NWFlyer

Hey, Mark, I know it's the wrong side of the country, but there's also the monthly group at Perris with Mark Brown and Darryld Light. Usually 40ish ways and very focused on learning bigway skills and safety. Good for folks in that "in-between" group you described. The dates are published on Perris' calendar, and also on this site: http://jefflaun.com/Markway.asp I've also heard that Lodi now has a group regularly doing two-plane formations (though I believe there's a 500-jump minimum for that group). I don't know any more details about it than that - I just heard folks talking about it when I was at the American Boogie. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

For your first jump course, your best bet is just to listen to your instructors and ask as many questions on the material presented as possible. It's great that you have a copy of the SIM already - that'll be an excellent resource to supplement the materials that you'll get in the class. But don't try to learn too much ahead of time - first jump courses and subsequent training are well designed to give you the right information at the right time. But good for you for just going to check it out prior to doing your first jump. Since you've bought the SIM, I assume you want to go ahead and get your license. Ask about the training program there - not just AFF, but getting to your A license. How is the program structured end-to-end - what happens between AFF and your A license? That'll help you know what to expect beyond the first jump (though I'm sure the first jump is what you're most excited about right now). Wander around and get to know people - they're a pretty friendly bunch out there. See if it's the kind of place that feels comfortable to you. Weekends during the day will be busy for the instructional staff so it may be tough to get time to chat with them, but early in the day and after hours, or during the week, it should be a lot easier to get some time to ask your questions. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

You answered your own question "The whole subdivision is just chock full of nothing but dull earth tones." "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Oh, I have failed as a Muff Brother. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

That's a seriously cool story. Makes me want to read the book. The part about it enhancing her self-image after two kids and being "sturdily built" and "on the wrong side of 40" (her words) is so obvious in the photo - I look at the photo and see a beautiful woman and a happy couple. We could all stand to internalize that.

Have we met? "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

They sure are cute though. There is a pair nesting in the middle of the student area at Elsinore.

That's what I'm talkin' about. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Now if this poll isn't Bonfire-friendly, I'm not sure what is. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

I'm going to start a poll. It will be very bonfire friendly. Just watch. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

You should come to Oregon one of these days. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

So have you actually picked up the phone and called Lodi to confirm whether you can do AFF there? Inquiring minds want to know if that's still an option (and are also a little curious to see if you have some of the initiative and self-reliance it takes to do well in this sport ). "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Fixed it for you. "I'll take Fun With Dystopia References for $800, Alex." "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

No, in the first photo the moose is clearly obtaining consent. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

At least that's what this researcher says. Anyone know if he's a jumper, too? Now if only we could get more skydivers to PLF when they should. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

You know, Billy, the first step is admitting you have a problem. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

So what you're saying is even with the upsizing you're still managing to induce line twists. Apparently it's not a packing class he needs, then. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

It's for hot chicks with douchebags. I can't be only one who is totally fascinated by this web site (in a "train wreck" sort of way, of course). "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Knowing where Bruce jumps there's a looooooong history in the sport at that dropzone and in the family. No matter which "she" he's talking about. Bruce, I'd agree with what others have said - I doubt there was an expectation of any compensation (other than the inspection & repack, of course, which you already mentioned). You might ask around to find out her favorite brew, though. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Not true - there's several places in the U.S. that take 16 year olds, just not sure if there are any in California.

As has been said, try The Parachute Center in Acampo (near Lodi). www.theparachutecenter.com Of the dropzones in CA, that's the most likely, but it all depends on what kind of mood Bill's been in lately. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

What fun is that??????? Ya shoulda been here Yes, apparently the Fun Police should have issued a citation. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Want to bet? Then explain how training the military and SAR how to jump with dogs is not a reason for them to be there? Service dogs would be another example (since not allowing them to be there could possibly be infringing upon the rights of the skydivers who have a right to be on the dropzone - even if the skydiver in question is a tandem student who uses a service dog). However, I'm in agreement with Bill in that the vast majority of dogs on dropzones are there for no reason other than for their owners' pleasure - they're not there acting in a service capacity, nor are they involved in anything relating to the skydiving operation. If a dropzone allows dogs and consistently enforces rules about where dogs are and aren't allowed to be, I'm fine with it. But if dogs are allowed to run around willy nilly and get anywhere up and around my gear (and I include not only my skydiving gear, but also my tent and personal belongings if I'm camping), then it's a problem for me. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

Taking it out on the police is flawed. they inforce the laws, they don't make them. and they do not have arbitrary rights over which to enforce. I think they have lost the ability to use common sense. And they do have arbitrary rights over which ones to enforce. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=3259398;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread I bet if I hadn't been wearing my seatbelt I would have gotten four tickets yesterday since it is a primary offense here in WA. Funny thing about seatbelts is thanks to the quite thorough brainwashing I got from my parents growing up I've just about lost all free will in the matter. Putting on a seatbelt isn't even a conscious action anymore. Cars that I was in as a child did not move until all belts were on. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke

What she said. And of course it's sunny today. The weather was nice all weekend at the Ritz (sunny and warm though occasionally windy). The Caravan was flying Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Yeah, I saw the forecast and seriously considered coming out your way but decided to do the fiscally responsible thing and stay in town... been spending way too much money I don't really have traveling and skydiving lately. (And fortunately, Ms. Peace Officer did not slap me with multiple tickets for my trouble). "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke