Michele

Hey, Snowflake Hope? I do that all the time, JG, all the time. Most of the time I hope in vain, but hope springs (hops?) eternal...... BTW, I tried your trick on determining wind direction from a static object. I think it worked. I'll have to try it again. Thanks! ciels- m "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Morning, Falln I know what you mean. It wasn't all that long ago that I needed to perform a "knee check" on everyone around me in the plane. I would reach out, touch their knee, and make eye contact. I'd get the reassuring smile, and then move on to the next knee, as far as I could reach. I even tried that with the pilot once, but he didn't look back. LOL!!!!

Morning, HH. Not to confuse the issue any, but the two people I get this with is Zclubber and Wildblue. I tend to go through my control panel to the little PM box, and hit "send a pm", but it has happened when I have clicked over on their name. It invariably happens with at least these two guys each time. One good note: even tho I get the box, the pm gets sent anyway. BTW, thanks again for an excellent site, and for all the work you do here on our behalf! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

WWWHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I can only speak for myself, but I won't get tired of hearing that another jumper has made it to their "A". And hopefully, I will be able to write that post soon, too!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Morning, Dove. You are in my prayers, too. As I am sure you are in many prayers from others here. Let us know if we can help. PTig, After my mal, I was talking to Vinnie about it. He asked me if I had thought of my Cypres, and I said no, never even crossed my mind. I remember being surprised that it hadn't, either. Vinnie said "Good. That's the way it should be". I took this to mean that I did exactly what I was supposed to, i.e. pulled my own silver, and didn't wait for "something to come save me". Which is what your mind was saying to you, too, I think. I have thought since then that the situation which Dove encountered is what the Cypres is designed for...if you are broken and can't get to your handles, or if you are unconscious for some reason. It is there as a final resort, a last desperate measure. It is up to me to pull whichever handle, if at all possible, and not wait for the "Deus Ex Machina". On a personal note, I am tickled that there are people who have decided that their life is worth more than the $1200 or so a cypres costs. I don't have to know you to know that you are worth it. I hope many, many more people read this post, and it stirs them into thinking long and hard about the decision to get an AAD. Ciel bleu- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Heya, PT Yeah, well, about those ankle socks and shorts I've been wearing.... Actually, that's a great point. It's the contrast as well as the movement which attracts their attention. Ever wonder why they generally bite on the upper arm, upper thigh or the ankle? It's where the tan lines are most prominent. They can see it and that's what they go for. Ciels- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Marc!!! Couple of comments to that effect, none intended to put you down or to negate your experience in any way. Ever notice how the water tends to magnify things and distort them? They may not have been as big as it seemed. A full grown bull shark can range between 8-12 feet; adolescents can range from 5-10 feet. I don't know their weight proportions off hand, but they're not named gazelle sharks (actually, there is a little "hump" like nodule of fat and motion sensing cells on the base of their head/neck, like the Brahaman(sp?) bull, thus the name) but they are really rather stocky, heavily, round, and so forth. Some sharks are leaner in profile, such as the Mako or Black Tip, and do not grow as large in length. And all sharks are intimidating, even the plankton eating Whale Shark (up to 40 tons, up to 40 feet long, and like 15 feet across (not around)). I think if I saw even a baby shark (12 inches) near me in the water, I would get out right away. Again, no expert here. I did watch Nigel Martin's (Marvin's?) Shark Week, though ciels- me "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

No problem, I spent the day at the DZ yesterday, which always makes me happier and more willing to laugh and enjoy things....even (e=mc2)'s like you!!!!!! Actually, there is a reason those bull sharks are creeping up and sampling the swimmers....it has to do with water temps (barely warmer than usual - like 1 degree or something, but signif to the sharks), an abundance of food (because of the warmer water), and the activity of the hurricane/storm season. The waters are murkier than usual (stirred up by the storms which have been hitting the area), which allows for the sharks to feed. Bulls are not generally deep water feeders, they like the -10 feet near the shore line. They tend to prefer murkier waters because their normal prey have better eyes than they do, and because there is a lot of food, their mating instinct is up. And so, when they creep into shore (or into shallows), they will bite whatever moves, thinking it fish. Then they taste feet, and spit it right out (mostly). These sharks are generally the younger sharks. Adolescents and post adolencents, are the norm for this behavior (No, I am not a shark expert, but I slept in a Holiday Inn last night....). Of course, I am writing all this because there is nothing interesting on TV, and I crave the fellowship of jumpers, even if it is just cyberfellowship..... O.K., go back to being a smart ass..... ciels- m "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

