Weekly Update for 11/22/09
Looking back at the last 6 months, Fly Free Skydiving has really come
into its own. It was just 6 months ago we were opening our doors for the
very first (beer!) time and awing the locals of Festus with our
brilliantly colored parachutes. Never would I have thought that in the
short time we have been open I would get the chance to look up and see
the beautiful sky full of 15 and 20 skydivers at a time! Thanks to the
support of our family and friends, one of the country’s most amazing
jump planes, and a little luck with Mother Nature this weekend was
literally like being in a dream come true!
Saturday morning we had no idea what to expect – all we knew was the sky
was blue, it was quickly warming up outside, and we couldn’t wait to
start jumping the Super Otter! It wasn’t long before people started to
pile in and before we knew it load one was in the works. For Mark and I,
that first take off from the Festus Airport was a monumental one that
was enough to give you goose bumps! I never realized how much I missed
the smell of jet fuel in the morning!!
Cal-Mo-Dee was out helping by load organizing. This was the perfect
opportunity for some of our newer jumpers who got to experience their
very first Goon skydive! We had such a diverse group of skill levels and
skydiving disciplines, it was magical to get to mix everyone together
and come out with some really fantastic skydives!
We did our best to stretch our existing space out as far as possible to
make space for all the people that came out to visit. Thank you to Jeff
for brining his tent to shade some of our packers across the taxi way
and to everyone for filling the packing mats! It was really a great
sight to see everyone crowding the hanger!
Sunday was an equally beautiful day outside – it appears that for this
very special weekend Mother Nature decided to cut us a break and give us
2 days in a row of good weather. A true blessing we took full advantage
of! Many people came out to repeat the great skydives of the day prior –
and many new faces were out as well! Larry Miyasaka was happy to do some
load organizing in the absence of Cal-Mo-Dee and put together some kick
butt skydives. Thank you Larry for your expertise!
Several new faces joined us during the two days of fun in the sun… We
were happy to welcome jumpers from Taylorville and SEMO skydiving – mi
casa is su casa – you guys are welcome anytime, we loved having you! We
had some old friends out – Baglock swooping the landing area and Joe
Jackson organizing vladi ball jumps. And don’t forget the Fly Free
Skydiving family was in full force making sure not to miss out on any of
the fun!
I could write an entire update about the HUGE THANKS to so many people
that helped make this weekend a success. To keep it short I’m going to
make a few very special thanks and leave it at that…
Jessie – my beautiful sister who I must say has to be a skydiver at
heart – your running of manifest was truly second to none. You handled
waivers and tickets like a pro, you kept people moving and got the loads
turning, and you did it all with a smile and so much grace. Without you
we would have been chaos, you single handedly controlled 50+ fun jumpers
with your charm and wit, and that’s something as a big sister I’m very
proud of! You rock girl!!!
Henry – our dear pilot – what will we ever do without you! Not only did
you fly the bird load after load, you flew her perfect! The spots were
dead on and the flights were smooth as could be. Your jump runs were the
perfect pace and your skill wasn’t limited to the inside of the Super
Otter. You helped get jumpers packed to make loads and you we all around
such a pleasure to have out at the DZ. Don’t be a stranger my friend,
come out and lets make some skydives soon! If you want, bring the Otter
back with you – we surely wouldn’t object!!!!
Terry and Terrill were a huge asset to such an amazing weekend! Terry,
thank you thank you thank you for not only letting us use your tank to
hold the Jet A we used to fuel our sweet ride to altitude – but thank
you for making the trip to get the fuel for us! And Terrill, you fueled
that puppy like a pro! We couldn’t have done it without you!
George and Sue, this weekend would not have been possible with out you
two. Mark and I look back on the three years that we have know you two
and have many fond memories. You two have given us many ideas and have
helped our dreams to come true.
Virgil!!! You ticket taking fool! You not only put up with loads of
skydivers loading the plane, you worked the start cart for the plane and
kept the steps in place for loading! You were always there long before
the loads were, and you made everyone laugh!
I know I’m missing out on so many fun parts of the weekend, but two days
later I’m still trying to catch up! It felt like the whole weekend went
by so quick, I can hardly believe it’s already over. Sunday night we
sent the Super Otter off into the night with Henry in command. I stood
and watched as the little blinking lights traveled out of sight holding
back tears not wanting it to end!! Now, I reflect on the wonderful
weekend and smile at how just 2 days away from Thanksgiving I am truly
thankful for the day I made my first skydive and got sucked into this
way of life that defines who I am today.
Until Next Weekend…
Blue Skies!
Ashley Cook
