Weekend for the ages...

[Serk]

Ever have a weekend so awesome it made Monday seem not so bad? (Shut up you retired folks )

First thing Saturday I saw my mother-in-law off, she was driving home to South Carolina.

Later Saturday I put a few guns and my new drone on the Valk, tossed my eldest spawn on the back, and made the gorgeous hour or so ride to my land.

Got some trigger therapy in, and made an aerial survey of my 18 acres (Careful to fly high enough to not attract the interest of any trigger happy neighbors.)

The wooded green square is my 18 acres:



And when I say it's surrounded by miles of nothing, this is what I mean:



Low altitude shot looking down at the cabin (I didn't choose the color!), my Valk and the drone pilot:



Buzzing the eldest spawn: (I really need to work on the camera settings, it's way over-exposed)



And then Sunday the spousal unit and I rode our bikes an hour or so north of Dallas so she could cash in her Christmas present from me.

For Christmas I bought a voucher to toss her out of an airplane.

I had no interest in doing the same myself, but I DO love flying, so I asked, and they let me sit in the co-pilot' seat for the flight, which was awesome on it's own!

Spousal unit all geared up and ready to go:



Our ride is here!



...more nervous than she's letting on...



She glanced up at the front of the plane and saw me sitting at the controls:



And said nope! That's scarier than jumping, I'm outta here!









...I think she's hooked. She already pre-paid for her 2nd jump and is leaning pretty heavily towards working towards her Class A license... Which is good, she needs an (expensive) hobby, to offset all of mine! And that means I get to ride along in the front of the plane some more! Those drop zone pilots are crazy, as soon as the jumpers were away he dove that thing hard back to the ground. 14,000 feet to on the ground in ~2 minutes. We were on the ground, taxi'ed, got me out of the plane and I managed to walk across the airport in time to watch the jumper's land.

The produced video from the drop zone if ya' like those things:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQuDT7Nc_-E

(Her actual jumping is around the 4:15 mark)

So yeah... That was a weekend for the books... Hope ya'll had good ones too!

[..]

How did the 18 acres manage to keep its trees?

[msb]

Lol.....a Christmas gift  voucher "to toss her out of an airplane" .... you're such a romantic kinda guy  

Great post, and great photos of the jump!

[The emperor has no clothes]

That does sound like a good weekend 

[Serk]

Oh, and I'd almost forgotten! When we got home, our spawn presented mommy with this thoughtful "Yay! You Survived!" poster... not quite sure what to think about that...



Interesting observation - It's interesting how different things frighten different people. I'll admit it, the thought of jumping scares me, the interest in doing so doesn't rise high enough to fight that fear. However, the 2 miles of loose gravel we had to ride to get to the drop zone was nothing for me.
Several times on the ride in the spousal unit parked her bike on the side of the gravel and got off, threatening to just leave the bike and walk, riding her bike in the gravel scared her so much.
We're just all wired differently.

How did the 18 acres manage to keep its trees?

The surrounding land is all developed crop land (Mostly cotton), I think my 18 acres was the old homestead 100+ years ago (There's a collapsed house on it that looks to have been built around 1920's-1930's or so), (collapsed) water well, chicken coops, small (Pig? Goat?) livestock barn, etc. I think my 18 acres was left to go mostly wild and let the animals graze on it and be the homesteader's back yard sort of place.
Since I stole it, I've left it mostly natural, other than clearing out a few trees to get vehicles in and out and clear shooting lanes at the range. I like having it thick and overgrown, it's my get out of town retreat when I just need to get out to clear my head in the woods.

[Robert]

Really awesome post and what a insightful fun weekend thanks for sharing   

[..]

Oh, and I'd almost forgotten! When we got home, our spawn presented mommy with this thoughtful "Yay! You Survived!" poster... not quite sure what to think about that...



Interesting observation - It's interesting how different things frighten different people. I'll admit it, the thought of jumping scares me, the interest in doing so doesn't rise high enough to fight that fear. However, the 2 miles of loose gravel we had to ride to get to the drop zone was nothing for me.
Several times on the ride in the spousal unit parked her bike on the side of the gravel and got off, threatening to just leave the bike and walk, riding her bike in the gravel scared her so much.
We're just all wired differently.

How did the 18 acres manage to keep its trees?

