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Big Snapping Turtle by the Tail
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Travis's 2009 Sky Dive Video
Sky Diving in Milwaukee, WI August 6th 2010
Tom's Sky Dive Video Travis's Sky Dive Video
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A Dad and Son Adventure - We jumped from 18,500 feet (3-1/2 miles up).
Travis turned 21 yesterday. I'll turn 50 this December. Travis was rather tired from celebrating his birthday last night and I was excited and anxious not knowing what to expect. It's a beautiful sunny day with some scattered clouds and a nice breeze.
We arrive and fill out the paper work. Mostly waivers, pretty much signing your life away without recourse, then watch a video that reaffirms the dangers. Afterword I asked why they don't tell you something about all the steps they take for safety instead of all that could go wrong. The agent replied "Well, you need to be informed, but you know the skydivers don't want to die anymore than you do". That last part of the statement was reassuring enough.
We had to wait awhile for some cloud cover to pass before we can go. We are meticulously secured into harnesses that will attach us to our instructor when we prepare to jump. Hmmm …they kind of bunch your shorts up but after straightening things out it’s not so bad.
Next off to the plane we go on a small grassy loading area and then out to a private runway.
Up, up and away! I was relaxed and enjoying the ride, feeling no fear and excited to finally make a dream of jumping come true. I have flown a small aircraft before when taking flying lessons in my early 20's. As we climbed higher they handed us the oxygen masks then checked all our harnessing again and repeating simple instructions. The door was opened, anticipation growing.
Each of us strapped to a professional skydive instructor and accompanied by our own vidiographers to record our adventure. Travis went first, it was like one second he was at the doorway and the next disappeared into the sky. I scooted out imeadiately after him still placing maybe a 1000 feet between us.
Somersault into clear blue sky Free Falling at over 130 miles per hour
The excitement increased to a bit of anxiety at the doorway - wow, incredible. I often have dreams of being able to fly. Guess what? ... When you’re out the door, you’re not flying - you’re falling! It's a bit of a shock as the temperature is much cooler at this height, at times below freezing yet it felt refreshing.
Cheeks a flappin! - it's chilly up here Challenge to catch right amount of breath
Move over Jim Carry, I make faces too. Trying to keep my breath with the wind rattling my cheeks and still having a sense of anxiety, whew! My ears and sinuses felt the pressure and I had to plugg my nose and blow to help release pressure. Feeling sort of like slow motion in a hurry, and so much going on so fast, it's a lot to take in. But it seems you do. Looking around, up and down, then doing some turns... oh oh!
Did I forget to explain that I have not been able to do carnival rides that spin since my early 20's. I get light headed and dizzy quite easily. ohhhhh noooo ...round we go. Cool scenery, but no good for Tom's head and stomach. The somersault and first spins where plenty.
Thumbs up baby, it's a rush! Smooth landing
Surely I must be three shades whiter and wide eyed by now, still fantastic. I was able to see Travis below. Next an easy landing brings me to sitting on my bottom, just where I need to be for a few minutes. I'm thinking maybe Dramamine next time!
Travis didn't experience the light headed-ness, only a bit of left over pressure in an ear. Oh to be younger again. I may have left a few years of life back in the clouds, but what a great adventure.
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Thrill of the hunt...
Kayaking down the Little Plover River in Stevens Point, WI. Our home town.
Yes I can be easily amused.
I saw two turtles doing what turtles sometimes do and managed to sneak up and grab one by the tail. (what a spoil sport I was)
It's head was larger than my fist, imagine what a snap that could be!
It was quite a thrill, I haven't seen many that large around here.
* Of course I let it go after the photo op!
Grrrrrrunt, he's holding on to the weeds Ummmph, he is heavy and look at those claws
Ha, that's a big daddy turtle Good thing I didn't grab this end
Little Eau Claire Dells, Wausau, WI
Sunset at the end of a day of nature treking
It is a beautiful place to spend a day.
Froggy Thought Provoking It's my pad!
Hard at work Ducks on McDill Pond Train over water on McDill
Hawk eating fish - McDill In flight - Little Plover A.D.D got the best of me!
Lilly Pads - Little Plover A Smile Is Infectious! Water Lilly - Little Plover
My son"s first time skydiving, August 15th 2009.
From about 10,000 feet...
I'm planning on going with him this August 2010
as he celebrates his 21st Birthday!
It will be my first time as we plan a high altitude jump
from 18,000 feet above sea level
so high we will use in-cabin supplemental oxygen.