roflmao @ PT!!!! Way too funny for a monday evening. "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Yeah, they breakfasted on people feet, instead of eggs and bacon...... (sorry, I couldn't resist). ciels- M "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Um, yes it is. It's a really big deal. You've just taken the step into the realm of the unimaginable, the intense, the incredible. You will never be the same. You will always know flight. It's a really big deal. Be proud of yourself. I know we are proud of you!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Dove, First, thank god you're o.k. Second, thank God you are o.k. Third and last, THANK GOD you are o.k. Take your time healing. The sky will wait for you. And so will the rest of us. Ciels, Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

My condolences to Lisa, her family, Andy, and the skydiving family as a whole. I am so sorry. Blue skies forever..... Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Good for you. It's super hard when you see an accident, or hear an accident! Good work, great jumps, and great landings! Congratulations, and keep on keeping on!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Sharkie... S A T U R D A Y N I G H T........yup, night jumps. Yup, I said something about it. Yup, they're happening..... check it out:http://www.perriscam.com/super17.htm (sorry, I don't know how to post the link......) here's all the info. See you there!!!!!!!!!! (right, Monk?) ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

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~

Dan, So sorry to hear that. My condolences to the jumper's family, and to you and the other watchers. ciel bleus- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Let's see if I can entice Monk over to Perris. $17 jumps, all day Saturday (-$2 off the regular price) 3 - 4 load organizers Night Jumps Saturday nite (but you have to call manifest ahead of time and tell them you are going nite jumping) Band Saturday nite I most likely will be there, and Kimmer may be, as well..... oh yeah.....almomst forgot : a Turbine DC-3 is scheduled for all day on Saturday. To altitude in like 12 minutes. Don't forget that we have 2 twin otters, and the Skyvan, as well, for that day (or so the rumor goes...) - 4, yes, count 'em, 4 planes!!! Come on over, Monk - the water's (o.k., the sky!) fine! Ciels - Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Congratulations, Julie. I have been hoping you'd post about getting through it all! I am thrilled for you! YAY You!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Ann! Esse is a "tortoise shell" too, except her coloring is so unique that her tan markings are actually a lite pink/coral/orange, rather than just tan (no, I did not dye her markings). She is brown grey, as well. Bitch Kitty is all black, and knows she's Queen kitty..... And no, I can't leave short messages either! ciles- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Well, you won't be the only lowtimer there.....there's always me! My first boogie....uh, strike that, make it my presecond boogie. Yeah, that's it!!!!!!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Perris is on earth? hahahaha - I thought it was another dimension....or at least another state of mind... Actually the one "urban legend type" Perris story I had heard was a night landing over at the AFB. Anyone know if there's any truth to that? Ciels - Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Coud9 said it first and best: Yeep, one of the others here, really enjoying your posts!!! ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hi, all. Newbie question: what is considered heavily loaded as opposed to lightly loaded? I understand how to get the loading factor, but I am just wondering as to the heavy v. light loading, and where is the cut-off? I mean, is a load of 1.5:1 heavy or light? How about 1.1:1? or 1.3:1? Is there a clear demarcation line (although I suspect there isn't....sigh) I am asking this because of the thread "Death in Hollister" brought up a point: there was a loading quoted, and I was wondering if it was heavy (as indicated) or light. This is not to point at anyone, I am sincerely curious. And another newbie question: how does a lightly loaded v. heavily loaded canopy behave differently close to the ground? (I have an idea, but was wondering if someone else had a good description and/or explanation). And before anyone rips me a new.....I am asking this because I want to make sure I stay conservative, and not cross the boundaries without knowing where they are. I appreciate any advice and/or explanations you can share! Ciels- michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

Hey, Wingnut... Bitch Kitty is not a weird name. She is a bitch, and she is a kitty. So, Bitch Kitty it is. She named herself. Esse is the quintesential cat. Which is her full name, by the way (quintessence= the fifth (quint) essence, or element: fire, water, air, earth, and *spirit* or essence). She named herself, as well. O.K., so they're odd. So'm I. CIles- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~