The surrounding land is all developed crop land (Mostly cotton), I think my 18 acres was the old homestead 100+ years ago (There's a collapsed house on it that looks to have been built around 1920's-1930's or so), (collapsed) water well, chicken coops, small (Pig? Goat?) livestock barn, etc. I think my 18 acres was left to go mostly wild and let the animals graze on it and be the homesteader's back yard sort of place.
Since I stole it, I've left it mostly natural, other than clearing out a few trees to get vehicles in and out and clear shooting lanes at the range. I like having it thick and overgrown, it's my get out of town retreat when I just need to get out to clear my head in the woods.

Got a metal detector?

[Serk]

Got a metal detector?

Had a nice Garrett that I'd never taken out of the box, gave it to my father in law years ago... Been trying to see if he could find the last few years thinking the same thing.

Found a few cool things just laying around, old oil company sign, old beer can, stuff like that. Can only imagine what might lay buried out there. (Other than the few thousand pieces of brass I've contributed of course )

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for sharing that.  

Just the mother in law leaving would be the weekend for the ages, for me.  

That is a very nice piece of property, all by itself out in nowhere.  And once you're there, you disappear. Perfect for bug out, but needs the water well fixed.

While I was teaching her (and after), my wife would get mad at the gravel or mud or hill or curve and just stop and get off the bike.  I'd have to park mine and ride hers out of the hard thing, then run back and get mine.  Sort of the occasional Chinese fire drill.  I tried to avoid hard places, but stuff happens.

Once pretty exciting on a steep 45 degree hill with a stop sign and sharp turn at the top.

Don't ever take me there again you asshole!~!!!!!

I love heights and could take or leave jumping, just too cheap to pay for it.  And I don't want some dude spooning me halfway down either.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.

PS:  If she keeps doing this, it would be suspicious if you bumped her life insurance up a million or so.

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Awesome post. Awesome thread! That 18 acres is perfectly situated. Only thing that could make it better would be a creek full of fish.

[Serk]

If she keeps doing this, it would be suspicious if you bumped her life insurance up a million or so.

With 4 kids and us having dangerous hobbies (Motorcycles and now it appears skydiving) we already carry at least 1/2 that amount as it is...

If it's just a matter of $$$ holding ya' back you should experience it at least once. I mean, ya' can't take the money with ya'...

Awesome post. Awesome thread! That 18 acres is perfectly situated. Only thing that could make it better would be a creek full of fish.

Heh, a creek would be nice... There's a pond of sorts now, but it dries out in the dry season and only fills up if we have a few wet months. More of a moist swamp than a pond really... But considering how cheaply I stole that land for, I'll take it.

[Hook#3287]

Very cool post

Sounds like you found what it's all about that weekend.

[Varmintmist]

Did Whidbey Island WA to NE PA in 52 hours 6 on and 6 off with two guys doing gas and goes. Would have been less but we hit some black ice and dinged things up and had to stop to fill out paperwork.

Longest solo was Memphis to NE PA. The drive wasnt awful, getting checked off base took for freakin ever. I started at 0700 and by the time I rounded up all of the pencil pushers and got them to do their part it was 1P when I got on the road. Hit stopped traffic in Nashville, but went through VA with 4 18 wheelers making pretty fair time. I was running 65 and they passed me like I was in reverse, so I followed until I needed fuel. The last 100 miles I was getting goofy.

[wiggydotcom]

Just finished watching the video. That's a keeper... and a definite Bucket List crosser off-er for Tarynn.

I have a daughter who came home on her 18th birthday wearing a shirt that read "Skydive Chicago" and I remarked, "I HOPE you got that shirt from Goodwill or similar".   She said, "Nope, I earned it!"

What could I say? I think I can safely say in however many years left I have on earth, none of that time will be spent jumping out of an airplane. I'm sure it's much safer than riding a fast motorcyle but if that's the case, I'll choose to be the latter daredevil.

Enjoyed the video and kudos to your wife, Serk!

[3fan4life]

Sounds like a good weekend indeed!

I'm right there with you on the jumping thing.

I've never seen the purpose of jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.

Now, if it's about to crash give me a parachute and I'll gladly take my chances.

[Serk]

Spousal unit is scheduled to do her 2nd jump Saturday afternoon...

And the insanity is evidently contagious.

I went ahead and signed up to jump as well. Pre-paid even. No refunds.

We'll see...

Oscillating pretty hard between excitement and sheer terror, trying to stay more to the excitement side of the spectrum.

[Valker]

Spousal unit is scheduled to do her 2nd jump Saturday afternoon...

And the insanity is evidently contagious.

I went ahead and signed up to jump as well. Pre-paid even. No refunds.

We'll see...

Oscillating pretty hard between excitement and sheer terror, trying to stay more to the excitement side of the spectrum.

