Vallerina 2 #1 November 1, 2004 First of all I just wanted to say, "Thanks," to Dan, Kate, Larry and Tony for all of their time and energy that went into making this camp great. This was one of the best skydiving experiences I've had in my short career, and I really appreciate how much they taught me. The first day of the camp, we were flooded out, and they gave us the option of using the money that was allotted for our jumps for that day for tunnel time!!! eeneR, Remster, Karen and I jumped on that opportunity! It's just not everyday that you don't have to spend money and get coaching by Dan BC! Dan is an extremely generous person in sharing his knowledge. I know he's a busy man with lots of things to do, but he graciously spent time coaching the big-way camp participants in the tunnel on our off day. I felt kind of guilty being happy that we had a bad weather day! After the tunnel, Lori (ltdiver) asked us if we wanted a tour of the DC9. My response: YES!!!!! Wow! We were given a full tour of the aircraft while hearing all about the process of getting jumpers to skydive from it! We ended the first day dirt diving for our jumps for the following day. For being a "bad" weather day, I learned so much, and there was stuff that I even missed out on (the seminars)! Larry Henderson was my fearless leader for our first full day of jumping. Larry has such an amazing ability to calm people and make everyone feel great. He is such a nice man, and he does a great job of being positive about the jumps. I learned so much from him just within the first few jumps. They really do throw people in just about every slot they can! I was in the base!!! Karen (Remster's stunning wife) and I were too fast for the big boys, and they floated on us! Never say that women can't fall fast enough to make a good base! Throughout all of this, I learned the importance of being a skydiver that can truly fly any slot. I also learned that the people around you in a skydive aren't always going to do what they "should," and that being a great skydiver means that you can deal with what's thrown at you...whether it's someone blocking the door....someone backsliding while docked on your leg...etc. The third day of the camp, I jumped with Larry again, and I finally got to jump with someone I've been admiring from afar for a long time: THE Kate Cooper! It was definitely an honor to meet her and jump with her because she's so darn inspiring. She is incredibly bright and "on top of things." She has an incredible way of being direct while still exuding so much positive energy. That day, we split in to two 36-ways. Once again, I learned such a huge amount in just a few jumps. I learned more about approaching the formation straight on, and I learned more about flying my canopy in more traffic. That night was the Halloween party! That was way too much fun even though I didn't win "Sexiest Costume"! Just because I break things and do the knee, I'm not sexy! I got to hang out with Tony that night, and he's my cheese. Tony is a really nice guy, and he made us feel very welcomed from the first day. He took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and critique our tunnel video with us. Unfortunately, he's not jumping yet, but he did a lot of work to make sure that everyone was learning and having fun! The last day of the camp was the 72-way attempts. We tried four times but never quite got it. I didn't get to touch Jayruss in the sky! Actually, I didn't get to touch anyone that day! Another thing that I learned from this camp is filtering out good and bad advice. Obviously, four organizers aren't available all the time to 70-something people. Jason gave me some tips here and there, and I knew I could take his advice on some things (not the bit about pestering others, though. ) I was nervous before going up for the 72-way attempt. I was on the outside, so I knew I'd have to do a lot of waiting, and I'd have to track well and for a long long time. I was also nervous about how chaotic it would be. Spotting my slot out of a mess of 70-something people, I wasn't sure if I could do it well enough. One of the coolest things about this large formation was that billvon was on my plane. Bill showed me how to do just a basic four-way a few years ago when I was the worst skydiver everywhere. I just thought it was neat that someone who taught me some of the basics of rw was on my first really big-way! Once again, I had an amazing time at the camp. I loved how I was able to learn so much without being overwhelmed by information. It really "sunk in" since that large amount of information was given to us over time. The organizers are just awesome. They are great teachers, and they are just so enjoyable to be around, too. I was sad to leave and be at home now. I loved how such a large group of people bonded so tightly. It took me forever to leave because I had to give so many hugs before leaving! I wish I could've taken everyone home with me! It was also great meeting Remster, Karen, Steve (Canuck278), Jayruss, and I'm sure lots of other people that I'm forgetting. It was non-stop laughs, and I had so much fun with you guys. It was also great of eeneR and Steve to cart my booty all around this weekend! Thanks so much guys! If you are contemplating going to this camp, GO! If you meet the requirements to go and learn more about big-ways, I highly recommend it. The only complaint about it is that it didn't last longer. I could've done that for another few days!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
