajones, Roger that, probably next week! I'm feeling good, no relapses, and should be cleared by mid-March for jumps. Being grounded sucks, but it is safety first. Bob the table dancer Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Please, it was the least I could do! I'm down medically for just a bit, so I couldn't jump, but I'm out there on March 1st with a friend for a tandem. I will probably head out before then just to hang. Newcastle on the way! I'm going to take the packer class and do at least one tunnel jump while down. I can keep knocking out A requirements to the best of my ability. Thanks for everything you guys and gals do for us students! You are special. See you soon! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Tom, Like skyyhi said, and to be honest, this jump spooked me a bit since my JM was inside the plane doing a dive exit, and I was outside all by my little lonesome self doing a floating exit in an Otter. I was reverse arched on exit, and tumbled. The exit does feel different. Had I smiled, relaxed, arched (in that order) I would have been fine. I tensed, looked down, and had a most uncharacteristically unsexy exit. On AFF-4 and 5, I was released before coming off the hill without problem, so I know how to exit. I just blew the solo one. Smile, relax, and arch! Tell us how it went! You'll do great! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Yes, Jello Man! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

QuoteHey Bob, That's a good idea, however I think the most incriminating photo will be of Carl (and was it the Britz on the table???).... how much you think the DZO will offer??? Quote Hmm, I'd say $20 to 30 million based upon the advice of counsel. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Jen, Um, no. I'm an air traffic controller, and I've seen him on the radio with students. Great to meet you, you did a great job. You looked like Maury Wills sliding into second base. I thought you did great! I didn't hear about the scary opening, but I'm glad you went up again. Look forward to seeing you and the rest out at the DZ! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Oh, yeah! Thanks for the pics, Shark! As you can tell, my training wheels were stiff, so I was obviously reponsible for the stability of the entire formation on my own. I did just that with legs that to the untrained eye appear to be flailing, Actually, this is my AFF-1 dive with Shark and Tom. These pics don't worry me. I'm afraid of the Elsinore Instructor Burnout Boogie shots (oops, bad choice of words), uh photos....... Thanks again, man, for the pics, the support, and jumping with me!! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Yes, let's just get it over with. Send me the pics, and we'll talk price. Oh, boy! I love it when someone says they have something on film I don't remember doing. Actually, why not post the pics in a few days, and auction them off for Elsinore or Goshen? I know if I got my pics in advance I'd probably pay top dollar for the rights....... Great event, a great time, and it was heartwarming to see the DZ getting back on its feet! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Greg, Great job! It was great hanging out with you this weekend, and Darcy, and everyone else! What a blast! You were one jello-shot buying fool. I think you were trying to get me to go to the bunkhouse with you. Again, congrats, and I'll see you in the air! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

OK, here's what happened. I went to four stores, and found one sixpack of Newcastle. I gave it to Ed, who was very grateful for the effort. I have since found another source for Newcastle, and so I will fulfil my promise of a case to Ed, so three more six packs coming your way. Great to meet you, I'll bring 'em up when I get 'em. Elsinore rocks!! Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I kissed my ass goodbye on my tandem. Does that count? I hope not! Bob, with intact airginity Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Jdaks, Since this hasn't been moved yet, I assume the moderators are OK with this here. AFF-5, I dropped a leg and spun hard left. My JM actually rehearsed this with me on the dirt dive. Pull. Pull. Pull. I did, but thanks to the excellent training I got, I anticipated line twists. I applied anti line twist technology, and had a good chute at 4,500 feet. It happens, but I'm 1 out of 8, and I KNEW I screwed up when I pulled. 1/3 is high to me. Also, and this is NOT advice, but experience, at Elsinore it is one-pull, two-pull, re-set, arch, reserve. Four pulls is not fair to you. I pull as HARD as I can on EVERY jump. I throw the PC as hard as I can sideways, palm up. It is the JM's responsibility to get out of the way You handled the line twist great, congratulations! You really did a great, great job. Take care, but for the sake of new jumpers who might "pull" some slack on the PC, please don't give advice. Share your experience and let the AFF-Is, the Tontos, the Sharks, the rjfs, the others we see on this board reply according to their experience and training. Thanks for posting, hang in there, bro!!! Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

I don't know what happened to my reply, but I got a wierd fail message. Anyway, here it is: Damn it! NEVER mention first to this group! I know better! Anyway, a case for the birthday boy of New Castle from me, the New Guy. That one shot of Ed on his ass after a landing is like me. Loved it. Happy birthday, Ed! See you this weekend! Bob, AFF-6 Freestyle Exit World Champion Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman

Wow, Ed is 9X9= 81 years old. Well, Ed, you look great, one of your landings looks like mine, but at your advanced age that explains it. Happy Birthday! I'll see you at the Burnout Boogie. It will be my first Boogie, so don't f&#k with me. Bob Bob Marks "-when you leave the airplane its all wrong til it goes right, its a whole different mindset, this is why you have system redundancy." Mattaman