Take extra shorts?

[G-Man]

I'm with you, jumping out of an airplane is not something I could do.  I'm not even too keen on the flying part.  I fly to save time, only. 

And friends and family members think I'm crazy because I ride a motorcycle.

Life is full of its ironies.  Makes it interesting.

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Spousal unit is scheduled to do her 2nd jump Saturday afternoon...

And the insanity is evidently contagious.

I went ahead and signed up to jump as well. Pre-paid even. No refunds.

We'll see...

Oscillating pretty hard between excitement and sheer terror, trying to stay more to the excitement side of the spectrum.

Take extra shorts?

They say Depends work well. 

[Jess from VA]

Spousal unit is scheduled to do her 2nd jump Saturday afternoon...

And the insanity is evidently contagious.

I went ahead and signed up to jump as well. Pre-paid even. No refunds.

We'll see...

Oscillating pretty hard between excitement and sheer terror, trying to stay more to the excitement side of the spectrum.

Sometimes, concentrating on something else can take your mind off stressful situations.

Imagine your parachute packer, aircraft mechanic and aircraft pilot are all complete rookies.

Imagine the airplane ride is more dangerous than the jump, so when you jump, you are jumping to safety. 

You know, I've never had a single nightmare, but the dream that has woken me bolt upright a few times in my life, has been falling from great height with that weightless feeling as I approach terminal velocity.

Hey..... why do they call that terminal velocity anyway?   

[Serk]

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

(Yes, I was repeating that to myself on the ride up.)

But I did it.

Un-freaking-believable. Free fall is something you have to experience to explain. Incredible.

LOVED it. SO want to do it again.

Unfortunately, once I was on the ground and the adrenaline wore off I felt very very ill for a good 2 hours. Dizzy, nauseous (Thought I was gonna hurl, but didn't), disoriented, difficulty speaking, medically scary situation. I probably should have eaten more than 3 pieces of bacon all day, might would have helped.

But... I did it.



I was worried about my tandem instructor (Or spooning partner, if you prefer). Tiny little dude, I was basically wearing him as a backpack. That's him getting me ready:



But so worth it...



And some video of my jump if you're into that sort of thing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L70RnUuiReA


...I think I'll go have a scotch and a cigar now...

[The emperor has no clothes]

You've got bigger huevos than me ! Glad you enjoyed it. 

[Jess from VA]

Good for you man.   

Something is telling.  You almost never smile in any pics. 

You never stopped smiling in the video.

Hope you're feeling better.  Was it just not eating, or a bit of shock maybe?

[Serk]

Good for you man.   

Something is telling.  You almost never smile in any pics. 

You never stopped smiling in the video.

Hope you're feeling better.  Was it just not eating, or a bit of shock maybe?

Although some of the smiles didn't LOOK like smiles, I was indeed smiling the whole way down...





I think it was a combination of I was worried about having pee once I had the jump suit and harness on, so I didn't drink nearly enough (Dehydration), I was worry about getting an upset stomach so ate very little and poorly for the activities (3 slices of greasy bacon) and he sent us into a 720 full high speed spin on the freefall, I don't take being spun very well.

I didn't go ahead and take advantage of the $99 second jump special for those reasons, although I won't say I'll never do it again, I'd LOVE to do it again, it's an incredible experience all people who can should do at least once. Hope I'm up to doing it again someday...

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.

(Yes, I was repeating that to myself on the ride up.)

But I did it.

Un-freaking-believable. Free fall is something you have to experience to explain. Incredible.

LOVED it. SO want to do it again.

Unfortunately, once I was on the ground and the adrenaline wore off I felt very very ill for a good 2 hours. Dizzy, nauseous (Thought I was gonna hurl, but didn't), disoriented, difficulty speaking, medically scary situation. I probably should have eaten more than 3 pieces of bacon all day, might would have helped.

But... I did it.



I was worried about my tandem instructor (Or spooning partner, if you prefer). Tiny little dude, I was basically wearing him as a backpack. That's him getting me ready:



But so worth it...



And some video of my jump if you're into that sort of thing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L70RnUuiReA


...I think I'll go have a scotch and a cigar now...

Looks like a ball. Have thought of trying it myself. Funny, it's been many, many years (decades actually) since I read Dune and I remember that quote like it was yesterday. 

[baldo]

LOLOLOLOL...

Before reading this thread all the way down, I was going to implore you to give it a shot. I did it in '95 with a bunch of co-workers, and had the time of my life.....

Those are some great pictures!!!