salling772 0 #2 November 1, 2004 I did get on the last day of the jumps but had the best time off my jumping life. the tunel time was the best thing to add to the camp. I so they on the next camp in may---------------------------------------------- All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you. J. R. T. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PrairieDoug 0 #3 November 1, 2004 I read your report with interest, as I had been planning to attend this camp until a work conflict got in the way. I'm glad it worked out so well despite the initial bad weather. I hope they don't wait too long to schedule another one. Dan B-C ran an Airspeed camp I attended and he is great at bringing out the best in every jumper. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #4 November 1, 2004 I'm just posting a few pics that are from my camera. I'll post some more tonight from my regular camera.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #5 November 1, 2004 The pics from our tour of the DC-9! I wanna ride first class when they let jumpers have at it! There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #6 November 1, 2004 QuoteIt was also great meeting Remster Oh, don't say that! He's going to figure out that we really do like him, and then his ego is going to get so inflated he'll be terrible to put up with! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #7 November 1, 2004 Quote I hope they don't wait too long to schedule another one. Is this soon enough?May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BikerBabe 0 #8 November 1, 2004 Val, it was so great to finally meet you and Renee! I loved your macaroni dress, by the way. Hope to see you both out Perris way again soon!Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #9 November 1, 2004 I'm not glad you had a good time. You left me in IL. You're mean. I bet someone else got to pack your rig too. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,998 #10 November 1, 2004 That was a fun day (Sunday.) I weaseled onto the dives on Sunday and got tacked on to the end. As Kate put it, "sorry, but you're going to get some sucky slot far on the outside somewhere." So I ended up as last out of the right trail, on one of the outside wackers. The view from the cockpit was great. We made four jumps and, like Val, I hadn't touched anyone by the end of the fourth one. As we were getting ready for the fifth one Kate came up and asked "so, wanna take one for the team?" "Sure," I said, and wound up in the base. Hey, at least I was gonna get to touch someone! Kate and company launched the base and I joined it, now in my tight suit and 8 pounds of lead. After about ten seconds I started to get an odd feeling of impending doom - it might have been Dan BC staring up over my back with his eyes wide. Then the errant zipper guy landed on me and did his best to take me out, but somehow I did the funnel-dance with my feet and managed to stay in the base. It was fun watching everyone else hovering around us, hoping against hope that the now-low zipper guy would make his way back in. Never happened, and we landed without building very much of the dive. But it was a fun weekend, and it was great to see so many people so excited about big-ways. These are the people who will go on in a few years to set the next bigway world records; it won't just be a motley collection of us old guys at the next World Team events. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #11 November 1, 2004 Quote"sorry, but you're going to get some sucky slot far on the outside somewhere." So, what's the non-sucky slot? It was great hanging out with you and Amy! QuoteI bet someone else got to pack your rig too. I feel like I cheated QuoteVal, it was so great to finally meet you and Renee! Yes! It was great meeting you, too! I wanna go back!!!!There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merkur 1 #12 November 1, 2004 That was FUN! Thanks to all of you for jumping, to Perris and it surroundings for landing opportunities, to Elsinore for the plane, to the organizers for organizing, to Twix and Kitkat for chocolate support on the way to altitude and to all the things I forgot (hypoxias long term results) For those who didn't get the website due to my German accent: The pictures I took will be posted at www.flyingarab.com in (hopefully) 2 to 3 weeks from now. blue skies MarkusvSCR No.94 Don't dream your life - live your dream! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #13 November 1, 2004 What a GREAT post to read! Val, thank you so much for the info. It sounds like it was a very positive experience. I am sooo inspired by you and the others who took a bad weather day and made the best of it! It sounds like a great time!!! Glad to hear it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #14 November 1, 2004 Quoteit won't just be a motley collection of us old guys at the next World Team events. No more being assigned to the "Amy and the Geriatrics" plane, then? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites diablopilot 2 #15 November 1, 2004 So does this mean eeneR is gone and I can come out of hiding? ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ladyskydiver 0 #16 November 1, 2004 QuoteSo does this mean eeneR is gone and I can come out of hiding? She's on her way back home already - scaredy cat!!! