I did it!

In spite of my over active imagination running riot, I did it.  Jumped (was man-handled) out of a plane at over 9000 feet, free-falling for about 10 seconds.  Maybe longer - it went in a flash.  Then the trainer pulled the parachute and it opened successfully - landing 5 mins later on my bottom (as planned) in a crop circle.  In one piece.  All body parts intact. 

I can't believe I've done it - the whole thing happened so quickly and is just a memory.  Quite a vivid one, I have to say!

We had a short wait while others went up.  Three pairs had their jumps postponed due to bad weather at previous attempts, so they went first.  Two of us were new, - the other girl having only found out she was jumping at 7am when her partner woke her with her birthday present - 'you are doing a parachute jump today.  You need to get up.' She didn't have time to get nervous (but admitted she was an adrenalin junkie anyway...) - I did...  But I hide it well....

And even had time to blog a bit while we were waiting.

The weather was so perfect it was untrue.  Not cold at all at the top.

High points - Hanging - yep, that's what I meant - outside the door of the plane while my tandem partner got ready. 

Seeing the Isle of Wight through the heat haze.  The Solent.  Having Salisbury Cathedral pointed out to me, (but I didn't quite place it) and seeing Stone Henge from the airplane - all worth having on their own.

All systems go - and falling head over heels - and seeing the plane fall away from me upside down!!!!
Then stabilising, and assuming 'the position'.  No not that position you 'orrible lot - the belly to earth freefall position.  feet crossed and up backwards, arms out to the side - free to wave at the camera, and give the very definite thumbs up.  The noise of the air rushing past us.  Deafening.  And the feel of the air on my face, with air rushing around my goggles and making my eyes stream.  Difficult to watch (or fear) the earth rushing towards you when you feel like you are crying with exhileration.

Then holding the harness again and the chute opening.  Silence.

The peace. The weird sense of freedom - even though the harness will prob have left a bruise.  Difficulty breathing a little, so the instructor loosens the chest strap.  Actually, he asked was I (having difficulty breathing) and I realised I was - but hadn't noticed until then.

Then he handed me the control handles and showed me how to turn to one side then the other.  I did a spiral!!!  Purposefully.  I promise, it was...

And then all too quickly, we were approaching the tent and circle mown in the grass indicating our landing zone.  And we were down.  Nick (the instructor) disconnected the harness as we landed, and I was alone.

I can't believe it - 3 months of planning, all gone in a brief flash of time.  A wonderful, inspirational all-encompassing feeling of achievement.

The Skydive South Coast guys were wonderful.  Friendly, welcoming, reassuring and professional, but relaxed and funny.  Total support - I can't recommend them highly enough. 

I've got some photos coming shortly, so I'll share them when I get them.  For now all I have is the picture Nick (husband) took from below.  I'm the white spec at the bottom.

Oh, wow.  I was so nervous - and doing my best not to show it (although I bet some of you spotted it).  But it felt so very exhilarating - the extra risk is, I guess, what makes it have that extra buzz.

I've stopped shaking now...

:)