*wearing him like a backpack*....lol

[Serk]

*wearing him like a backpack*....lol

Yeah, I was expecting 'em to pair me up with a big dude but they have to keep the combined weight of the jumpers lower, so a bigger customer means they need a smaller instructor/tandem partner...

...of course, I was really hoping they'd pair me up with that really small hot female instructor, but alas I gotta admit for one of the few times in my life "that" wasn't' on my mind AT ALL during the jump!

[HayHauler]

Spousal unit is scheduled to do her 2nd jump Saturday afternoon...

And the insanity is evidently contagious.

I went ahead and signed up to jump as well. Pre-paid even. No refunds.

We'll see...

Oscillating pretty hard between excitement and sheer terror, trying to stay more to the excitement side of the spectrum.

Take extra shorts?

Wear your BROWN pants. 

Hay 
Jimmyt

[gordonv]

*wearing him like a backpack*....lol

Yeah, I was expecting 'em to pair me up with a big dude but they have to keep the combined weight of the jumpers lower, so a bigger customer means they need a smaller instructor/tandem partner...

...of course, I was really hoping they'd pair me up with that really small hot female instructor, but alas I gotta admit for one of the few times in my life "that" wasn't' on my mind AT ALL during the jump!

What, you wanted to see what it was like with someone else on your back, and you playing bitch???    (sorry, couldn't resist)

[Serk]

What, you wanted to see what it was like with someone else on your back, and you playing bitch???    (sorry, couldn't resist)

Married nearly 20 years, I'm used to it.

Trying to talk the spousal unit into getting her Class D License and set up to be a tandem instructor so we could jump together, with her strapped to my back but alas, I fear the very thought of both of us jumping together out of the same airplane would send her mother in the an epic case of the vapors...

[Serk]

Update on the spousal unit's progress, I'm extremely proud of her. She did her first actual DIVE out of the plane yesterday (As opposed to just kinda stepping out) as well as front flips and back flips... She's getting good at flying!

https://youtu.be/hXWkfgBBBt4

[The emperor has no clothes]

Update on the spousal unit's progress, I'm extremely proud of her. She did her first actual DIVE out of the plane yesterday (As opposed to just kinda stepping out) as well as front flips and back flips... She's getting good at flying!

https://youtu.be/hXWkfgBBBt4

She's a hell of a lot braver than I. 

[cookiedough]

glad you both found a new hobby, although jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is not on my bucket list nor will it ever be...

[0leman]

Cool, glad you two found something fun to do.

glad you both found a new hobby, although jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is not on my bucket list nor will it ever be...

I do agree that is not my cup of tea either.  Landing gear is put on a plane for a reason. 

[Serk]

glad you both found a new hobby, although jumping out of a perfectly good airplane is not on my bucket list nor will it ever be...

Just her new hobby, I'm One and Done... Although I do look forward to flying along as a co-pilot again, no desire to jump again...

Although the drop zone pilots are known for being a bit... joyous... at the controls. After riding along in the plane and when we beat the skydivers back on to the ground, the pro divers came up to me and explained "NOT do you understand why we jump out!?"

[gordonv]

Congratulations to her! It is a wonderful thing to do, I know I would never do it myself.

I would love to do the wind tunnel sky diving training. Maybe after that, I would consider it.

[DirtyDan]

Love the dune reference Serk 

Dan

[Serk]

And another update, SO proud of her, she completed her 25th jump yesterday to qualify for her "A" level Skydiving License!



She was mildly excited about this...





Might have to have that smile surgically removed...



One of the instructors there, Ernie, is a bit of a legend with over 20,000 jumps under his belt (That's around 2 WEEKS of freefall. He's spent two weeks of his life falling to the ground...)

...and Kaelynn has him completely wrapped around her little finger. She was ordering him around the DZ as her personal beast of burden.



(I got to ride in the co-pilot's seat again for her 25th jump, that's enough fun for me, no real interest in jumping again myself, but SO glad she's found an expensive hobby of her own to offset some of mine!)

[RDAbull]

The land and shooting range is good enough for me. I whish I still and my Granddad's place outside of  Medina TX.

I went through jump ground school back in the early 70's with some friends from college.
On the first jump day they went down the line picking people for flights but went right past me.  When I asked them why I was passed up, the instructor said that with the military gear they were using and the 90+ heat (at 6'5", 300#) that day I would hit the ground at about 40 mph.  Didn't jump that day and for some reason I never went back.

[Jess from VA]

Good for her.   

I like the copilot seat myself.   I get a wild hair, I can jump off my low roof.