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Vallerina 2 #17 November 1, 2004 It was great meeting you! I can't wait to see your pictures! You were all over the place with your camera! Okay, time for some pictures: Pretty pic of the airport Our tunnel group Me and Dan eeneR in the tunnel eeneR in the tunnel again Me in the tunnel Me in the tunnel again Me chasing Dan's butt in the tunnel Mmm...DC-9 Inside the DC 9 Dz.commers!!! Oh! There's another GREAT picture that about half of you would like! Hehehehehe There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #18 November 1, 2004 She should be on a plane right now leaving Denver. I was hoping that the flight would be delayed so I could go visit her, but no luck. Oh well, I'll see her in a few weeks for our "private" tunnel camp in FloridaMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #19 November 2, 2004 QuoteOh well, I'll see her in a few weeks for our "private" tunnel camp in Florida Is that code?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #20 November 2, 2004 Nope, no code. It's true. I've set up a private tunnel camp for a few of my close friends with a wonderful Air Speed coach out at the tunnel in Florida And no, it's not costing me an arm and a leg!May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChasingBlueSky 0 #21 November 2, 2004 I still think its code _________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites foxyroxtail 0 #22 November 2, 2004 i'm so not feeling the love... ________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites quade 4 #23 November 2, 2004 (must . . . . not reply . . . in obvious manner . . . )quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #24 November 2, 2004 Quote i'm so not feeling the love... Oh baby, I'll show you some love over Thanksgiving weekend. I know, it's hard to believe, I'm going to the tunnel without you But don't worry, I'll call.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Evelyn 0 #25 November 2, 2004 What a great thread!!! I would love to do the big way camp in a couple years from now when I have more experience. I did do a RW camp at Perris and Dan BC was awesome with organizing the camp and sharing his experience. Glad you had such a great time! And yeah, the tunnel is great...guess that's why they call it the crack house.... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Page 1 of 4 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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Deuce 1 #14 November 1, 2004 Quoteit won't just be a motley collection of us old guys at the next World Team events. No more being assigned to the "Amy and the Geriatrics" plane, then? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #15 November 1, 2004 So does this mean eeneR is gone and I can come out of hiding? ---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #16 November 1, 2004 QuoteSo does this mean eeneR is gone and I can come out of hiding? She's on her way back home already - scaredy cat!!! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #17 November 1, 2004 It was great meeting you! I can't wait to see your pictures! You were all over the place with your camera! Okay, time for some pictures: Pretty pic of the airport Our tunnel group Me and Dan eeneR in the tunnel eeneR in the tunnel again Me in the tunnel Me in the tunnel again Me chasing Dan's butt in the tunnel Mmm...DC-9 Inside the DC 9 Dz.commers!!! Oh! There's another GREAT picture that about half of you would like! Hehehehehe There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #18 November 1, 2004 She should be on a plane right now leaving Denver. I was hoping that the flight would be delayed so I could go visit her, but no luck. Oh well, I'll see her in a few weeks for our "private" tunnel camp in FloridaMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #19 November 2, 2004 QuoteOh well, I'll see her in a few weeks for our "private" tunnel camp in Florida Is that code?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #20 November 2, 2004 Nope, no code. It's true. I've set up a private tunnel camp for a few of my close friends with a wonderful Air Speed coach out at the tunnel in Florida And no, it's not costing me an arm and a leg!May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #21 November 2, 2004 I still think its code _________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
foxyroxtail 0 #22 November 2, 2004 i'm so not feeling the love... ________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #23 November 2, 2004 (must . . . . not reply . . . in obvious manner . . . )quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #24 November 2, 2004 Quote i'm so not feeling the love... Oh baby, I'll show you some love over Thanksgiving weekend. I know, it's hard to believe, I'm going to the tunnel without you But don't worry, I'll call.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyn 0 #25 November 2, 2004 What a great thread!!! I would love to do the big way camp in a couple years from now when I have more experience. I did do a RW camp at Perris and Dan BC was awesome with organizing the camp and sharing his experience. Glad you had such a great time! And yeah, the tunnel is great...guess that's why they call it the crack house.... Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
